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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of its Shiv temple. Jains believe that Lord Mahavir had visited the place, a belief also recorded in an inscription of V. E. 1426 (1369 A. D.) of this place. This belief, however, is not supported by ancient Jain canon. The Lunig Vasati inscription of V. E. 1287 (1230 A. D.) mentions that the residents of Mungasthal Mahatirth were allowed to share in the Asthanika celebrations,45 The Jain temple here was built in the 10th century A. D. It has. 4 inscriptions46 dated V. E. 1216 (1159 A. D.) concerning the construction of the pillars. When Sultan Alauddin invaded Abu, this Jain temple was also destroyed by his army. It was then renovated by
mily of Shresthti Dhandhal 47 in V. E. 1408 (1351 A. D.). Two inscriptions of V. E. 1426 (1369 A. D.) also speak 48 about the renovation of the temple. One inscription dated V. E. 1442 (1385 A. D.) of the reign of Devada Visal records that certain land grants were made to the temple. During the 15th century A. D. the temple was enlarged. Several Devakulikas49 were added to it in the years V. E. 1501, 1503, 1516, 1519 etc. as is evident from the inscriptions incised on the pedestals of the Mulanayak icons.
Sirohi :
Sirohi has more than 18 Jain shrines. The Adinath, temple, which is perhaps the oldest, is referred to by Poet Meha in his Tirth Mala dated V.E. 1499 (1442 A D.). This town seems to have been the centre of the Tappa-gachchha sect of Shvetambars. Hir Vijay-Suri. visited the place several times. He was honoured as the Acharya in a ceremony arranged here on Magasar Sudi 10 V.E. 1610 (1554 A.D.). Curiously, Sirohi has no notable inscription pre-dating V.E. 1500 (1443 A.D.) The Mughal army had rampaged the town carrying away with them about 1000 bronze images from the temples of this town and its vicinity. The icons were. however, later on handed over to Karma chand Bachhawat of
45. Abu II No. 251. 46. Abu v No. 44, 45, 46, & 47. 47. Abu II No. 10 and 11. 48 Abu V No. 50 and 51. 49. Edited by the Author in the Varada Vol. XVI No. 2 pp 30-34