Sankheshwarna Lekho

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Sankheshwarna Lekho" by Jinvijay, based on the catalog link and the provided pages:

The document, "Sankheshwarna Lekho" by Jinvijay, is part of the "Prachin Jain Lekh Sangraha" (Collection of Ancient Jain Inscriptions), specifically Part 02, document 005113_HR. It focuses on inscriptions found at the Sankheshwar Tirtha (pilgrimage site).

Key Findings from the Text:

• Origin of the Inscriptions: The nine inscriptions discussed were found at the Sankheshwar Tirtha.
• Primary Statue Inscriptions: The first inscription (numbered as part of the context, though not explicitly given a new number here) was found engraved at the base of two Kayotsargi (standing in meditation posture) idols surrounding the main idol of Sankheshwar Parshvanath.
  • This inscription states that Punyapala, son of Sa. Janmal, a resident of Ahmedabad, had the parikar (aura or frame around the idol) made in Samvat 1666 and consecrated by Vijaydevsuriji.
• Inscriptions from Surrounding Chapels (Devkulikas): The subsequent three inscriptions were found on idols located in the surrounding chapels (devkulikas) connected to the main temple. The text implies the facts related to these are straightforward.
• Inscriptions from the Old Temple Ruins: Inscriptions numbered 501 to 504 were found in the ruins of an older temple within the village of Sankheshwar.
  • The current temple was built in the 18th or 19th century.
  • The inscriptions indicate that the old temple, which is now in ruins, was built in the 17th century.
  • The text mentions that according to "Vinaychakriti Shathya," a new temple of Sankheshwar Parshvanath was constructed under the guidance of Vijay Sen Suri. This old temple is identified as the one now in ruins.
• Destruction and Reconstruction: It is suggested that this old temple might have been destroyed during the tyrannical rule of Aurangzeb. Subsequently, the currently existing temple was built.
• Condition of the Old Temple: The ruins from which these inscriptions were taken indicate that the original main temple no longer exists; it seems to have been completely uprooted. However, the surrounding chapels (devkulikas) and other structures are still standing in varying states of preservation. The names of the builders are engraved on the doors of these chapels, and the discussed inscriptions are primarily from these.
• Uncertainty about the Original Site: The text notes that when the temple was rebuilt under the guidance of Vijay Sen Suri, the original location or establishment of the temple or tirtha is not known.
  • Some people point to a buried structure outside the village of Sankheshwar, which appears as a mound of earth, as the original main temple.
  • The text acknowledges this possibility, as temples were frequently vandalized and rebuilt in different locations during the Muslim period. Therefore, it is not impossible that the older temple, according to some accounts, was located outside the village, preceding the ruins found within the village.
• Inscription No. 505: This inscription is written in Marwari language.
  • In Samvat 1868, Seth Uttamchand of Jaipur (Marwar) donated five thousand rupees for the renovation (jirnoddhar) of the temple through Jivanadas Goddas of Radhanpur.
  • This inscription records the details of the repair work carried out with those funds.
• Inscription No. 502-533 (Patan): The text briefly mentions that inscriptions numbered 502-533 are from Patan. One of these inscriptions is carved on a stone on the left side of the entrance to the Sankheshwar temple.

In essence, "Sankheshwarna Lekho" provides historical details about the Sankheshwar Tirtha, focusing on the inscriptions found there. It traces the history of the temple's construction, renovation, and potential destruction, highlighting the contributions of various patrons and religious figures. The inscriptions offer valuable insights into the temple's evolution over several centuries.