Prabhas Patanna Prachin Jin Mandiro

This comprehensive summary of M.A. Dhaky's "Prabhas Patanna Prachin Jin Mandiro" (Ancient Jain Temples of Prabhas Patan) provides a detailed historical and architectural analysis of Jainism's presence in Prabhas Patan, a significant pilgrimage site.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Significance: Prabhas Patan, primarily known as a Shaivite pilgrimage site, also held considerable importance as a Jain pilgrimage center during the medieval period. Jain texts mention it as "Chandrprabha" and rank it highly after Shatrunjaya and Raivatachal (Girnar) in Saurashtra.

• Chandrprabha Jinahalaya (Temple of Chandrprabha):

  • The earliest known Jain presence is linked to the Chandrprabha temple.
  • Legends suggest the transfer of Chandrprabha, Ambika, and Kshetrapal idols from Valabhi to Prabhas during the fall of Valabhi, indicating the antiquity of Jainism there.
  • Literary evidence points to the existence of a Chandrprabha temple in the 12th century, with references in works like "Prabandhachintamani" and "Prabandhakośa."
  • Inscriptions suggest that the temple might have existed as early as 1009 CE (Samvat 1065), though its exact provenance in Prabhas is uncertain.
  • The temple underwent significant renovations and repopulation of deities, notably in 1610 CE under the patronage of Jain monks and during the Mughal era.

• Other Jain Temples:

  • Kumarapala's Parshvanath Chaitya (Kumarvihar): King Kumarapala is credited with building a Parshvanath temple. Architectural analysis suggests that some remnants within the Juma Masjid might belong to this temple, dating back to the late 12th century.
  • Vastupala's Ashtapad Prasada: Minister Vastupala is believed to have constructed an Ashtapad temple. Architectural elements found in the Juma Masjid, particularly a magnificent ceiling, are attributed to this temple, dating to the early 13th century.
  • Tejpala's Adinath Jinahalaya: Tejpala, Vastupala's brother, is mentioned as having built an Adinath temple. While direct evidence is scarce, architectural features in the Maipuri Masjid (a mosque built from temple ruins) are strong candidates for belonging to this temple, dating to the early 13th century.
  • Pethad Shah's Neminath Chaitya: Pethad Shah of Mandavgadh is said to have built a Neminath temple around 1264 CE. Some architectural fragments and inscriptions might be linked to this structure, possibly located near the Chogan Masjid.

• Architectural Style:

  • The Jain temples of Prabhas Patan likely followed the ornate architectural style prevalent during the Solanki period, rivaling the splendor of the Dilwara temples on Mount Abu.
  • Specific architectural elements discussed include:
    • Sculptural Richness: Intricate carvings, decorative motifs, and well-formed idols.
    • Ceilings (Vitans): Detailed descriptions of elaborately carved ceilings with depictions of celestial beings, lotuses, and narrative scenes, particularly highlighting those found in the Juma Masjid and Maipuri Masjid.
    • Pillars and Brackets: Mentions of intricately carved pillars and brackets.
    • Idols (Pratimas): Descriptions of various Jain Tirthankaras and Yakshas/Yakshinis, including their stylistic features and dating.

• Decline and Preservation:

  • Like many ancient structures, Jain temples in Prabhas Patan faced destruction and neglect due to invasions (e.g., Mahmud Ghaznavi, Ulugh Khan) and the passage of time.
  • Many of these temples were repurposed or their materials were used in the construction of mosques.
  • The research highlights the importance of archaeological evidence and literary sources in reconstructing the history of these lost or transformed temples.

• Contribution of the Author and Associates: The text acknowledges the contributions of scholars and epigraphists in uncovering this history, emphasizing the collaborative nature of such research.

In essence, the book "Prabhas Patanna Prachin Jin Mandiro" meticulously traces the rich but often obscured history of Jainism in Prabhas Patan, revealing its significant architectural and religious contributions through careful analysis of available textual and material evidence.