Sambodhi 2011 Vol 34

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 84

Renuka J. Porwal
SAMBODHI
12.
The author adds further that 'Deva nirmita' stupa was also adored by the Ksamasraman Jinabhadra who obtained the deteriorated manuscript of
Mahanisithasutra repaired with the Devi's help38. 13. Here Naravahana Kubera, Simhavahana Ambika and Svanavahana
Ksetrapala protected the tirtha39. Some Yaksi images found from Stupa are likely to be of these deities.
In 1888, the site of Kankali Tila at Mathura, also known as Jaini Tila, was excavated by ASI. About 737 sculptures were available in that year alone, though the site was explored many times between 1882 to 1892 A.D 40. The available images and other sculptures are inscribed in Brahmi which provide the important documents of Jaina history revealing the Kula, Gana, and Shakha of Acharyas and the condition of Jaina Samgha.
The city continued to prosper after Taxila's declination during Kushana period. In the year 1018 Mahammad Gazani looted and destroyed the golden stupa though it was repaired within five years. The obtained material and images show the prosperity and growth of Jainism starting from 200 B. C. to 1200 A. D. Here Mathura school of art was developed by Gandharian artists with the local touch of Mathura. The images of Kushana period, Gupta period, pre and post medieval period were excavated from this site. At the time of exploration the plinth of stupa, two Jaina shrines and many buildings were recognised. Later, the reference of this Deva Nirmita stupa in V. T. Kalpa, Yashatilaka Campu“!, Avasyaka curni42 with its various Kathas came to light. Dr. Bulhar43 found out the references of this stupa in Vividha-tirtha-kalp, while V. C. Agrawal44 found detail of Salbhanjika in Rayapaseniyam. Inscriptions on sculptures revealed that donations were made by all class of people including Ganika“.
fout the references
nscriptions on soc. Agrawal
Notes
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Motichandra-Trade and trade routes in ancient India. Also-Doris Meth and ShrinivasMathura the cult. Heritage .arti. by U.P. Shah and Earnest B.-Mathura and Jainism. 'Jain' Silver Jubilee vol. 1935, Arti. By Pa. Lalchand Gandhi on Jinaprabha & Sultan Mohammad, pp. 215, 219. Also Somadharmagani, Upadesha Saptati-1503 Vk.S. pp 49 अभूवन् भूभृतां मान्याः, प्राप्तपद्मावतीवराः । Jain Vol. Ibid pp. 220. Somdharmagani, Upadesha-Saptati pp 49- Grafaufa au, sifr : 1 Jain Silver Jubilee vol. pp. 220 Dvayasraya Kavya in 1356 Vk.s, Vidhiprapa 1363 Vikram S, Kalpasutra vritti 1364 etc. Ibid, pp. 219. Prabandha by Somdharmagani - Updesha Saptati pp. 49 to 52. Ibid, pp. 50
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