Temple of Satrunjaya

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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and with jewellery, elephants, horses, carriages, palkis, all joining in procession; thus at an auspicious moment, on Thursday 6th Baisakh radt, in the era of king Vikramaditya, 1587, the consecration of the shadow Adisvarji took place. All the great, learned, and holy pandits and the most intelligent men of the assembly aided in this seventh consrecation of the temple. Thus, in the Kali yuga age, this temple was erected the seventh time by permission of the king, that every one of the Jaina faith might, by coming to Palitana obtain happiness for his soul. May the family of Dosi Karma Sah be ever happy and prosperous: such a work as that he has performed was never before done or ever will be; since, though under Muhammadan rule, still the force and weight of his character gratified both king and people, and thus, the consecration of the temple was permitted. The fame of Dosi Karma Sah, inhabitant of Citrakut, is spread throughout the world as the full moon shines over the earth; the various bands of pilgrims who visit Palitana are filled with delight at the view."
The following inscription also, from the other side of the entrance, appears to relate to the dedication of additional images and repairs executed on this temple by Tejapala, a goldsmith of Khambhat (A.D. 1589 to 1593):
Of the divine race of Ukesa was born the excellent Sri Sivaraja goldsmith, of religious character. His son was Sridhara, his son Parvata, his son Kala, his son Wadha, his son Bali, his son Rajai, whose wife was Suhasani. They were like Indra and Indrani. Their son was Tejapala, dear to the gods, obedient to his parents, benevolent to the poor. Like Rati, the wife of Kama or Rambha of Hari, or Gauri of Siva, was his beloved wife Galada. This happy couple, respectable and honourable as Indra and his bride, enjoyed happiness. Known for their conspicuous temperance, distinguished for their success, eminently fortunate and wise, like the chief sages, their voice was so sweet that amặta wept for envy, devotion itself did homage to their character. They were distinguished for piety, for offerings, and especially for the restoration of a caitya. In the year S. 1646 the goldsmith Tejapala, in an auspicious day, joyfully dedicated the images of Parsvanatha and Anantanatha. Formerly in the famous tirtha Satrunjaya there was a notable caitya, beautified with numerous jewels, and several persons had increased the splendour of the place by their efforts in succession. In the year 1588, at this tirtha, Sadhu Karma built a caitya remarkable for elegance and ornaments. Seeing this divine vihāra in decay Tejapala considered in his mind when the caitya would be restored. Next day, after consulting his Guru, this prince of Vanias, who lived in Sri Stambha, resolved to secure prosperity by devoting his wealth to the house of Arhanta at Satrunjaya, and to gratify a host of ancestors by the restoration of the caitya on the sacred top of Vimalacala.
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