Holy Abu

SR No.: 023259
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantvijay
Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala
Publication Year: 1954
Total Pages: 380
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 14 MB

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Holy Abu though their renovation is less appalling. At Shatruñjaya, temples were also built by Vimala Sāba, Kumārapāla and Vastupāla-Tejapāla. It is indeed a pity that at such a wellknown ancient Jaina site older structures have been renovated beyond recognition with whole pillars plastered, the original carvings and shapes being totally concealed from view. The earliest sculpture available is a small bat an exquisite rare specimen of art, a bold white marble relief of Pundarīka svāmī, the gañadhara or chief disciple of the first Tīrthankara Rşhabhanātha. Placed in a dark cell adjoining the main shrine of Rşhabhanātha (Dādāji ), the sculpture escaped the attention of almost all visitors including the Jainas until Muni Shri Puṇyavijayajī brought it to our notice and also obtained an estampage of the inscription on its pedestal which shows that it was installed in Samvat 1064 ( 1007–8 A. D.), by a monk of the Vidyādhara kula. This valuable definitely datable sculpture is one of the loveliest example of Early Solankī art - the real sculptural art of the age of Vimala Sāha, much more charming and graceful than any specimen of the time of Kumārapāla or Vastupāla known hitherto. It serves as a milestone for dating sculptures of the Solaiki period and studying the
1 Discussed by me in Jaina Satya Prakāsha (Gujarati Journal, Ahmedabad), Vol. 17, no. 3. pp. 52 ff. The inscription reads as follows :
श्रीमयुगादिदेवस्य पुण्डरीकस्य च क्रमौ । ध्यात्वा शत्रुजये शुध्यन्सल्लेश्याध्यानसंयमैः । श्रीसंगमसिद्ध (ह) मुनिर्विद्याधरकुलनभस्तलमृगांकः । दिवसैश्चतुर्भिरधिकं मासमुपोष्याचलितसत्त्वः ॥ वर्षसहस्र षष्टया चतुरन्वितयाधिके दिवमगच्छत् । सोमदिनआग्रहायणमासे कृष्णद्वितीयायाम् ॥ अम्मैयकः शुभं तस्य श्रेष्ठी सौधेयकात्मकम् । पुण्डरीकपदासजी चैत्यमेतदचीकरत् ॥