Chapter
- X
Religious
Divisions
The Jaina religions like other
religions of India has suffered from the tendency of schisms and secessions. The
different sects gradually sprang from time to time on account of the different
interpretations put on the canonical texts. Besides, the circumstances of the
particular time also compelled them to give up old ideas and to adopt new ones.
The separation between the Digambaras and the Svetambaras took place in 79 or 82
A.D. A terrible famine occurred in Magadha in 293 B.C. and 14,000 monks under
the leadership of Bhadrabahu with Candragupta Maurya moved on to the South. Some
monks under the leadership of Sthulabhadra stayed no gaoha.
Both the traditions do not differ as
regards the twelve-year famine that took place in Magadha and as regards the
consequent emigration of the Jaina Sagha under his leadership. But while the
Digambara tradition states that the Sagha migrated to the South, vetmbara
tradition says that Bhadrabhu went to Nepal. The origin of the great schism,
which later on developed into Digambara and vetmbara sects, is ultimately
traced to this event.
After Bhadrabhu's departure
Sthlabhadra assumed the leadership of the Sagha in Magadha. He was a
contemporary of Maurya Candragupta and Bindusra. After the famine was over he
convened a council at Paliputra, at which the remnant of the Sagha left
behind in Magadha tried to put in order the sacred lore that had fallen into a
state of decay. Sthlabhadra was succeeded by rya Mahgiri and then came
Suhastin who was the religious preceptor of the Maurya king Samprati who is said
to have been a devout Jaina and to have done much for the glory of his religion.
After Suhastin came Susthita, Indradinna (Klaka I), Priyagrantha and
Vddhavd, one after the other. At this time lived Klaka II of the
aka-Vikrama fame. Then followed Dinnasri, Sihagiri and Vairasvmi. The last
of these was the last Daaprv or keeper of a part of the original canon. It
was in his time in M.E. 609 (or A.D. 82) that the gradually growing schism in
the Jaina Sagha was finalised and the two sects, vetmbara and Digambara,
separated for good.
Jacobi
observes that the
division of the Jaina Sagha into Svetambara-Digambara took place gradually, and
that they became aware of their mutual differences about the end of the first
century A.D. It is necessary to know what is the exact difference between these
two sects, Literally, Digambara mean, 'sky-clad' and vetambara means
'white-robed' i.e. the monks of the Digambaras are naked, while those of the
Svetambaras wear white clothes. In fact there is very little difference between
the two branches as regards the essentials of doctrine. The most authoritative
book, namely, Tattvartha Sutra by Umasvati or Umasvami has been accepted by both
the sects. However, there are some major as well as minor points on which the
two sections are opposed to each other. The major points of difference between
the Digambaras and Svetambaras are as follows :
(i) While the
Digambaras believe that a monk who wears clothes, can not attain salvation; the
vetmbaras assert that the practice of complete nudity is not essential to
attain liberation.
(ii) The Digambaras
hold the view that woman, is not entitled to Moka in this life. On the
contrary, the vetmbaras believe that women can attain Moksa in this
life.
(iii) According to the
Digambaras, once a saint has attained Kevala Jna (Omniscience)
he needs no food, but can sustain life without eating. The view is not
acceptable to the vetmbaras.
Leaving aside the trivial
differences in rituals, customs and manners, the following are some of the minor
points on which the two sects do not agree :
(i) The Digambaras
maintain that the embryo of Mahvra, the last Trthakara, was not removed from
the womb of Devnad, a Brhmin lady, to that of Trial or Priyakrii, a
Kshatriya lady, as the vetmbaras contend.
(ii) The Digambaras
believe in the complete disappearance of the ancient sacred literature and as
such they disown the canonical books of the vetmbaras.
(iii) The Digambaras
assert that Mahvra never married but according to the vetmbaras, Mahvra
married Yaod and had a daughter by name Anojj or
Priyadaran.
(iv) The vetmbaras
consider Mallintha, the 19th Trthakara as a female but the Digambaras state
that Mallintha was a male.
