Umbarvadi Parshwanath Prashasti

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Umbarvadi Parshwanath Prashasti" by Munis Sujaschandravijay and Suyashchandravijay, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Umbarvadi Parshwanath Prashasti Author(s): Munis Sujaschandravijay, Sujaschandravijay Publisher: ZZ_Anusandhan Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/229375/1

Overall Theme:

The "Umbarvadi Parshwanath Prashasti" is a laudatory text (Prashasti) that focuses on the ancient Jinālaya (temple) of Lord Parshwanath located in Umbarvadi, Surat. The work, composed by Munis Sujaschandravijay and Suyashchandravijay, aims to provide historical and devotional information about this significant Jain pilgrimage site.

Key Points and Analysis from the Text:

• Surat as a Religious City: The introduction highlights Surat as a city adorned with Jinālayas, known for its antiquity, historical significance, and architectural artistry.

• The Ancient Jinālaya of Surat: The text identifies the Umbarvadi Parshwanath Jinālaya as the oldest Jinālaya in Surat. While a legend mentions a temple built by Maharaj Kumarapal in Gopipur, historical evidence suggests that the Gopipura-Umbarvadi Parshwanath Bhagwan temple is indeed the most ancient.

• First Mention of the Tirtha: The name of this tirtha (pilgrimage site) is mentioned for the first time in a composition by Kavi Naysundar in Samvat 1656 (1600 AD), in his verses about Shri Shankheshwar Parshwanath Bhagwan. Subsequently, mentions of Umbarvadi Parshwanath Bhagwan are found in numerous other compositions.

• Content of the Prashasti:

  • Initial Devotion: The work begins with two verses (shlokas) praising Lord Parshwanath.
  • Description of Surat: The third verse compares the beautiful port city of Surat on the banks of the Tapi river to the captivating eye of a graceful woman.
  • Worship by Wealthy Merchants: The fourth verse describes how the temple is worshipped by Shravakas (Jain lay followers) belonging to the influential Vriḍḍhashākhā (elder branch) of the Upakesha lineage. These Shravakas are characterized by their interest in trading precious gems like Manikya (ruby).
  • Installation Details (and a Scholarly Query): The fifth verse provides details about the Samvat (year), month, and day of the consecration (Pratishtha). However, it raises a crucial question: which Lord Parshwanath was installed? The text analyzes that if the Umbarvadi Parshwanath himself was installed, it would imply a complete renovation of the temple. If so, other idols might also have been installed. The use of the singular word 'bimbam' (image/idol) in the text is considered potentially unsuitable if multiple idols were consecrated. Therefore, the author suggests that it's more likely that another Parshwanath Bhagwan was installed, rather than the existing Umbarvadi Parshwanath.
  • Praise for Lord Parshwanath: Verses six and seven continue to praise Lord Parshwanath.
  • Commissioning of the Prashasti: In the ninth verse, the poet states that this Prashasti for the Jinagriha (temple) was written at the request of Panachand, the son of Manikya. The Jinagriha is described as a sacred place resembling a pavilion for the marriage of Siddhi (spiritual accomplishment), adorned with kumkuma (vermilion) like letters to invite congregations of the virtuous.
  • Interpretation of "Jinagriha": The term "Jinagriha" in this context again prompts a question: Was it a standalone temple, or part of a larger complex? The author finds the former less likely, given the use of "Prāsādamukhyē" (in the main temple/palace), suggesting the main deity was installed in the primary structure. The possibility of "Jinagriha" referring to a "Devakulikā" (a smaller shrine or chamber) is considered, which would make the Prashasti for such a chamber plausible.
  • Author's Lineage: The final verse provides a general introduction to the poet's Gachchha (sect/lineage) and Guru's name. However, specific details about the author or their tradition are not available.

• Manuscript Details:

  • Period of Writing: The manuscript is estimated to have been written in the first half of the 19th century.
  • Physical Description: The letters are clear and large. Each page has 12 lines.
  • Acknowledgement: The authors express gratitude to the manager of the Mohanlalji Bhandar in Surat for providing the xerox copy of the manuscript for research.

• The Prashasti Verses (as translated/interpreted):

  • Verse 1: Praises Lord Parshwanath, the worshipful one, the Siddhatma, the granter of fearlessness and well-being, like a lion subduing an elephant herd, the destroyer of sins, worshipped by divine beings.
  • Verse 2: Invokes Lord Parshwanath to remove fears arising from diseases, fire, oceans, wild animals, serpents, elephants, kings, and battles, addressing Him as the ocean of compassion. It also refers to a mantra associated with Him.
  • Verse 3: Describes Surat on the Tapi river as beautiful and pleasing like the eye of a captivating woman.
  • Verse 4: Identifies the Umbarvadi Parshwanath as the "Chintamani" (wish-fulfilling jewel) of the three worlds, worshipped by Shravakas of the Vriḍḍhashākhā of the Upakesha lineage, who are prosperous in the trade of precious gems and possess virtues like Samyakva (right faith).
  • Verse 5: Mentions the consecration in the month of Magha, during the bright half of the lunar month, on a Thursday, on the fifth day of the waxing moon. It states that an idol was installed in the main temple by the Sangh (community) who are lovers of the Lord's virtues, and wishes for them to attain the bliss of Moksha (liberation).
  • Verse 6: Expresses a desire to attain a state free from suffering, gain omniscience and perception, and achieve liberation, like the enlightened ones.
  • Verse 7: Clarifies that the idol is not like Chaturmukha (four-faced) or Vishnu, nor is it Shesha Nāga, but rather a serpent-hooded deity, and prays for the purification of the community and the world.
  • Verse 8: States that this Prashasti for the Jinagriha was created at the request of Panachand, son of Manikya, who is praised for his virtues.
  • Verse 9: Declares the victory of the disciples of Shri Muktisaukhyaganasu, indicating the author's lineage and disciple status (Kalyāṇasaukhyagaṇi).

Conclusion:

The "Umbarvadi Parshwanath Prashasti" serves as a valuable historical document and devotional piece. It confirms the antiquity of the Umbarvadi Jinālaya in Surat, highlights its worship by prominent Jain merchants, and provides specific details about a consecration ceremony. While raising some scholarly questions regarding the specific idol consecrated, it ultimately offers praise and blessings for the devotees and the temple. The text also provides insights into the manuscript's origin and the author's place within a specific Jain tradition.