________________
140 ]
Sabha-Mandap of the main temple but were removed during repairs.
Outside Vimal Vasati, there is a small shrine dedicated to lord Mahavir. The Hira-Saubhagya-Malakavya which contains a detailed account of the temples of Abu does not mention this temple, There are certain names of Sutradhars engraved in the above temple with the date V.E. 1821 (1764 A.D.). It seems thus that this13 temple was built sometime between V.E. 1639 (1582 A.D.) and 1821 (1764 A.D.).
Lunig Vasati :
The Lunig Vasati is another important Jain temple in Abu. Its architect was Shobhandev. It is curious that his name does not appear in any of the numerous inscriptions of the temple except in one dated14 V.E. 1288 (1231 A.D) engraved by the family of Shresthi Bhabhu of Gundoj (District Pali). Here too his name appears as a witness to a grant. The Vividh 14A-Tirth Kalpa, however, refers to his manifold qualities and skill. A similar report is found in the Prabandh-Chintamani. It is believed that Yasovir Mantri of Jalore, whose name is also recorded in several inscriptions of Abu, Barlut etc. pointed out certain flaws in the above temple architecture. Varasa was another Sutradhar who might have assisted Shobhan. His name is mentioned in the inscriptions engraved on the pedestals of the statues portraying Vastupal, Tejpal etc. The construction of the temple was started during the regime of Dharavarsh Paramar. But it was completed during the reign of Somsingh. It was consecrated with great festivities in V.E. 1287 (1230 A.D.). Two big inscriptions were engraved at that time. One contains a detailed genealogy of the rulers of Abu alongwith many details concerning the family of Vastupal Tejpal. The other inscription speaks of the arrangements
13. ibid No. 238, 239. 14. ibid No. 277. 14A. The Vividh-Tirth - Kalpa (Arbud-Kalpa) verses 46. 15. Abu II No. 250, 251.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
