Sambodhi 1979 Vol 08

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 82

JAIN TEMPLE INSCRIPTIONS OF BARAKĀNĀ
Ram Vallabh Somani
Barakänä is situated about 3 kms. away from Rani Railway Station (on Ahmedabad-Märwär Junction line). The Parsvanath Jain temple of this place has been regarded as ons of the important Jain shrines of the Godawar. The early history of this temple is not precisely known. But it seems that it was in existence during the Chauhan period. This fact can be corroborated by a fragmentary inscription of V.E. 1211 (1154 A. D.) engraved1 on a pillar of this temple. According to the local tradition, its first renovation was done during the reign of Mahārāņā Kumbha. The present portion of this temple is not very old and it seems that it was again repaired during the 17th century A. D. The two inscriptions, one of VE 1686 (1630 A. D.) of the time of Mahārānā Jagat Singh I and the other dated V.E. 1806 (1750 A.D.) of the time of Mahäränä Jagat Singh II of Mewär are engraved there in shape of the Surahs. Both these inscriptions belong to the Tapagaccha. The Tapagaccha Pattavali mentions that Maharaṇā Jagat Singh I, at the instance of Vijaya Simh Sari of Tapagaccha, allowed a remission in the local taxes to be levied from the persons coming to pay homage to the diety during the annual fair held on the 10th day of the Posa. The Pattavali of Guna Vijaya adds that a copper plate was also given by the Maharana to this effect. The first inscription of V.E. 1686 (1630 A.D.) contains the text of this copper plate grant. It has got 21 lines. The earlier part of the text is in Sanskrit, which is full of mistakes. However, the text has been reproduced as available on the stone-slab. The later part is influnced by the Gujrati. The inscription mentions the genealogy of the Acaryas of Tapagaccha. Hiravijaya Suri, is mentioned as having the epithet "Jagat-Guru." Vijayasena Suri succeeded him. After him Vijayadeva Suri became the Acarya. He is mentioned to have possessed all the qualities of the ancient Jain Acaryas, At his instance the Maharaņā allowed the remission in the Dana (custom-duty) of the tour days i, e., the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th day of dark half of Poșa, when the annual fair held there. The letters were written on the slab by Kamala Vijaya's pupil Kirti Vijaya Gani. Rathor Khangar, the local chief, gave his witness of this grant. It seems that the Acaryas of the Sanderakagaccha had their strong foot hold in the Godawar during the earlier times. Several inscriptions mentioning their activities have also been noticed from Hatundi, Rata Mahavir, Nadol, Naḍlãi etc. However, after the 14th century A. D. the Acaryas of Tapagachha Sambodhi Vol. 8 (11)