Pali Shaherna Lekho

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pali Shaherna Lekho" by Jinvijay, as presented in the provided PDF excerpt:

The text is a collection of inscriptions found in and around Pali, a prominent and ancient city in the Jodhpur state of Marwar. The inscriptions detail various religious donations, temple constructions, renovations, and the establishment of Jain idols, offering valuable insights into the history of Jainism in the region.

Here's a breakdown of the key inscriptions and their significance:

Inscriptions related to the Navlakha Temple in Pali:

• Inscriptions No. 381-82: These inscriptions are found on two statues in the ancient "Navlakha Mandir" (also known as a Bavan Jinalay, meaning a temple with 52 sanctuaries) in Pali.

  • Inscription 381: Dated Samvat 101 (likely a typo for a later date as context suggests), it states that Mahamatya Prithipal, son of Mahamatya Anand, commissioned two Tirthankara statues for the welfare of his father's soul in the Shri Mahavir temple in Patilaka (Pali). One of these statues is identified as that of Anantnath.
  • Inscription 382: Found on the throne of another statue in the same temple, dated Samvat 1188 (Magh month, Sud 11). It records that the householders Durlabh and Ajit commissioned a statue of Shantinath, and the installation (Pratishtha) was performed by Devacharya of the Brahmigachchhiya tradition.

• Inscription No. 383: Found at the base of an Adinath idol. Dated Samvat 118 (likely a typo for 1118), Phalguna month, Sud 11, Saturday. It mentions that in the great Shri Veerath Mandir in Pallika (Pali), two sons of Sahar Grihasth, named Paras and Dhanadev, along with Dhanadev's son Devachandra and Paras's son Harichandra, commissioned a statue of Rishabhdev Tirthankar for the merit of Devachandra's wife Vasundhari. The lineage of the Acharyas involved is also mentioned: Devaacharya, disciple of Maheshwaracharya, disciple of Udyatacharya.

• Inscriptions No. 393-95: These three inscriptions are found on three statues installed on a platform in the main sanctum of the same temple.

  • The first (No. 393) is on the Suparshvanath idol on the left.
  • The second (No. 394) is on the Mahavir idol on the right.
  • The third is on the central Parshvanath idol.
  • All three inscriptions are dated Samvat 1686, Vaishakh month, Sud 8.
  • The inscriptions detail that during the reign of Maharajadhiraj Gajsinghji and Yuvaraj Amarsingh, and under the administration of Jagannath of the Chauhan dynasty, the residents of Pali, brothers Sa. Dungar and Bhakhar, sons of Sa. Metil and his wife Sebhagyadevi (of the Shrimali community), renovated the famous Navlakha Mandir using their father's wealth. They installed statues of Parshvanath and Suparshvanath. The installation was performed by Vijaydevsuriji, disciple of Vijayasinghsuri, successor of Hiravijayasuri. The names of the sons of Dungar and Bhakhar are also mentioned.
  • Inscription 394 (middle one): Mentions that the householder brothers Dungar and Bhakhar, along with their family members, got the renovation done. It specifically mentions the family of the architect (Sutradhar) Kudharan from Jetara, including Sutradhar Isar, Hrudha, Hansa, and their sons like Lakha, Chokha, Suratana, Narayan, Keshava, etc., who commissioned a statue of Mahavir for their spiritual well-being. The installation of this Mahavir statue was performed by Acharya Vijaydevsuriji during the installation ceremony organized by the brothers Dungar and Bhakhar.

• Inscriptions No. 396-97: These are also from the same temple but their exact location on the statues is not specified. The text suggests that the Navlakha Mandir is very old, originally a Mahavir temple, which was later renovated by a family named "Navlakha," thus becoming known as "Navlakha Prasad." The brothers Dungar and Bhakhar further renovated it and installed Parshvanath as the main deity, leading to it being called "Navlakha Parshvanath-Prasad."

• Inscription No. 398: Found on the main idol of the Shantinath temple in the Lodhare Vas area of Pali. The date and much of the factual information are similar to inscriptions 37 and 35 (not provided). Brothers Dungar and Bhakhar are mentioned as the patrons. It specifies that they belonged to the Upakesha (Oswal) caste, with the lineage of Shri Shrimaal and gotra Chandalicha. They renovated the Navlakha-Prasad in Palikanagar (Pali) and installed 28 Tirthankara idols, including the main one, Parshvanath. They spent five thousand rupees for a golden kalasa and finial. They also performed another installation in Gujarat. Their gotra goddess was Ambika. The installation was performed by Ratanachandrasuri, successor of Shardulshakha of Chitragachchha and the community of Rajgachchha, accompanied by Tilakchandra Vachak and Muni Rupachandra.

  • A note clarifies that the Shrimal or Shrimali caste, found throughout Gujarat, is distinct from the "Shri Shrimaal" caste mentioned here, which is a division of the Oswal caste known as "Chhimaru."