(v) According to
Digambaras, the Trthakaras must be represented as nude and unadorned and with
downcast eyes. The need not be so according to vetmbars.6
Sagha, Gaa and
Gachchha
The Sagha and Gaa are well known
political terms. The Sagha-rjya means the rule of a community
and the Gana-rjya indicates the rule of many a republic. In early
times, there was perhaps no distinction between political Sagha and
Gana, because Pini equates Gaa with Sagha. The
Sagha and Gaa in Jainism and Buddhism might have come into
existence in imitations of the political Saghas and Gaas which
flourished in ancient India. Both
Mahvra and Buddha were born and brought up in the republican
atmosphere. They had Saghas arround them. It is for this reason that
they adopted the name as well as the constitution of the political Sagha
in organizing their religious Saghas. It is also possible to suggest
that the political Saghas as Gaas might have been founded in
imitation of the religious Saghas and Gaas which had existed
since the time when the two great religions were organized. The head of the
Gaa was known as Gaadhara. Both these terms in the political and
religious spheres indicate the group of persons with the main characteristic of
possessing a mind conscious of certain ideology. The existence of large number
of Saghas and Gaas in the Jaina community in ancient times
points out that it was politically and culturally Sagha highly
organized. It is due to the efficiency of the Sagha organization that
Jainism has survived through all vicissitudes. The Gaas in course of
time also began to be known as Gacchas.
Gaa in the Kalpa-Stra and Kusha
Inscriptions of Mathura
The Kalpastra tells us that
there were seven schools of thought with their respective branches
(khs) each of which separated in course of time into its own family
Kula. It is interesting to note that several of these Jaina orders are
mentioned in Kusha records. The seven Gaas are Godsa, Uddeha, Uduvika,
Vesavika, Craa, Mnava and Kauika.7
The first Gaa had four
khs and Kulas. The second Gaa Uddeha was founded by
rya Rohaa and was divided into four akhs and six kulas.
Ngabhta and Parihasaka Kulas of Kalpastra may be identified with
Ngabhtikya8 and the
Paridhsika9
of
the Kuna records. The third
gaa Uduvika was subdivided into four akhs and three
kulas. None of these can be traced in any of the Kua inscriptions. The
fourth Gaa Veavtika, founded by Kmarddhi, was subdivided into four akhs
and Kulas. Among these, only, the Mehika Kula10 is mentioned in a Kushaa grant.
The fifth Gaa Caraa identified by Buhler with Vraa Gaa of the
inscriptions, was subdivided into four akhs and seven
Kulas.11 The Kua inscriptions refer to
several of them.12 The khs may be identified
with the Hritamalakari, Vajrangari and Skik and Partidharmik of the
Kalpastra. The sixth Gaa Mnava was divided into four khs
and three Kulas. But only a few of these are mentioned in Kua records. The seventh Gaa
Kauiya Gaa founded by Susthita was subdivided into four Kulas
and seven akhs. This Gaa is well represented in the Kuaa
inscriptions.13 The khs must be
identified with the Vajr, Mdhyamik, Uchhnagari and the Vtsaliya while the
Kulas may be identified with the Viya, Brahmaliptika and the
Pishavhanaka of the Kalpastra. The Madhyamik branch was named after
the ancient place Madhyamik identified with modern Nagar in Mewar. It was
founded by Priyagrantha, the second pupil of Susthita and
Supratibuddha.14
Pacastpnyya There is a controversy regarding
the origin of the Pacastpanyya, a sect of the Digambaras. One view is that it
originated from Mathura while the other view is that it was established by
Arhadbali who was the native of Puravardhana. Puravardhana was a centre of
Jainism. The Pahrpur copper plate grant of the year 159 (478-479
A.D.)15 records that a Brhmaa and his
wife deposited three dinrs or gold coins with the city Council and lands
for the maintenance of worship of the divine Arhats at the Vihra
of Vaa-Gohli which was presided over by the disciples and the disciples of
disciples of the Nirgrantha preceptor Guhanandin, belonging to the
Pachastpanikya of Banaras. It seems that Guhanandina belonged to the third or
fourth century A.D. Vrasena, who wrote a commentary on the Dhavl, was
the follower of Pachastpanyya. Harishea has mentioned it in the
Kathkosha written in 937 A.D.
