Sanghpati Rupji Vansh Prashasti

This document is a descriptive introduction and detailed summary of the Jain text titled "Sanghpati Rupji Vansh Prashasti" (संघपति रूपजी-वंश-प्रशस्तिः), authored by Vinaysagar and published by Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur.

Here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Sanghpati Rupji Vansh Prashasti (संघपति रूपजी-वंश-प्रशस्तिः) Author: Vinaysagar (सम्पादक: महोपाध्याय विनयसागर) Publisher: Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur Series: Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala (राजस्थान पुरातन ग्रन्थमाला), Granthank 107

Overview: The "Sanghpati Rupji Vansh Prashasti" is a significant historical and literary work dating back to the 17th century, originally composed by Shri Shrivallabh Upadhyay (also referred to as Shrivallabh Gani). This particular publication is an edited version by Mahopadhyaya Vinaysagar, brought out by the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute. The text chronicles the lineage and notable deeds of a prominent Jain merchant family, the Sanghapatis, particularly focusing on their contributions to the Jain faith and community.

Key Information and Content:

1. Origin and Discovery: The manuscript was discovered in the collection of manuscripts at the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute, Jodhpur. The editor, Vinaysagar, found and compiled this edition.

2. Author (Original): Shri Shrivallabh Upadhyay (also Shrivallabh Vachak) was a disciple of Shri Gyanvimal Upadhyay in the Khartargachchha tradition of Svetambara Jainism. His active period was between V.S. 1620 and 1660 (approximately 1563-1603 AD). He was a talented poet, commentator, scholar of various disciplines including grammar, lexicography, and logic, and a proponent of liberal thought within the Jain tradition. His other notable work mentioned is the 'Arjinstav', a complex poem.

3. The Subject: Sanghpati Rupji and his Ancestors: The Prashasti (praise or eulogy) aims to document the lineage of Sanghpati Rupji. However, the extant portion of the manuscript primarily focuses on the achievements of Rupji's father and uncle, Sanghpati Somji and Shivaji. Rupji's own birth and specific accomplishments are not detailed in this available text.

4. Genealogical Lineage (as presented in the text):

   • The progenitor mentioned is Devraj Shreshthi (Devraj), a Praguat (a merchant caste) resident of Ahmedabad. He was a leading merchant.
   • His son was Gopal Shreshthi (Gopal).
   • Gopal's son was Raja Shreshthi (Raja).
   • Raja's son was Saiya Shreshthi (Saiya).
   • Saiya's sons were Yogi Shreshthi (Yogi) and Nath Shreshthi (Nath).
   • Yogi had two wives: Jasamade and Nani Kaki.
   • Nath's wife was Narangdevi.
   • Yogi's descendants included Suri Shreshthi (Suri).
   • Suri's son was Somji Shreshthi (Somji).
   • Somji's brother was Shiva Shreshthi (Shiva).
   • Somji and Shiva were the parents of Indraji Shreshthi (Indraji) and Rupji Shreshthi (Rupji).

5. Notable Deeds and Contributions:

   • Devraj Shreshthi: In V.S. 1487, he consecrated an image of Muni Suvrat Swami, performed by the Khartaracaryā Shrivallabh Gani.
   • Yogi Shreshthi: He extended financial aid (hemamudra - gold coins) to his fellow religious brethren and was a generous donor to those in need.
   • Yogi's wife, Jasamade: Constructed and consecrated a new temple of Sumatinath in Taliya Pada, Ahmedabad.
   • Yogi's wife, Nani Kaki: Copied numerous scriptures, including all eleven Angas, and established a knowledge repository (gyan-bhandar) in her name.
   • Somji Shreshthi: This section details numerous significant activities:
     • Shatrunjay Pilgrimage (V.S. 1644): He organized a grand pilgrimage to Shatrunjay, led by the Yugpradhan Acharya Shri Jinchandra Suri. Thousands of pilgrims from various regions joined. Acharya Jinchandra Suri conferred the title of 'Sanghadhipati' (leader of the religious assembly) upon Somji.
     • Release of Prisoners (V.S. 1648): He paid money to release prisoners in Halara.
     • Distribution of Rings: He distributed gold rings as 'lambhanika' (a form of religious offering or celebration) to all his Khartargachchha brethren.
     • Temple Construction:
       • He built a new temple of Shyamal Parshvanath in Samla Pada, Ahmedabad.
       • He constructed a grand temple of Adinath on the lower floor and a four-faced temple of Shantinath on the upper floor in Sutradhar Dhata's Pol. The consecration of the Shantinath temple was performed by Acharya Jinchandra Suri in V.S. 1653.
     • In total, Somji is credited with constructing eight new temples and establishing knowledge repositories by copying scriptures, thereby contributing significantly to the prosperity of the Khartargachchha.