• Inscription No. 399: Found on the main idol of the Golidipārshvanāth temple. The date is similar to the above. Vijaydevsuriji performed the installation. Jasvant, son of Harsha of the Kuhada family of Jetara (from Medta Nagar, Oswal caste), commissioned the statue. The inscription also mentions a statue commissioned by the Sangha of the village Vidharala in Gadwal country, based on the teachings of Vijaydevsuriji. The exact meaning of this part is unclear, possibly indicating a simultaneous installation.

Inscriptions from other locations:

• Inscriptions No. 400-01 (Khudala): Found on statues in a Jain temple in Khudala village, Gadwad province, Jodhpur State.

  • Inscription 400: Dated Samvat 1543, Jyeshtha Sud 11, Saturday. Velag and other family members of the Pirvad caste from Vishal Nagar commissioned a statue of Parshvanath for the merit of Vyavaharik Kamla. The installation was done by Divyasagarsuri, disciple of Jnyanasagarsuri.
  • Inscription 401: Dated Samvat 1523, Vaishakh Sud 11, Wednesday. Vachharaj Shravak of the Pirvad caste, under the guidance of Acharya Jaykesari of the Achalgachchha, commissioned a statue of Vimalnath, and the Shri Sangha performed its installation.
  • An older, damaged inscription from Dharmnath's statue is also mentioned, found by Shri Bhandarkar, dated Samvat 1243, Marg Sud 5, Monday, commissioned by Shri Navghare, son of Shre. Ramdev, for his liberation.

• Inscription No. 42 (Bhinmal): Taken from Shri Bhandarkar's notes, its location is unknown but possibly from a Jain temple in Bhinmal. It has 17 lines, with initial verses and prose. It praises Mahavir and mentions his visit to the city of Shrimaal. The inscription is dated Samvat 1333, Ashwin Sud 14, Monday. During the reign of Maharaj Kul Shri Chachigdev and Mahant Gajsingh, Shubhat and Chetaka Karmasimha (Kayasth of the Naigam caste, administrators of the Shrimaal region) decided to donate 13 drammas and seven specific items annually from the Pandavi tax to the temple for the welfare of Shubhat's father. This donation was for the annual festival of Aso and the worship of Mahavir on Aso Sud 14.

  • A note mentions that Bhinmal is also called Shrimaal, and it is the birthplace of the Shrimaal caste.
  • The inscription mentions King Chachigdev, whose inscription was found on Sundha hill.

• Inscriptions No. 403-07 (Belar): Five inscriptions from the Adinath temple in Belar village, near Ghane Rav in the Deri province of Marwar. They date to Samvat 1265. The inscriptions detail the construction of a Rangamandap, pillars, and a balcony.

  • Inscription 403: Dated Samvat 1265, Phalguna Vadi 7, Thursday, during the reign of Dhandhaldev. Ram and Gosaa of the Vadhildeva Chaitya under Acharya Shantissuri of Nanakiyagachchha built the Rangamandap. Rama was the son of Parshva, and Gosa or Gosak was the son of Ashadev's son, Thenne.
  • Notes discuss discrepancies in dating with other scholarly works and provide genealogical information for the family of Gosaa.

• Inscription No. 424-25 (Nagar): Five inscriptions from the village of Nagar in the Jodhpur state.

  • Inscription 424: Dated Samvat 1513. It relates to a temple named "Chapadshala" (possibly Chapadshala Mandir).
  • Inscription 425: Dated Samvat 1513. It mentions the renovation of a mandap by Shravaks of the Mahavir temple, and its eternal existence.
  • Inscriptions 417-21 (Nagar): Five inscriptions from different Jain temples in Nagar.
    • Inscription 417: From a Shantinath temple, dated Samvat 1514. Mentions the village name "Virampur" (old name).
    • Inscription 418: From a Rishabhdev temple, referred to as Vimalnath's temple. Dated Samvat 1568, Vaishakh Sud 7, during the reign of Raul Kumbhakarna. Under the guidance of Charitra Sadhugani, disciple of Hemvimalsuri of Tapagachchha, the Jain community of Virampur built a Rangamandap in the Vimalnath temple, prepared by Sutradhar Hela.
    • Inscription 419: From a Parshvanath temple, dated Samvat 1681. During the reign of Raul Jagmal, the Shravaks of the Ligachchha community in Virampur, in the presence of Bhattaraka Yashodeva of the Pakshival Gachchha, built three niches and a pathway.
    • Inscriptions 420-21: From the same Rishabhdev temple. Inscription 420 is dated Samvat 1967, second Ashadh Sud 6, Friday, during the reign of Raul Tejasingh. It is incomplete. Inscription 421 is dated Samvat 1637, Vaishakh Sud 3, Thursday, during the reign of Raul Meghraj. It mentions the presence of Hiravijayasuri and Vijayadvesuri of Tapagachchha and the commission by the Sangha.

• Inscription No. 426 (Kalagara): From the village of Kalagara, near Vasana, Sirohi state. Dated Samvat 1300, Jyeshtha Sud 10, Monday. It mentions Maharajadhiraj Ahanasingh of Chandravati and his minister Mahamatya Takar. It seems to record a donation by Takar for the Parshvanath temple in Kalagara.