Digambara Saghas, Gaas and
Gachchhas of the South Nirgrantha Mahramaa Sagha
From the two
inscriptions16 of the Kadamba ruler Mgea (500
A.D.), it is known that villages and lands were given to the Munis of
Nirgrantha Mahramaa Sagha. What was the shape of this original
Sagha, it is not known. The term Nirgrantha or Niganha
was used for Mahvra, and also
for his followers. It seems that Nirgrantha Mahramaa Saga was in existence
during the time of Mahvra, and it continued even afterwards. Bhadrabhu
accompanied this Sagha for going to the South. During the third or
fourth century A.D., there were two main divisions of the Jaina Sagha
(1) Nirgrantha Mahramaa Sagha and (2) vetapata. The Digambaras and the
vetambaras lived together at Devagiri as known from the
inscription17 and probably there were no separate
temples. The Nirgrantha Mahsramaa Sagha was of the
Digambaras.
Mla Sagha The earliest mention of the
Mlasagha is in the inscription (C. 400 A.D.) of Gaga ruler Mdhavavarma II,
and in the inscription of 425 A.D. of his son Avinta.18 In the above two inscriptions, we
find the names of crya Vradeva and Candranandi. These two cryas
performed the consecration of the temples, and the Gaga rulers Mdhava II
and his son Avinta granted lands and villages. It seems that in South India,
Mlasgha was used to indicate the separation of the Digambaras from the
vetmbaras. The name Nirgrantha-Mahsramaa Sagha probably ceased, and it
seems to have been called the Mlasagha. The early great Acaryas Kundakunda,
Umsvm and Samantabhadra belonged to the Mlasagha.
The Mlasagha has been divided into
seven Gaas - Devagaa, Senagaa, Deiyagaa, Srashagaa Kragaa and
Baltkragaa. Generally these Gaas were called after the end names of
the Munis, and after the names of the provinces and
regions.
Devagana Among the above Gaas,
Devagaa is the oldest. The existence of this Gaa is known from the four
inscriptions19 of Lakamevara and the eleventh
century inscription20 of Kadavanti. It is not mentioned
afterwards. The names of the cryas of this Gaa are Pjyapda,
Udayadeva21, Rmadeva, Jayadeva,
Vijayadeva22, Ekadeva, Jayadeva23, Akadeva and
Mahdeva24. Pujyapada was the founder of this
Gaa.
De Gaa and
Koakunnvaya
Deigaa is mentioned in several
inscriptions as Desiya, Deika, Desiga and Deya.
The term De originated from Dea which meant province. Some region of
Karaka was known by the name of Dea. From the inscriptions, it is
known that there were several centres of this Gaa in Kartaka. Among
them, Hanasoge (Cikahanasoge) was prominent. From the cryas of this
place originated the Hanasogebali or Gaccha. From the
inscriptions25 of Chikahanasoge, it is learnt that
there were several Vasadis (Temples) of this Gaa here, and they
received patronage from the Caglva rulers.
Degaa has been classified into
Pustakagachchha, ryasihagrahakula, Candrakarc rjmnya and
Maitradnvya.
Pustakagaccha In the Pura
inscription26 dated 1087 A.D., the donation of the land given to Padmanandi
Maladharideva of the Pustakagachchha has been described. In the Halebeed
inscription27 of the eleventh century, the
erection of an image by the disciples of Nemichand Bharaka has been
mentioned. In the Citapura inscription28 of the twelfth century A.D., the
renovation of a temple by this Gaccha has been recorded. In the image
inscription of Peddatubalam, the name of Bharaka Cndrakrti is found. In
the Stavanidhi inscription29 of 1400 A.D., the construction of
the temple at the preaching of Vranandi of this Gaccha has been mentioned. The
Samdhimaraa of the crya of Gomini nvaya of the Pustakagaccha
in the Heritage inscription dated 1224 has been engraved.30
The first subdivision of
Pustakagaccha was Panasoge (Hanasoge) Bali. Its first
mention31 is in the early tenth century and
there is a reference to Samdhimarana of Nemicandra, disciple of
Sridharadeva. The second mention32 of this Bali is of 1180 A.D.
