Comprehensive History of Jainism Volume II

SR No.: 002003
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Aseem Kumar Chaterjee
Publisher: Firma KLM Pvt Ltd
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 414
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, & Religion
File Size: 19 MB

Page 41

JAINISM IN NORTH INDIA
31
this book gives a very useful list of pious works done by Vastupāla. We are first told that he first restored the temple of Pārsvarātha at Anahilavāda, which was formerly built by Vanarāja in the 8th century. This statement of Arisinha as Bühler notes, 209 is alo supported by Jinaharşa, the author of the Vasturālacarita, 2 10 written in V.S. 1497.211 Jinaharşa further adds that the restoration of the temple took place after Vastupāla had defeated the Muslims near Abu, which according to Bühler, 21% took place probably in A.D. 1226-27.
Arisimha then enumerates the works done by the great minister Vastupāla at the famous Stambhatirtha or Cambay. We are told that the minister, at first, erected a golden, gilded flag-staff on the temple of Bhimeśa. This statement has also been supported by Jinaharşa.2 19 Then Arisimha 16 speaks of the erection of an uttanapasta before Bhattāditya and of a golden wreath on his head. Jinaharşa also gives the same information.915 Then we are informed of the excavation of a well in the temple-grove. In the temple of Sun.god of this city, Vastupāla, according to Arisimba 216 and Jinabarşa, 217 erected a mandapa or vestibule, overlaid with stucco. In the Siva Vaidyanātha temple of this town, he repaired the mandara and also renovated the temple itself. This information comes from both Arisimha 218 and Jinaharşa, 210 This shows that Vastupāla had also great respect for the gods of the Brāhmaṇical pantheon. We will afterwards see that this great minister also repaired the dilapidated Hindu temples elsewhere in Gujarat. Next, according to Arisimha, 230 Vastupāla erected high enclosures for the sale of sour milk at Stambhatirtha. It is interesting to note that this statement is not only supported by Jinaharşa, 391 but also by the Brahmin poet Someśvara. 3 3 2 It is probable that these bigh enclosures were built to protect the wares from contamination by the low-caste people. 3 2 8 Arisimha then speaks of the building of two asylums (upāśrayas) for Jain monks. 9 24 Someśvara in bis