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

Page 187

180 ]
Although this may only be heresy but it indirectly proves the existence of several temples at this site. The Kharatargachchha Acharyas visited this site several times. On the basis of literary sources, it can be said that the temple of Shaatinath was erected here by Uddharan Shah The inscription15 of V.E. 1210 records some grants, made by Vijay singh, the ruler of the place for a Jain temple. The other16 inscription of V.E. 1237, now incised in the Parshwanath temple mentions that a temple named “KhetiyaMahavir” was built by Sahadeva's son Sonig.
Mahoba, remained an important site during the 16th century A.D. The inscription17 of V.E. 1504 has the word “Khed-Bhumiyam Shri Mahoba-Sthane". Later when Birampur was founded several rich families settled there. We have many references to this town in the Jain inscriptions. The Kirti ratna18 Suri Stup inscription of V.E. 1525 has a specific mention that this town was founded by Rawal Bida Rathor. Although Birampur was a prosperous site, it remained in the Paragana of Mahoba, as is evident from the inscriptions of V.E. 1910. The word “Mewa-Nagar" appearing in several in scriptions of V E. 1661 seemsto have been derived from the word “Mahuwa-Nagar."
Birampur remained a prosperous site. According to epigraphs, this area also has the following temples :
(i) Mahavir temple (ii) Parshwanath temple and (iii) Vimal nath temple.
The inscriptions19 of V.E. 1667, 1678, 1681, 1682 and 1864 refer to erection of the temples of Mahavir and Parshwanath together with further additions therein. Originally the temples of Mahavir and Parshwanath were built in V.E. 1667 by Jain Sangh under the instructions of Yashodeva Suri of Palliwalgachchha. The construction work continued as is evident from
15. Jin Vijay No. 423 16. ibid 422 17. Mahopadhyaya-Vinaya-Sagar. Nakoda-Tirth-ka Itihas los. No. 10 18. ibid No. 49, 50, 51 19. ibid Ny, 90, 91, 95, 97 and 98