Tharapadragaccha Ka Sankshipta Itihas

This document is a historical account of the Tharapadragaccha, a significant Jain monastic lineage within the Shvetambara tradition. The text, authored by Shivprasad, traces the origins, prominent acharyas (monastic leaders), and literary contributions of this lineage.

Here's a comprehensive summary:

1. Origins and Early History:

• Name Origin: The Gaccha (lineage) is named after the place Tharapadr (modern Tharad, Banaskantha district, North Gujarat), from which it originated.
• Founding Acharya: The text mentions that Acharya Purnabhadrasuri (11th century CE) referred to Vateshwara Kshama Shraman of the Chandra Dynasty as his ancestor. However, the exact founder and the precise date of the Gaccha's establishment remain unstated by him.

2. Prominent Acharyas:

The Tharapadragaccha produced many influential and learned acharyas, including:

• Vateshwara
• Jyeshthacharya
• Shantishuris (multiple individuals with this name, referred to as first and second)
• Shalibhadra Suris (multiple individuals with this name, referred to as first and second)
• Sarvadev Suri (also known as Siddhanta Mahodadhi)
• Purnabhadra Suri (credited with consecrating idols in 1028 CE and 1054 CE)
• Namisadhu (author of significant commentaries)
• Vadi Vetal Shantishuri (a renowned debater and scholar)
• Vijayasingh Suri

3. Key Evidence and Chronology:

The historical information is primarily derived from inscriptions (Pratimalekh and Shilalekh) and literary sources.

• Earliest Epigraphic Evidence: An inscription from the Ramasen Adinath Jinālaya dated V.S. 1084 / 1028 CE is the first known mention of the Tharapadragaccha. This inscription details a lineage of acharyas starting from Vateshwara.
• Second Epigraphic Evidence: An inscription on an Ajitanath idol consecrated by Acharya Purnabhadrasuri in V.S. 1090 / 1054 CE in Ahmedabad. This inscription lists Shalibhadra Suri as the guru of Purnabhadra Suri.
• Literary Sources:
  • Namisadhu: Authored Sadaavashyak Sutra Vritti (V.S. 1122 / 1065 CE) and Kavyalankara Tippana (V.S. 1125 / 1068 CE). He identifies himself as a disciple of Shalibhadra Suri of this Gaccha.
  • Another Shalibhadra Suri: Composed Satika Brihat Sangrahani Prakaran in V.S. 1139 / 1083 CE, listing his guru-parampara.
  • Vadi Vetal Shantishuri: His works include Paiyateeka on the Uttaradhyayana Sutra, Jeevavichar Prakaran, Chaityavandan Mahabhashya, Brihad Shantistava, and Jinasnatra Vidhi. Prabhavak Charit (V.S. 1334 / 1278 CE) mentions him as a disciple of Vijayasingh Suri and states he defeated opponents in the court of King Bhoj (1010-1055 CE), earning the title "Vadi Vetal." He is said to have passed away by sallekhana on Ujjayantgiri in V.S. 1096 / 1040 CE.

4. Reconstructing the Guru-Shishya Parampara:

The document presents several tables illustrating the lineage of acharyas, attempting to reconcile information from various inscriptions and texts. A significant challenge is the repetition of names like Sarvadev Suri, Vijayasingh Suri, and Shantishuri in later inscriptions, suggesting the continuation of these names within the lineage.

• Early Lineage: Vateshwara -> Jyeshthacharya -> Shantibhadra Suri (I) -> Sarvadev Suri (Siddhanta Mahodadhi) -> Shalibhadra Suri (I) -> Shantibhadra Suri (II) -> Purnabhadra Suri (consecrator in 1028 CE).
• Later Lineage (based on Prabhavak Charit and later inscriptions): Sarvadev Suri -> Vijayasingh Suri -> Vadi Vetal Shantishuri.
• Reconciled Lineage: The text attempts to link these streams, suggesting that the Sarvadev Suri mentioned in the 1028 CE inscription might be the same as the one linked to Vadi Vetal Shantishuri.

5. Ancestry of Vateshwara:

The text delves into the ancestry of Vateshwara, tracing him back through the lineage described by Udyotan Suri (author of Kuvalayamala Katha, 778 CE) and Jayasinh Suri (author of Dharmopadeshamala Vivaran, 859 CE). This lineage indicates Vateshwara was a disciple of Shivachandraganihmahathara and a disciple of Tattwacharya. This places Vateshwara around 675-725 CE. The author posits that the Tharapadragaccha likely originated from a disciple of this Vateshwara.

6. Classification of Epigraphic Evidence:

The document categorizes the epigraphic evidence related to the Tharapadragaccha into two main types:

• Type A: Inscriptions on idols consecrated by Tharapadragaccha Munis: This section lists numerous inscriptions with details of the acharya, the date, the deity consecrated, and the location, citing various published works. This demonstrates the active role of the Gaccha in consecrating idols across different periods and regions.
• Type B: Inscriptions on idols consecrated by lay followers inspired by Tharapadragaccha Munis: This section provides similar details for idols consecrated by disciples influenced by the Gaccha, further highlighting its widespread impact.

7. Specific Inscriptions and Literary References:

The document meticulously lists several key inscriptions and literary works that mention the Tharapadragaccha, providing dates and sources for each. This includes inscriptions from Ramasen, Ahmedabad, Khambhat, Ratlam, Radhanpur, Tharad, and Jaisalmer, as well as literary works by Namisadhu and others.

In essence, the "Tharapadragaccha ka Sankshipta Itihas" is a scholarly work that meticulously reconstructs the history of a significant Jain monastic lineage by analyzing and synthesizing epigraphic and literary evidence. It sheds light on the lineage's origins, its prominent spiritual and intellectual leaders, their literary contributions, and their role in the propagation and practice of Jainism over several centuries.