Vastupal Na Aprasiddha Shilalekho Tatha Prashastilekho - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vastupal na Aprasiddha Shilalekho tatha Prashastilekho" by Punyavijayji, based on the provided pages:

Title: Vastupal na Aprasiddha Shilalekho tatha Prashastilekho (Lesser-Known Inscriptions and Eulogies of Vastupal)

Author: Munishri Punyavijayji

Publisher: (Implied from the catalog link and PDF naming: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_)

Core Subject: This work presents and analyzes two previously unpublished inscriptions and ten eulogistic texts (prashastis) related to the renowned Jain minister and patron, Mahamatya Vastupal. The primary focus is on shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Vastupal's life, deeds, and the literary circle that documented his achievements.

Key Discoveries and Analysis:

Two New Inscriptions:
- The book introduces two inscriptions discovered during the repair of the "Vaghan Pol" (Vaghan Gate/Passage) on the holy Mount Shatrunjaya.
- Both inscriptions are dated to the same day (Pousha Shuddha 15, Friday, Vikram Samvat 1288).
- The first inscription is primarily in Sanskrit verse and provides a brief account of Vastupal and Tejpal's glory, serving as an introduction to the second. It highlights their immense wealth expenditure, prowess in battle, and political acumen.
- The second inscription is in a mix of Sanskrit prose and verse. It details several significant achievements of Vastupal and Tejpal:
  - Temple Construction: They constructed five sacred sites (tirthas) on Shatrunjaya named Ujantavtar, Stambhanak Tirthavtar, Satypur Tirthavtar, Nandishvaravtar, and Shakunikaviharavtar. They also built the Indramandap and renovated the temple of Kapardiyaksh.
  - Water Bodies: Tejpal's wife, Anupama, commissioned the Anupama Sarovar (lake).
  - Vastupal-Tejpal Pol: They built a "pol" (passage/enclosure) to the east and west of the main temple of Lord Rishabhdev on Shatrunjaya, which included their statues along with those of their brothers. The author speculates that this "pol" might be the site of the current Vaghan Pol, as the inscriptions were found during its repair.
  - Family Mentions: The inscription lists the names of Vastupal's parents and brothers.
  - Devotion to the Sangha: It emphasizes Vastupal and Tejpal's deep reverence for the Jain Sangha (community).
  - Praise of Contemporaries: The inscription praises Vastupal, Gurjara King Viradhaval, their elder brothers Lavanyanga-Lunig and Malladev-Maldev, younger brother Tejpal, Vastupal's son Jaitrasimha, and Tejpal's son Lunsingh.
- Authorship and Sculptors: The inscriptions provide details about their creators. The first inscription was written by Jaisimha, son of Vajada from Khambhat, and carved by Purushottam, son of Bakulswami. The second inscription was written by Dhruva Jaisimha and carved by Sutradhar Kumarsinh. References to Girnar inscriptions help identify these artists further.
- Literary Connections: Many verses in these inscriptions are found in other known eulogies of Vastupal, like those by Someshvaradev, Udayaprabhasuri, Arisinh, and Narendraprabhasuri, confirming that these verses were likely drawn from existing Vastupal-related literature.
Ten Lesser-Known Eulogies (Prashastis):
- The book then introduces ten previously unpublished eulogistic poems dedicated to Vastupal.
- Each eulogy is presented with its verbatim text and a brief introduction or summary of its content and author.
- Authorship Diversity: These eulogies are attributed to various prominent scholars and poets of Vastupal's era, including:
  - Acharya Narendrprabhasuri (Eulogy 1)
  - Acharya Udayaprabhasuri (Eulogy 2)
  - Gurjara Purohit Someshvaradev (Eulogy 3)
  - Kavi Sarvabhaum Harihar Pandit (Eulogy 4)
  - Mantri Yashovir (Eulogy 5)
  - Thakkur Arisinh son of Thakkur Lunsingh (Eulogy 6)
  - Pandit Dodar, brother of Pandit Aam (Eulogy 7)
  - Pandit Jagatsinh (Eulogy 8)
  - Thakkur Vairisinh son of Thakkur Veekal (Eulogy 9)
  - Unknown author (Eulogy 10, likely from a Shiva temple inscription, possibly related to Vastupal).
- Themes and Content: The eulogies consistently praise Vastupal for his:
  - Generosity and Philanthropy: His immense wealth distribution, building of water sources (wells, step-wells), shelters, and temples.
  - Bravery and Political Acumen: His military victories, his role as a trusted minister to King Viradhaval, and his strategic skills.
  - Literary Prowess and Patronage: His own poetic abilities (as indicated by some texts calling him a "son of Saraswati" or "Dharmasunu") and his patronage of poets and scholars, evidenced by the caliber of the eulogies themselves.
  - Religious Devotion: His significant contributions to Jain Tirthas like Shatrunjaya and Girnar, as well as his patronage of various Jain temples and renovations.
  - Character: His virtues such as wisdom, compassion, righteous conduct, and unwavering support for the needy.
- Significance of Eulogies: The author notes that these eulogies, written by learned scholars, reflect Vastupal's deep respect for knowledge and learning, highlighting his role as a discerning patron who inspired excellent literary works.

Overall Contribution:

The work by Munishri Punyavijayji aims to bring to light previously undiscovered or less-discussed Jain inscriptions and eulogies related to Mahamatya Vastupal. It provides valuable primary source material for understanding Vastupal's multifaceted contributions as a warrior, statesman, philanthropist, and patron of arts and literature. The analysis connects these new findings with existing knowledge about Vastupal, enriching the historical and literary understanding of this prominent historical figure. The author emphasizes that Vastupal was not just a patron but also likely a man of considerable learning himself, attracting and nurturing the best minds of his time.