Balacanda, pupil of Jayakrti, installed an image. There are four
inscriptions33 of this branch which belong from
12th to 14th century A.D. The cryas Lalitakrti, Devacandra and
Nayakrti have been mentioned.
The second sub-division of
Pustakagaccha was Igulevara Bali. It is mentioned in the seven
inscriptions34 and they belong to the
12th-13th centuries A.D. In these inscriptions, the names of the
cryas Haricandra, rutakrti, Bhanukirti, Mghanandi, Nemideva,
Chandrakrti and Jayadeva are mentioned.
Pustakagaccha has been mentioned
without any sub-division in several inscriptions. The first such
inscription35 is of 1081 A.D., and Bharaka
Sakalakrti is mentioned in it. There are seventeen such inscriptions which
belong to the 16th century A.D.
The Pustakagaccha of Deiga is
found with Koakunvaya. In some inscriptions, only Koakunnvaya is
mentioned. The oldest inscription regarding. Konakunanvaya is the Tamra idia
obtained for Markarbhip Lekh Tmrapatra. The other
inscriptions37 are dated 802 A.D. and 797 A.D. It
mentions Koakuneye Anvaya. It indicates the place Koakuna. This
inscription mentions that Rrakta ruler Kambharja donated a village to the
Acarya Vardhamna.
The Second Sub-division of Degaa
named ryasagha Graha Kula is found only in one inscription38. It belongs to the tenth century,
and it mentions ubhacandra, disciple of Kulacandra. This inscription was
discovered in the Khaagiri hill of Orissa, while other inscriptions of
Deigaa belonged to Karaka.
The third sub-division of Deigaa
is Candrakar-crymnya which is mentioned in only one
inscription.39 It has been discovered in Madhya
Pradesh. Subhadra is known to have performed the consecration ceremony of the
temple. The fourth sub-division of Mainadnvaya of Subhacandra crya is
mentioned in the inscription40 and it belonged to the 13th
century.
The are several inscriptions of
Deigana without any sub-division. In two inscriptions41 dated 950 and 1096 A.D., there is
mention respectively of the cryas Guacandra and Ravichandra. In these
inscriptions, there is mention of Degaa along with Koa Kundnvaya. In
eighteen inscriptions, there is mention of Mlasagha Degaa. Among them,
old inscriptions42 belong to the twelfth century A.D. Eight
inscriptions mention Degaa only. The old inscription43 among them are dated 1032 A.D. and
1054 A.D.
The ancient name in the inscription
of the current name Kundakundnvaya was Koakundnvaya, which means it
originated from Koakundapura. Some scholars prove on literary grounds that
Mlasagha and Koakundnvaya are synonymous, and crya Kondakunda is
the founder of the Mlasagha. This is not proved from any inscription before
the eleventh century A.D. Mlasagha and Koakundnvaya were together used in
the inscription44 of 1044 A.D. Koakundnvaya has
been independently used in the inscriptions45 of the eighth or ninth century A.D.
In the inscription of 802 A.D., Koakundnvaya was regarded as
Gaa46. The earliest use of Deyagana
with Koakundnvaya was used in the inscription of 931 A.D.47 From the inscriptions, it appears
that the use of Koakundnvaya started from the later half of the seventh
century A.D., and in the eighth or ninth century, efforts were made to make it
powerful. Its first influence fell on the Deastha Saints of Karaka region.
They began to be called Koakundnvaya Deyaga. The Dravia Sagha was also
slightly influenced by Koakundnvaya.48 It is known from the inscription
but it seems that influence was not permanent. The Drvia Sagha
Koakundnvaya is not found mentioned in any other inscription.
