Unpublished Astamangala Patta At Bhagalpur - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "An Unpublished Astamangala Patta at Bhagalpur" by Ajoy Kumar Sinha:

The article discusses the significance of the Ashtamangala Patta within Jainism, focusing on a specific, previously unpublished silver Ashtamangala Patta found in Bhagalpur.

Key Points:

Importance of Ashtamangalas in Jainism: The Ashtamangalas (eight auspicious symbols) hold a crucial place in the Jain pantheon. Small platters or representations of these symbols, often in silver or bronze, are dedicated and worshipped in Jain temples alongside other metal images.
Evolution of Worship: The text highlights that according to Jain philosophy, mental worship (bhava worship) is the ultimate path to emancipation. However, idol worship was introduced later for lay worshippers who found it difficult to worship without tangible objects. This led to the tradition of symbolic worship, which included trees, rivers, Ashtamangalas, Yakshas, Nagas, and Mukundas, as referenced in early Jain canons.
Symbolic Worship Tradition: The article points to the example of the Yaksha Purnabhadra in Champa (near Bhagalpur), which likely did not have a structural shrine but was worshipped as a tree with a stone slab. This tradition of symbolic worship continues in Jainism, now largely represented by Ashtamangala platters.
Antiquity and Canonical References: The text traces the antiquity and traditions of Ashtamangalas, noting that the Svetambara canonical text, Aupapatika-sutra, lists the eight auspicious symbols. These are often depicted on architraves, ramparts, trees, platforms, or painted on walls. The scholar Hemacandra also mentions their representation on offering slabs.
The Bhagalpur Silver Ashtamangala Patta: The article then details the specific silver Ashtamangala Patta from Bhagalpur.
- Placement of Symbols: It appears to follow the iconography prescribed in the Aupapatika-sutra.
- Description of Symbols: The patta features:
  - The Svastika at the top, surrounded by flowers with stalks and leaves, creating a beautiful effect.
  - A Supratistha (auspicious seat), depicted as a beautiful couch with an artistic umbrella.
  - A Purna-ghala (full vase) with leaves, rendered realistically.
  - A Vardhamana-ka (powder flask) in the upper panel.
  - A Pushpa-mala (flower garland) in the lower panel, which is full-blossomed and artistically depicted, encircled by smaller flowers with stalks and leaves.
  - A Matsya-yugma (pair of fish), considered superb from a decorative viewpoint and appearing lifelike.
  - A Darpana (mirror) with a decorative border and an artistic handle.
  - A Nandyavarta, with its nine points beautifully and flawlessly cast.
Origin and Preservation: The author suggests that this silver platter was likely manufactured in the ancient city of Campapura (present-day Champanagar). Archaeological excavations there have unearthed stone molds for making ornaments, indicating a flourishing jewelry industry. The patta is believed to have belonged to an ancient Jain temple that was demolished during medieval times. Its small and portable size likely contributed to its preservation by the local Jain community.
Contemporary Relevance: The article concludes by mentioning that Jain women continue to prepare or worship these eight symbols on platters with uncooked husked rice, highlighting the enduring nature of this tradition.

In essence, the article introduces and describes a significant Jain artifact, the Bhagalpur silver Ashtamangala Patta, situating it within the broader historical and religious context of Jain symbolic worship and the importance of the Ashtamangalas.