Visha Shrimali Gyatina Ek Prachin Kulni Vanshavali - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Visha Shrimali Gyatina Ek Prachin Kulni Vanshavali" by Jayantvijay:

This document is a genealogical record of an ancient lineage within the Visha Shrimali community. The author, Muni Shri Jayantvijayji, explains the importance of such genealogies (Vanshavali) as historical sources, comparable to inscriptions, copper plates, coins, ancient texts, and the compositions of Bhats and Charans. He argues that genealogies are particularly reliable because they are typically compiled by hereditary chroniclers (Vahivanchas) who record the lineage of their patrons. Since the chroniclers and their patrons are often contemporaries, the historical information, aside from potential errors by the writer or reader, is generally accurate, including dates and events.

The author highlights that while these genealogies primarily focus on family names, they also contain valuable historical information such as names of places, kings, and Jain acharyas. Crucially, they document auspicious deeds performed by Shravaks (lay male followers) and Shravikas (lay female followers), like building or renovating temples, organizing pilgrimages (Sangh), and taking religious vows. These events are often accompanied by dates, making them highly trustworthy. The genealogies also offer insights into the customs and traditions of the time, remarriage practices, inter-caste marriages, historical events like wars, and the establishment or abandonment of villages, as well as political details.

To illustrate this, the document presents a sample genealogy.

Summary of the presented Genealogy:

The genealogy begins with Sheth Toda, a merchant belonging to the Bhardwaj Gotra of the Visha Shrimali caste, residing in Bhinmal Nagar in Samvat 795. He was a manager of the Shri Shantinath temple and a significant trader dealing with 5 crore units. His family deity is Ambaji. The record details the specific location of his residence within Bhinmal, a particular area known as Champawadi with Ambaji's temple and mango trees, and the rituals associated with the worship of Ambaji. These rituals include specific offerings and procedures for when a son or daughter is born.

The lineage is then traced through generations, starting with Toda's son, Guna, followed by Hardas, Bhola, and so on. The record lists numerous descendants, their wives, and their children, often mentioning their professions or significant actions.

Key Events and Migrations:

Samvat 1111: Bhinmal was devastated. Many people died or were captured. Sheth Nanha from this lineage migrated to Paychi village in the Kolihaara area.
From Paychi, the lineage continued with descendants like Amara, Harade, Gopi, and Sarang.
Samvat 1225: Sarang migrated to Pattan (Patan) and settled in Phophaliya Wadi.
Samvat 1285: Sarang's son, Shidhar, migrated to Nareli village near Gambhu.
Samvat 1316: Shidhar's son, Mula, along with his wife Malanade and son Vardhaman, had a Jain idol and a Jinavishi (a building housing multiple idols) consecrated in the Achalgachh tradition under the guidance of Acharya Ajitsingh Suri. They also commissioned a well and a temple of the family deity Ambaji.
Samvat 1350: Vardhaman's son, Karman, migrated to Modhera, taking up residence there due to family connections with Minister Karma.
Samvat 1445: Karman's son, Hira, celebrated a grand festival for the consecration of Jain idols and a Jinavishi in Modhera, after observing a chaturmas (four-month retreat) with Acharya Merutung Suri of the Achalgachh.
The genealogy continues to list descendants of Hira, including Deva, Parbat, and Nanda. Nanda had several sons and grandsons, including Rupa, Bhacha, Aju, and Nayak.
Later Generations: The record details further generations and their movements, including:
- Chutha (son of Dhana) and his descendants in Pattan. Chutha's son, Sobha, due to remarriage, became known as a "Laghu Shakhi" (a branch that adopted certain different customs) in Samvat 1441.
- Jayata, a descendant of Vardhaman, migrated to Chahansavi (likely Chanvsma) and built a temple for Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan, consecrated in Samvat 1335.
- Vasta, Jayata's descendant, migrated to Gegudan.
- Descendants in Madasan and Ravaliya.
- Vana, a descendant of Jiva, migrated to Dahirwali in Samvat 1295.
- Sarang, Vana's descendant, migrated to Vayajalk (likely Vejalpur).
- Vachha, Sarang's descendant, built a temple for Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan in Vayajalk and it was consecrated under the guidance of Acharya Bhuvanatung Suri.
- Mandana, a descendant of Mahiraja, and his son Kanhadade migrated to Buldana near Wadhwan, where they established a Jain temple and installed the idol of Moolnayak Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan.
- Naga, brother of Nayana, and his descendants in Khambhayat and Tarapur. Naga's sons Gogan and Ganpati undertook a pilgrimage to Shri Shatrunjay Tirth in Samvat 1445. They established Acharya Shri Rangaratna Suri in Tarapur and gained the title 'Daharwaliya' for their extensive activities in spreading Jainism.
- Mahisha, brother of Sarang, and his descendant Bhata served as an officer under King Siddharaj Jaysinh during the construction of the Sahastraling lake. Bhata was granted the village of Goblaj. He utilized stones from the construction for building tanks and wells in his village and also established a temple on Shatrunjay Hill. He later moved to Mandavgadh due to a dispute with the king.
- The genealogy continues to trace descendants from Mandavgadh to Vadodara and then to Tarapur.

Conclusion:

The document is a detailed account of a specific lineage, spanning approximately 50 generations and covering a period of about 800 years, from Samvat 795 to around Samvat 1600. The author concludes by expressing hope that readers will appreciate the historical value of "Vahivanchas'" ancient registers. The text also includes a section explaining the symbolic notations used within the genealogy. Unfortunately, the latter part of the genealogy is incomplete, so further information about the current whereabouts of this lineage could not be provided. The document also includes some philosophical reflections on Dharma (righteousness), Ahimsa (non-violence), and the importance of performing religious duties.