Nandi Gana Seeing the similar names of the
ancient cryas in the inscriptions of the Mlasagha and the
Drviasgha, it appears that old Nandigaa (Saga) might have come from
outside in these two Saghas. These ancient cryas might have belonged
to Nandigana. It seems that the Dravia-Sagha and the Mlasagha might have
adopted the Nandigana of the Ypanya Sagha. The Nandisagha was on important
one among the Ypanyas.
Senagan The earliest mention of the
Senagaa is found in the inscription49 dated 821 A.D. It is also found in
the Mulagunda inscription50 of 903 A.D. Guabhadra, the author
of the Uttarapurna, regarded his teacher Jinasena and grand-teacher as
scholars of Sennvaya. Vrasena and Jinasena in the commentaries of Dhavala
and Jayadhavala mention Pachastpnvaya. Gunabhadra mentions for the
first time Pachstpnvaya as Sennvaya in the
Uttarapura.
Senagaa has been sub-divided into
three Gacchas (1) Pogari or Hogiri Gaccha, (2) Pustakagaccha and (3)
Chandrakapa. The first mention of the Pogarigaccha is found in the inscription
dated 893 A.D. This inscription51 records the grant of the village to
Kanakasena, disciple of Vinayasena. In this inscription, it has been called
Pogariyagaa of Mlasennvaya. Another inscription52 is of 1047 A.D., and Pandita
Ngasena has been called the crya of Senagaa-Hogari-gaccha. The
Clukya queen Akkdev granted some donation to him. The Pogar Gachchha is
found mentioned in the inscriptions53 up to the 13th century
A.D.
The first
inscription54 of Chandrakava Anvaya is dated
1053 A.D. wherein the lineage of Ajitasena, Kanakasena, Nayasena etc. has been
described. Saradra Kancarasena of Sindakula gave some charity to Nayasena.
Narendrasena II, disciple of Nayasena, has been mentioned in 1081
A.D.55 An officer named Droa gave him
some donation. Narendrasena and Nayasena were well versed in Grammar. In the
inscription56 of 1066 A.D., Bharaka ntinandi
of Candrikvaa has been mentioned. The name Mulasamgha is given but not of
Senagaa.
The third sub-division
Pustakagachchha of Senagaa is found in the inscription of the 14th century A.D.
A lineage of the eleven cryas has been given in it. There is a mention
of Samdhimaraa of Laksmsena and of Mnasena, disciple of
Lakmisena.
Thirteen inscriptions of the
Senagaa from the eighth to seventeenth centuries are known. Five inscriptions
from the 12th to the 15th century of this Gaa were found at Hire
vali.This proves that Hire vali
was a great centre of this Gaa. In the inscription of the 13th century
A.D., Kundakundanvaya was associated with Senagaa. From the 15th century
onwards, its influence gradually decreased.
Srastha Gaa A Gaa named Srastha of the
Mlasagha was famous. This Gaa is known from the
inscriptions.57 It is mentioned as Srastha,
Surstra, and Srastha. It appears that the monks of this Gaa might have
lived in Surashra from the beginning. Hence, this name was given. It is
possible that there might be some region of Sursra in South India, from where
the Munis might have derived this name. The first mention of this Gaa
is in the inscription58 of 962 A.D. in which Mlasagha has
been associated with Dravia Sagha. The lineage of the saints namely
Prabhcandra, Kalneledeva, Ravicandra, Ravinadi and Elcrya has been decribed.
The Ganga ruler Marasiha II donated a village to Elcrya. The inscriptions of
this Gaa from the 11th to the 13th century are found. No Kundakundanvaya
has been found in the inscriptions of this Gaa.
Two sub-divisions of the Srastha
Gaa are known Krra Gachchha and Chitrakunvaya. There is only one
inscription59 dated 1007 A.D. in which Arhanandi
Paita has been described. There are ten inscriptions of
Chitraknvaya.
The first
inscription60 is dated 1071 A.D. in which some
donation given to ishy of Sri Nandi Pandita has been described.
The thrid inscription61 is dated 1074 A.D. in which some
donation given to rya Pandita, pupil of Arhanandi has been mentioned.
