Sandergaccha Ka Itihas

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sandergaccha ka Itihas" (History of the Sandergaccha) by Shivprasad:

Overview:

The article details the history of the Sandergaccha, a significant monastic lineage within the Shvetambara Jain tradition, primarily active in Western India from the 10th century onwards. The study relies on both literary and epigraphic (inscriptional) evidence to trace the lineage of its prominent acharyas (monastic leaders) and their activities, particularly the consecration of Jain images.

Origins and Early Development:

• The Sandergaccha emerged during the early medieval period in Western India as a result of the fragmentation of the Nirgranth Shvetambara Shraman Sangh into various gacchas (lineages).
• Many gacchas were named after prominent cities, and the Sandergaccha is named after Sander (present-day Sānderāv).
• It belonged to the Chaityavasi lineage.
• The gaccha is believed to have come into existence around the 10th century CE.
• Ishwarsuri (First) is considered the founding acharya.
• His disciple and successor, Yashobhadrasuri, was a highly influential acharya and is considered a pivotal figure in the gaccha's history.

Succession and Lineage:

• According to the Sandergaccha tradition, the succession of acharyas followed a specific pattern of repeated names:
  1. Yashobhadrasuri
  2. Shalisuri
  3. Sumatisuri
  4. Shantisuri
  5. Ishwarsuri (Second)
• This cyclical naming of prominent acharyas is a key finding supported by various inscriptions and literary mentions.

Sources of Information:

The author emphasizes the reliance on:

• Literary Evidence:
  • Prashastis (donor inscriptions) found at the end of manuscripts.
  • Works by acharyas of the gaccha.
  • Rajgacchapattavali (lineage records of the Rajgaccha) and Veervanshavali (genealogy of the Veer lineage), dating to the 16th and 17th centuries respectively, provide information about early acharyas.
• Epigraphic Evidence:
  • Inscriptions found on consecrated Jain images. These are considered more authentic than pattavalis as they are contemporary to the events.

Key Acharyas and Their Activities:

The article systematically documents the acharyas and their known activities, primarily through inscriptions on statues:

• Yashobhadrasuri:
  • Considered the founder and highly influential acharya.
  • The earliest inscription mentioning the Sandergaccha (982 CE) is from a statue consecrated by him.
  • He was active until at least 982 CE.
• Shalishuri (First):
  • His inscriptions date from 1181 CE to 1215 CE.
  • He is mentioned as consecrating images.
• Sumatisuri (First):
  • His inscriptions date from 1237 CE to 1252 CE.
  • He is identified as the author of a commentary on the Dashavaikalika (a Jain scripture), written around 1220 CE. This helps confirm his existence during this period.
  • He was a disciple of Yashobhadrasuri.
• Shantisuri (First):
  • His inscriptions date from 1245 CE to 1298 CE.
  • He was a disciple of Sumatisuri (First).
  • He played a significant role in consecrating images at Vimala Sah in Abu, commissioned by Minister Yashoveer.
• Ishwarsuri (Second):
  • His consecration inscriptions are found from 1307 CE to 1317 CE.
• Shalibhadrasuri (Second):
  • His inscriptions date from 1331 CE to 1345 CE.
• Sumatisuri (Second):
  • His activity period spans from 1338 CE to 1389 CE. He is noted as a long-lived and talented acharya.
• Shantisuri (Second):
  • No statues consecrated by him have been found, but he succeeded Sumatisuri (Second) and was followed by Ishwarsuri (Third).
• Ishwarsuri (Third):
  • His inscriptions are dated from 1417 CE to 1425 CE.
• Shalisuri (Third):
  • His inscriptions date from 1422 CE to 1446 CE.
• Sumatisuri (Third):
  • His inscriptions span from 1442 CE to 1469 CE.
• Shantisuri (Third):
  • His activity is recorded from 1472 CE to 1506 CE. He is also possibly the author of Sagaradattaras (composed around 1450 CE).
• Ishwarsuri (Fifth):
  • His activity is documented from 1560 CE to 1597 CE.
  • He is credited with composing works like Lalitangcharit, Shripal Chaupai, and Sumitrcharitra.
• Shantisuri (Fourth):
  • His inscriptions are dated from 1552 CE to 1572 CE.
• Sumatisuri (Fourth):
  • His inscriptions range from 1545 CE to 1559 CE.

Recurring Pattern of Naming:

The article highlights the consistent repetition of the names Yashobhadrasuri, Shalisuri, Sumatisuri, Shantisuri, and Ishwarsuri throughout the lineage. It also notes that only the head acharyas of the gaccha received these traditional names, while other monks retained their original names.

Decline and Absorption:

The text concludes that after the 16th century CE, the glorious history of the Sandergaccha gradually declined. While it maintained its independent existence until the 17th-18th centuries, it was eventually absorbed into the Tapagaccha.

Overall Significance:

The article provides a detailed and evidence-based reconstruction of the Sandergaccha's history, highlighting its significant contribution to Jain monastic traditions, literature, and art through the consecration of numerous images. It also sheds light on the complex dynamics of lineage formation and succession within the Jain religious structure.