6. Other Accounts of Somji and Shiva: The text also includes information from other sources:

   • Sheetvijay's Tirthamala: States that Somji and Shiva were descendants of Vastupal and Tejpal, the famous ministers and builders of the Nemnath temple at Patan.
   • Kshamakalyanopadhyaya's Pattavali: Mentions that Somji and Shiva were initially poor, engaged in the business of 'chibda' (likely a type of produce or item). They became wealthy due to the miraculous influence of Acharya Jinchandra Suri.
   • Vachak Ratn Nidhi's Chaityaparipati-Stavan: Records that Somji's pilgrimage to Shatrunjay reached the holy site on Chaitra Krishna 4, V.S. 1644.
   • Mahopadhyaya Samaysundar's Kalpa Sutra Commentary: Highlights that the renowned Somji and Shiva organized large pilgrimages to Ranakpur, Girnar, Abu, Gaudi Parshvanath, and Shatrunjay, and distributed 2 Rukma (coins) in each city as a blessing.
   • Gunvinayopadhyaya's Rushidatta Chaupai (V.S. 1663): Mentions that Shiva and Samji (likely Somji) consecrated numerous idols in Khambhat after spending significant wealth.
   • Agarchand Bhaverlal Nahata's work on Yugpradhan Jinchandra Suri:
     • Notes that they introduced good customs in the Dasa Porwad community of Ahmedabad. The tradition of mentioning "as per Shiva Somji's practice" in marriage contracts for financial settlements continues. Their residence in Dhana Sudar's Pol is now famously known as Shiva Somji's Pol.
     • The four-faced Shantinath temple in Jhaveri Wada and another Shantinath temple in Haja Patel's Pol, built by Seth Somji, are still extant.
     • Highlights their exemplary philanthropy: On one occasion, an unknown religious brother, facing hardship, issued a draft for sixty thousand rupees on them. Upon discovering a tear stain (likely from tears of distress) on the draft, Somji understood the situation. Without even identifying the person, he recorded the expense in his private accounts and accepted the draft. Later, when the brother returned to pay, Somji refused to accept the money, stating they owed nothing. These funds were eventually used for the construction of a Shantinath temple.
     • Descendants of Somji still reside in Ahmedabad.

7. Commentary by the Author (Vinaysagar): The edited text includes explanatory notes and commentary by Vinaysagar, particularly on difficult words and verses, making the work accessible to scholars and readers.

8. Significance: The text provides valuable historical insights into the social and religious life of Jain merchants in medieval India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It sheds light on the patronage of Jainism by wealthy merchants, their contribution to temple construction, scripture preservation, and community welfare, and the influence of Jain religious leaders.

9. Unfinished Nature: The original manuscript is noted as being incomplete. The title "Sanghpati Rupji Vansh Prashasti" was given by the editor, as the available text focuses more on Rupji's father and uncle.

In essence, "Sanghpati Rupji Vansh Prashasti" is a critical edition of a historical Jain text that meticulously details the lineage, charitable deeds, and religious contributions of a prominent merchant family, with a strong emphasis on Sanghpati Somji and his brother Shivaji, as documented by Shrivallabh Upadhyay and presented by Vinaysagar.