The next two inscriptions62 give the lineage of this Aanvaya
Vsupjya, Harinandi and Ngachandra. Harinandi and Ngacandra got some
donation in 1148 A.D. That the Srastha gaa was in existence from the tenth to
the twelfth century is known from fourteen inscriptions.
The donation of village to Elcrya
of this Gaa has been mentioned in the Kdalra Copper plate
inscription.63 In this inscription dated 963, the
names of early cryas are given Prabhchandra, Kalneledeva,
Ravicandra, and Ravinandi. In three inscriptions64 of the 13th century Adalageri,
Ngachandra, Nandibharaka and Jayakriti of this Gaa have been
mentioned. These are the memorials of the Samdhimaraa of those
Saints
Kra Gaa Kragaa is similar to Kaura
Gaa the Ypanyas. Both Kura and Kandra reveals a particular place, from
where the group of monks of this Gaa derived this name. The earliest
inscription of this Gaa belongs to the tenth century
A.D.65 It describes the teachers lineage,
and mentions some donation given to the disciple of crya Municandra.
The inscriptions of this Gaa up to the 14th century are available. From the
inscription, it is known that in the 11th and 12th centuries, Gaa king
Bhujabala, Gagavarmadeva, his queen Gaga Mahadevi and four sons were devotees of the cryas of this
Gaa and honoured them by the charities.
Three sub-divsions of Krra
Gaa are known (i) Tintri Gachchha, (ii) Meshapsha Gachchha are
(iii) Pustaka Gachchha.
Tintrin Gachchha There are six
inscriptions66 of Tintrigachchha. The first two
belong to the twelfth century A.D. and they describe Meghacandra and Parvatamuni
cryas. The thrid is dated 1207 A.D. and it mentions some donation given
to Bharaka Anantakrti. The fourth inscription67 dated 1556 A.D. mentions Devakrti,
Municandra and Devacandra.
The inscription68 dated 1130 of Meapaa gachchha
describes crya Kulacandra or Prabhcandra, and another
inscription69 is concerned with Vasadik.
There are inscriptions of Meshapsha gachchha70 and Tintrinka
gachchha71. Meapaa means stone
meant for sitting of goats. It seems to be a particular place from where the
saints of this Gaa might be somehow related. Tintriika was a
name of the tree. An inscription of the Pustaka Gachchha is dated 1150 A.D.72 The existence of this Gaa
from the tenth to the sixteenth century is known from sixteen
inscriptions.
Baltkra Gaa Looking at the resemblance,
Baltkragaa originated from Balihri or Balahragaa of the Ypaniya. Balihra
or Balagra appears to be territorial in nature. There was a village named
Balagra in South India.73 The earliest
inscription74 of Baltkragaa is dated 1071 A.D.
It mentions the names of eight cryas. Another inscription75 of 1075 mentions Anantakrti,
disciple of Municanda of Chitrakmnya of this gaa.
Anotherinscription76 mentions the names of three
cryas. There is mention of Tribhuvanacandra in the
inscription77 dated 1074 A.D. Next important
inscriptions of this Gaa are of the 13th century78. In the 14th century, Baltkaragaa
is found associated with Sarasvatgachchha. In the inscriptions of the later
half of the 14th century, there was special influence of this Gaa. The
kings of the Vijayanagara kingdom honoured them. An inscription79 of the reign of Vra Bukkyarya
mentions crya Sihanandi as
Rjaguru and Maalcrya. Another
inscription80 mentioning Nandisagha with
Mlasagha and Srasvata gachchha with Baltkra gaa is important. Inscriptions
of Kraja branch and its Ltra sub-branch of Baltkargaa of the South were
discovered at Ukhalada.
Nigamnvaya : An
inscription81 of Mlasagha-Niganvaya is dated
1310 A.D. It records the installation of an image by
Kadeva.
