Siddhmeru Tatha Sahasralinga Tatakna Abhidhannu Arthaghatan - Book Summary

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The article, titled "Interpretation of the Names 'Siddhameru' and 'Sahastralinga Tataka'" by Madhusudan Dhaky, delves into the architectural and historical significance of two major constructions attributed to the Chaulukya emperor Jayasinhadeva, also known as Siddharaja.

The author begins by establishing that Siddharaja was responsible for significant architectural projects in Anahilapata (modern Patan) and Siddhpur. Besides the well-known Sahasralinga Talav in Anahilapata and the Rudramahalaya (Rudramahakal) in Siddhpur, he also commissioned the Rajavihar (for Jina Rishabha) in Anahilapata and the Siddhavihar (for Vardhamana Mahavir) in Siddhpur, as evidenced by contemporary and later Jain sources. The period of Siddharaja's rule is characterized as a peak of achievement in political, economic, and cultural spheres, with his constructions being described as grand and ornate.

The article then focuses on identifying two other significant temple constructions by Siddharaja that are often overlooked by contemporary scholars of the Solanki era.

1. The "Siddhameru" or "Jaysinhmeruprasada":

Evidence for its Existence: The author presents several Jain literary sources that mention the "Jaysinhmeruprasada."
- The Kumarpalaprabodha (dated post-1335 CE) mentions that the selection and coronation ceremony of Kumarpala took place in the "Shri Jaysinhmeru."
- The Kumarpaldevcharitra by Somatilak Suri (circa mid-14th century CE) also records this event and refers to the "Shri Jaysinhmeruprasada."
- An older, anonymous Kumarpaldevcharitra (manuscript dated 1329 CE), which heavily influenced the above works, also contains the same reference.
- The Prabhavakcharitra by Prabhachandra Acharya (dated 1208 CE), specifically the "Hemachandra Suri Charit" section, mentions the selection of Kumarpala as successor taking place at "Shri Siddharajmeru," a Shiva temple. It also quotes Devabodha referring to "Shri Jaysinhmeru Akhya Mahesh Bhuvana" (Shiva's abode named Jaysinhmeru).
Nature of the Temple: The evidence strongly suggests that the "Jaysinhmeruprasada" was a Shiva temple. The author argues that the term "Prasada" can also mean a grand palace or abode, and the direct references in the Prabhavakcharitra leave no doubt about its nature as a Shiva temple.
Name Equivalence: The article asserts that "Jaysinhmeru" and "Siddharajmeru" are synonymous.
Saraswatipurana Reference: The Brahminical text Saraswatipurana also mentions a temple built by Siddharaja in the middle of his city, named "Meru" (Prasado Meru-ityasti tasya namnopalakshitah), confirming the "Meru" type of architecture. The author finds the Saraswatipurana to be even more reliable as it predates the Prabhavakcharitra, likely dating to Siddharaja's reign.
Dating: Based on the context of the Prabhavakcharitra and the mention of Keshav Pandit residing near the Siddhameru in relation to a debate in Siddharaja's court (pre-1125 CE), the author estimates the construction of the Siddhameru to have occurred before 1125 CE. Considering Siddharaja's victory in Sorath around 1114 CE, the construction of this significant Shiva temple likely followed this triumph. The author also notes that Siddharaja, being traditionally Shaiva, would likely have built a major Shiva temple before commissioning a grand Jain temple like the Rajavihar in the capital.
Possible Location: The Saraswatipurana specifically mentions the temple being built in the "middle of his city."

2. The "Sahasralinga Talav" (Thousand Linga Tank):

Debate on the "Thousand Lingas": The article addresses the interpretation of "Sahasralinga."
- It discusses the popular notion that the Sahasralinga Talav had a thousand small lingas (shrines) around it. However, it questions this, citing the lack of support from Saraswatipurana and archaeological evidence.
- Alternative interpretations, like the installation of small lingas within the Hinglaj Mata temple or the creation of a single linga with a thousand carvings, are also considered.
Saraswatipurana's Account: The Saraswatipurana states that Siddharaja established a thousand lingas on the bank of the Siddharaja Sarovara (lake). The author suggests that "linga" here might refer to "linga-bearing kalikas" (shrines) rather than individual stone lingas, as a king building such a collection of small lingas seems less plausible. He further argues that "linga" in this context could also imply the temple complex housing the linga.
Hemachandra's Evidence: The contemporary author Acharya Hemachandra, in his Dvyashraya Mahakavya, clearly states that Siddharaja built "eight thousand one hundred" (ashṭau ca ayatanāni) shrines for Shiva on the banks of the lake. The author emphasizes that the plural terms "āyatana" (shrines/temples) and "shambhoḥ" (of Shiva) directly indicate multiple temples and not just a single linga or a collection of small lingas.
Confirmation from other Sources: The Hammiramadamardana play by Jayasimha Suri (circa 1225 CE) refers to the Sahasralinga Talav as "Siddharaj Sagar" and mentions "a thousand deva-kalikas" (shrine cells) on its embankment. Other contemporary writers like Someshwar Kavi and Arsi Thakkar also mention the "Kirtistambha" (pillar of fame) at the site.
The Kirtistambha: Several sources consistently mention a Kirtistambha at the Sahasralinga Talav site. The interpretation by some scholars that the "torana" (gateway) mentioned by Jayamangal Suri is equivalent to the Kirtistambha is examined. However, the author notes that Jayamangal Suri compared the Kirtistambha to the pillar of a "veena" (lyre), suggesting a decorative or monumental structure.
Vadnagar Toranas: The article also briefly touches upon the Vadnagar toranas, suggesting their architectural style belongs to Siddharaja's period and that they might have belonged to a large Shiva temple of the "Meru" type, possibly comparable in size to the Rudramahalaya. The author links the construction of such grand temples to royal patronage.
Saraswatipurana's Accuracy: The author concludes that the Saraswatipurana provides surprisingly detailed and accurate information about the Sahasralinga Sarovara, standing as a rare exception in its detailed descriptions of pilgrimage sites. The name "Siddharaj Sar" or "Siddhasagar" was the formal name, while "Sahasralinga Talav" became its popular name due to the thousand Shiva shrines.
Comparison with Viramgam Tank: The construction of deity cells on the embankment of the Viramgam tank (circa 1239-40 CE) is cited as a similar, though perhaps more developed, example of building shrines along a water body, potentially inspired by the Sahasralinga Talav.

In essence, the article meticulously analyzes Jain and Brahminical texts to establish the existence and nature of the "Siddhameru" (a significant Shiva temple built by Siddharaja) and to clarify the interpretation of "Sahasralinga" in the context of the Sahasralinga Talav, strongly supporting the presence of numerous Shiva shrines around the lake.