Jain Inscriptions of Rajasthan

SR No.: 001596
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ramvallabh Somani
Publisher: Rajasthan Prakrit Bharti Sansthan Jaipur
Publication Year: 1982
Total Pages: 350
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Art, & History
File Size: 17 MB

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Alahada, a minister of Ajaypal. Two inscriptions77 of V.E. 1236 (1179 A.D.), report that the Mahavir temple of Sanchor was destroyed by the Muslim invaders. It was later renovated under instructions of Pradhyumna Suri of Brahmanagachchha. These icons are now preserved in the Achalgarh temple.
Bhinmal :
town.
Bhinmal, also known as Shrimal, is famous as ancient capital of Gurjaratra. It is also associated with the Jains; as the Shrimal caste of the Jain is said to have come into prominence after this If Jain tradition is believed lord Mahavir also visited the place during his life time. In the colophon of Kuvalayamala78 (778 A.D.) Udhyotan Suri mentions that his ancestor Shivchandra Gani came from Punjab to Bhinmal in order to propogate his teachings. It was also a principal seat of Sun-worship and a famous temple of Sun named Jagat swami existed here. Development of Jainism in the area definitely took place during the Pratihar period. References to the following Jain temples79 are available in various literary and epigraphical sources.
(i) Mahavir temple: It was quite old as Dhanpal in his Satya puriya-Mahavir-Utsaha refers to it. A toran having finely carved tracery is also visible here. According an inscription80 dated V.E. 1333 of the time of Chachigdeva Sonagara his minister donated 13 drammas and 7 vimshopakas for this temple. It was renovated in V.E. 1873 (1817 A. D) by the Jain Sangh of the place and the Mulanayak of Mahavir was consecrated by Vijay-Jinendra Suri of Tapagachchha.
(ii) Shantinath It was also an old temple. According to an inscription81 dated V.E. 1212, available in the Sabha Mandap one hundred gold drammas were deposited in the bhandar of temple.
77. Abu II No. 465 and 466. The words "Prasad-Bhagne" are quite curious, and prove the fact.
78. Colophon of Kuvalayamala verses 5 and 6.
79. Yatindra-Vihar Vol. I p. 198.
80. Annual Report of Sardar Museum, Jodhpur 1922 P. No. 20.
81. Yatindra Vihar Vol. I p. 198.