Shahvirana Sukrut Varnan Ni Prashasti Chaupai

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shahvirana Sukrut Varnan ni Prashasti Chaupai" by Pradyumnavijay, based on the provided pages:

This document is a historical account of the charitable deeds and lineage of Shah Virana and his descendants, who were prominent Jain patrons. It traces their journey and contributions, particularly in the city of Patan (Anahilpur Patan) in Rajasthan, starting around the fourth quarter of the 16th century (Vikram Samvat 1600s).

Key aspects highlighted in the text:

• Origin and Migration: Shah Virana and his family migrated from Bhinmal (Rajasthan) to Patan.
• Religious Endowments and Activities:
  • Praiseworthy Deeds (Sukrut): The text details a year-wise list of the good deeds performed by Shah Virana and his family.
  • Installation of Idols: They brought an idol of Lord Mahavir Swami from Bhinmal and established it in Dhandherwada, where they also settled.
  • Temple Construction and Renovation: They were involved in the construction and consecration of temples, including the temple in Kanasha's Pada and the temple in Limbdi's Vada.
  • Acts of Devotion: Shah Virana displayed strong sentiments of anashan (fasting unto death) and later undertook a sagarik diksha-anashan (vow of asceticism and fasting while remaining a householder), which is noted as significant.
  • Sponsorship of Jain Congregations (Sangh): The text mentions their involvement in organizing and supporting Jain congregations.
  • Generosity and Philanthropy: They were known for their extensive donations, including gifting clothes to monks and providing meals, during religious ceremonies and festivals.
  • Specific Dates and Events: The text provides specific Vikram Samvat dates for various events, such as the installation of a crystal idol of Lord Shantinath in Kanasha's Pada in VS 1654, and other construction and installation activities in VS 1616, 1637, 1639, 1644, 1648, 1654, 1659, and 1664.
  • Pilgrimages: Shah Virana undertook a significant pilgrimage to Shatrunjaya, accompanied by Acharya Shri Lalitprabh Suri.
• Lineage and Succession: The text outlines the lineage of Shah Virana, mentioning his father, son Shivji, grandson Meghji, and subsequent generations like Champai, Jatasi, Tejasi, and their families. It highlights that the current Nagar Sheth family in Patan, known as Bhagwandas, is directly descended from Shah Virana.
• Religious Affiliation: Shah Virana and his descendants were devoted followers (shravakas) of the Acharyas of the Purnimik Gachchha (a specific lineage of Jain monks). The text notes that the seat of this Purnimik Gachchha is still considered to be in Dhandherwada.
• Purnimik Gachchha: The origin of the Purnimik Gachchha is traced back to the 12th century, to Shri Chandraprabh Suri, who was a fellow disciple of Vadi Dev Suri's Guru, Muni Chandra Suri. The works of Shri Bhavprabh Suri of this lineage are preserved in the Hemchandracharya Gnana Bhandar in Patan.
• Historical Significance: Such lineage chronicles (vansh prashasti) are considered highly valuable for determining historical facts. The language used is characteristic of the fourth quarter of the 17th century. The word "langali" used in the text is explained as meaning "coconut" (shrifal) in Sanskrit.
• Detailed Account of Shah Virana's Deeds (Chaupai): The majority of the document is a Chaupai detailing Shah Virana's specific acts of merit. This includes:
  • Creating jeweled ornaments for deities.
  • Funding the installation of beautiful idols.
  • Organizing a grand congregation (sangh) to Sankheshwar, revitalizing the Jain faith.
  • Performing guru puja (veneration of teachers) with various rituals.
  • Distributing charity to the needy.
  • Participating in religious festivals and ceremonies.
  • Showing immense grief and devotion after the demise of Acharya Vidyaprabh Suri, and being consoled by Acharya Lalitprabh Suri.
  • Undertaking vows and ascetic practices.
  • The description of his final anashan (fasting unto death) is detailed, highlighting his adherence to the teachings of his guru.
  • His son, Shivji, continued the tradition by completing the temple of Samala Parshvanath and undertaking numerous pilgrimages and charitable acts.
  • Subsequent descendants like Meghji, Jatasi, and Tejasi are also mentioned for their continued devotion and contributions to the Jain faith.
• Specific Temple and Idol Creation: The text mentions the creation of a "Sahastrakoot" (Thousand-Buddha) temple in the Maniypada area by the Nagar Sheth family. It also details the creation of a thousand copper-plated idols of various deities, including Parshvanath and Adinath, by Tejasi and his family, under the guidance of Acharya Shri Bhavprabh Suri.

In essence, "Shahvirana Sukrut Varnan ni Prashasti Chaupai" is a hagiographical text that celebrates the piety, generosity, and significant contributions of Shah Virana and his descendants to Jainism, offering valuable insights into the social, religious, and historical landscape of the period.