Patanna Lekho

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Patanna Lekho," focusing on the inscriptions found in Patan:

The text "Patanna Lekho" (Inscriptions of Patan) is a collection of epigraphs found in various Jain temples in the city of Patan. The catalog link indicates it's part of a larger compilation of ancient Jain inscriptions.

Key Findings and Temple Locations:

• Inscriptions 506-119 (Incorrectly listed as 506-119, but likely refers to the first set of inscriptions): These inscriptions are primarily found in the Panchasara Parshvanath Temple, a major and renowned Jain temple in Patan.

  • The inscriptions are found on statues of Acharyas (monks), Sadhus (ascetics), and Shravakas (lay followers), as well as on footwear (Charapadukas).
  • A small chamber to the left within the Panchasara temple houses statues of Acharyas.
  • Specifically, the main altar has identical statues of three influential Acharyas from the Tapagachchha lineage: Acharya Hiravijaya Suri, Vijayasen Suri, and Vijayadev Suri. Inscriptions numbered 11, 12, and 13 are etched on these particular statues (on their top, bottom, or sides).
  • These statues were commissioned by Dosi Shankar's wife, Bai Valvi, a resident of Patan from the Pirvad caste, along with her father, son, and other family members.
  • The remaining inscriptions in this section are also found on different statues within the same temple.

• Inscriptions 520, 521, and 523: These inscriptions originate from the Ashtapad Temple.

  • Inscription 520: Is from a statue of Suparshvanath located in the basement of the Ashtapad Temple. The inscription is also present on the back of the statue, making the beginning and end unreadable.
  • Inscription 521: Is found on a statue of an Acharya in the same basement.
  • Inscription 522: Is engraved on a statue of Ambika Devi. The inscription mentions that this statue was commissioned in Samvat 1361 (1304 AD) by Bai Suhav, a disciple of the Sadhvi Malayasundari, for the spiritual welfare of her father. The consecration was performed by Bhavasuri, a disciple of Sem Suri.

• Inscriptions 523 and 524: These are from the Tangdadiya Wada Temple.

  • Inscription 523: Is etched on the statue of Mahakavi Amarchandra Suri, a prominent Acharya of the Vayadvagachchha. Amarchandra Suri was the disciple of Acharya Jintatta Suri (the author of "Vivek Vilas") and himself composed notable works like "Vaimarat." This statue was made in Samvat 1349 (1292 AD) by Madanachandra, a disciple of Pandit Mahendra.
  • Inscription 524: Is on the statue of the renowned Acharya Jintatta Suri of the Kharataragachchha. The last few letters of this inscription are worn away.

• Inscription 525: This inscription is found on a statue of a Shravaka placed in an outer niche of the Bhadavada Temple.

• Inscriptions 526 and 527: These inscriptions are on statues of two Upadhyayas (senior monks) from the Vayadvagachchha in the Mahavir Temple of Dhadheravada.

• Inscription 528: This inscription is on a statue in the Vasupujya Temple located in Vasupujya's enclosure. The statue is of Acharya Vinayachandra Suri, known for his theoretical knowledge, who authored many works like "Ratna" and others under Madhyanaath.

• Inscription 529: This inscription is on a statue of Acharya Vijaysingh Suri in the Sambhavnath Temple on Vakhatji's street.

• Inscription 530: This inscription is on a statue of an Acharya in the Sheetalnath Temple in Khetrapal's locality.

• Inscription 531: This inscription is on the main idol in the temple famously known as Gautam Swami's Temple in Bhesapatavada. According to the inscription, the statue is of Acharya Siddhasen Suri of the Nanakiyagachchha and was commissioned by Dharm(anesh?)vara Suri in Samvat 1433 (1376 AD). However, the text notes that the local populace, misunderstanding the statue as that of a mere monk, has built a new temple and consecrated it in the name of Gautam Swami, spending considerable amounts.

• Inscription 532: This inscription is engraved on the parikara (halo or decorative surrounding) of a crystal statue in the home temple of Sa. Ujam Mulchand in Maniatipada. The parikara was made in Samvat 1673 (1616 AD) by Doshi Santoshik, son of the deceased Dhanji and his wife Amarbai of the Shrimali caste, also residents of Patan. It was made for the statue of Rishabhdev with his father and wife Sahajalde. The consecration was performed by Vijayadev Suri. The text also points out an error in the original inscription where "Vinasen" was printed instead of "Vina".

• Inscription 533: This inscription is etched on a yantrapatt (a metallic plate with diagrams or inscriptions) made of stone in the Jogivada Temple. This yantra was created by Pasachandra Suri.

In essence, "Patanna Lekho" is a meticulous record of historical Jain inscriptions found in Patan, detailing the temples, the deities or figures depicted, the Acharyas and patrons involved, and the dates of their creation and consecration. It offers valuable insights into the religious and artistic history of Jainism in Patan.