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69
No. 10) UMACHAL ROCK INSCRIPTION OF SURENDRAVARMAN
A modified form of the Vyūha doctrine is also noticed in the joint worship of Balabhadra, Krishna and Ekānamsā (or, Subhadrā), their combined image being referred to by Varāhamihira in the sixth century A.D. Gradually Balabhadra came to be regarded as one of the Avatāras of Vishnu.! The importance of the Umācbal rock inscription therefore lies in the fact that it testifies to the independent worship of Balabhadra in Assam about the fifth century A.D. Thus it appears that, even though the independent worship of this Vaishnavite deity was no longer popular, it did not die out in the Gupta age.
TEXT
1 Mahārājādhirāja-bri2 Surāndravarmmaņā kfitam 3 bhagavataḥ Valabhadra4 svāmināya. idam guham* [l*]
TRANSLATION
This cave (i.e. cave-temple) of the most worshipful Balabhadrasvåmin is constructed by the illustrious Mahārājādhirāja Surēndravarman. (Or-This cave-temple has been built by the illustrious Mahārājādhiraja Surēndravarman for the most worshipful Balabhadrasvāmin.)
1 For the worship of Balabhadra, see History and Culture of the Indian People, Vol. II (7'he Age of Imperial I nity), pp. 447 ff. ; ibid., Vol. III (The Classical Age), p. 418.
From impressions. . Read either Balabhadrasvaminak or bhagavate Balabhadrastamine, 'In correct Sanskrit : iyan guha.