  • A scholarly discussion attempts to identify King Ahanasingh's dynasty.

• Inscription No. 427 (Kayadra): Found on the door of a Devakulika in the Jain temple at Kayadra, Sirohi state. It states that Shri Shriman, a renowned person among the Pragvat (Porvad) merchants from Bhillamal (Shrimal), had three sons: Jajjak, Namma, and Rama. Jajjak's son, Vaman, built this Jain temple for liberation from worldly suffering. The inscription is dated Samvat 191.

• Inscription No. 428 (Uthana): From Uthana village, Sirohi state. Dated Samvat 1251, Ashadh Vadi 5, Thursday. In the Nanakiyagachchha Parshvanath temple in Uthana, Dhaneshwar's son Yashabhat and his sister Dharmati built a beautiful Rangamandap. Yashabhat's sons Devdhar, Alha, and Pallaa also supported this.

• Inscription No. 429 (Gangana): From Gangana village. Dated Samvat 1241, Vaishakh Sud 7, during the reign of Keldanadev and his son Mahaldev. For the annual festival of Shri Mahavir, Yadhuvar Gunadhar of Panayiya committed to donating one dramma per month from Mandavyapur. The inscription includes verses about the sanctity of donations and warnings against misappropriation.

• Inscription No. 430 (Jhadoli): From the Shantinath temple in Jhadoli village, Sirohi state. Dated Samvat 1255, Ashadh Sud 7, Wednesday, during the reign of Paramara King Dharavarsha. His queen Shringardevi gifted a part of the land to the temple. The inscription mentions the temple was originally for Mahavir, but later became known as Shantinath's. It also describes architectural similarities to other temples.

  • Another inscription in the portico is dated Samvat 1236, Phalguna Vadi Chaturthi, mentioning the installation of an Rishabhdev statue by Shri Devachandra Suri.
  • The main inscription praises Mahavir, mentions King Dharavarsha of Chandravati, his queen Shringardevi, and minister Nagada. It reiterates the date and mentions a village "Dundubhi," possibly an old name for Jhadoli. It also mentions the renovation of the Shri Mandap of the Mahavir temple by Shravaks and the donation of a garden by Queen Shringardevi for Mahavir's worship.

• Inscriptions No. 431-43 (Medta): Thirteen inscriptions from the famous city of Medta in Marwar, which was a thriving center of trade and Jainism. The text highlights the influence of Tapagachchha and Khartargachchha.

  • Several inscriptions detail the commissioning of statues of various Tirthankaras (Parshvanath, Sumatinath, Shantinath, Munisuvrat) by members of the Oswal community, with installations performed by prominent Acharyas like Jinmanikyasuri, Hemvimalsuri, Jinsagarsuri, and Vijaydvesuri.
  • Inscription 434: Mentions the commissioning of a statue of Shantinath by Sanghvi Asakaran of the Chopda gotra of the Oswal caste in a marble vihar. The installation was done by Jinrajsuri, successor of Jinrajsuri. It also provides a detailed genealogy of Sanghvi Asakaran's family and mentions his role in organizing Sanghas and festivals.
  • Inscription 435: From the "Dhor Mandir," mentions a statue of Parshvanath commissioned by Sa. Lavak, son of Sa. Rayamalla, during the reign of Maharajadhiraj Suryasingh. The installation was done by Jinchandrasuri, disciple of Jinsinhsurisuri of the Khartargachchha.
  • Inscriptions 436-38: Mention statues commissioned by Achaldas and Sarupade, with installations by Vijaydvesuri.
  • Inscriptions 439-43: Detail various statues commissioned in different temples in Medta, mentioning patrons and Acharyas from the Tapagachchha and Khartargachchha. The lineage of the Acharyas, including Jinchandrasuri, Jinshinghsuri, and Jinrajsuri, and their significant activities like Emperor Akbar's patronage and travels to Kashmir, are discussed.

• Inscriptions No. 444-45 (Dhina): Two inscriptions from the Parshvanath temple in Dhina, a famous Jain pilgrimage site in Marwar. The temple was originally consecrated by Acharya Vadi Devsurisuri in Samvat 1204.

  • Inscription 444: Dated Samvat 1221, Margasir Sud 6. Resinmuni and Bhano Dahasa of the Pragvat caste commissioned the donation of a "Chanduk" with "Chitrakuti Silapatta" in the Shri Parshvanath temple in Fadhika.
  • Inscription 445: Written in three lines, it mentions that Seth Munichandra of Falvadhikapur commissioned an "adbhut Uttanpatt" in the Parshvanath temple. He also constructed a beautiful mandap in the Laxmhat-built Narvar temple and possibly 24 small temples with spires in the Shri Mahavir temple in Ajmer.

The collection as a whole demonstrates the widespread presence and patronage of Jainism across various communities and regions, highlighting the architectural contributions, the veneration of Tirthankaras, and the important role of religious preceptors (Acharyas) in the propagation and maintenance of the faith.