Ypana Sagha : According to the Daranasra
of Devasena- Sri, Ypanya Sagha was established by vetambara rkalaa
in V.S. 205 at Kalya town in Gulbarga District in Kartaka. Like vetmbaras,
it recognized the existence of sacred books and believed that women could attain
salvation and saints could take food after attaining omniscience. At the same
time, it was, like the Digambaras, against using clothes and it followed the
rules and regulations of Digambara ascetics. They used the bunch of peacock
feathers. It appears that this Sagha was a connecting link between the
Digambaras and the vetmbaras. This Sagha produced several renowned
scholars such as Aparjita, Plyakrti kayana and
Vimalasuri.
The Ypanya Sagha received the
royal patronage from the kings of Kadamba, Chlukya, Gaga, Rshrakta and
Baa dynasties. These kings donated lands to this Sagha and its
saints. The Kadamba ruler
Migeavar (470-490 A.D.) performed pious deed by donating land at the place
Palsik to this Sagha along with other Saghas namely
Nirgranthas and Krchakas82 Ravivarm, son of the above Kadamba
king, donated the Purukheaka village in donation to Kumradatta, the main
crya of this Sagha.83 Yuvarja Devavarm of the second
branch of the Kadamba dynasty also granted some lands to this
Sagha84. Some Kadamba
inscriptions85 inform that the influence of
Ypanya Sagha at the time early Kadamba kings was great.
We learn about the Gaas and
Gachchhas of Yapaniya-Sagha from some inscriptions86. In the Sect of the Ypanyas,
Nandi Sagha was the main, and also the oldest. The names of the cryas
of this Sagha were particularly Nandyanta and
Kirtyanta.87 Nandisamgha was divided into
several Ganas. Among them Kanakopala Sabhta Viksha Mla
Gaa88, Sri Mlamla Gaa89 and Pugaviksha
Mlagaa90 were important. The names of the
Gaas were connected with some trees. The lineage of the cryas
of Kanakopalasambhutavika Mlagaa, as mentioned in the
inscription91 dated 488 A.D. is as follows
:
Siddhanandi, Chitakcrya (who had
five hundred disciples), Ngadeva and Jinanandi. A feudatory named Smiyra of
Sendraka dynasty of Chlukya king Jayasiha after constructing Jaina temple for
Jinanandi donated a village and some land. Chandranandi, Kumranandi, Krtinandi
and Vimalachandrchrya are mentioned in the inscription92. This inscription refers to
Eregitturagaa and Pulikalagachchha. At the preaching of Vimalcandrcrya, a
Smanta Nirgundarja Paramagla during fifty year reign of the Gaga
ruler r Purusha after constructing Jaina temple and freeing people from all
taxes granted a village in charity. The lineage of the cryas of Punnga
Viksha Mla Gaa in the inscription93 is given as
follows
r Kitycrya, Kavilcrya,
Vijayakrti and Arhakrti. At the request of his feudatory Ckirja, the
Rshraka king Prabhrita Varsha Govinda III donated a village named
Jlamagala to Arakakrti for the management of a Jaina temple in 812 AD.
crya Plyakrti, author of the Skatyana Vykarana of the
Ypanya Sagha lived during the time of Amghavarsha. Palyakrti was either a
disciple or a religious associate of Arkakrti. In the
inscription94 of 1108 A.D., we find Puagavksha
Mlagaa as branch of the Mulasagha which was afterwards it was absorbed by the
Mlasagha.
Like Karaka, Ypanya Sagha was
popular even in Tamil Province. Koimauvaga of Nandi Gacchha (Sagha) of the
Ypanyas is mentioned in the inscription95 and its cryas were
Jinanandi, Divkara and r Mandiradeva (Dhradeva). Dhradeva was the
Adhishtht (Builder) of the Kaakmaraa Jinlaya. At the request of
commander (Kaakarja) Durgarja. Ambharja II of the Early Clukya Dynasty,
donated a village to that temple for the Yapanya Sgha. In another
inscription,96 the lineage of the cryas
of Akaligacchha Balaharigaa has been given as follows Sakalacandra,
Ayyapoti and Arhanandi. Ambharja II donated a village named Kalucumbaru on
Attilinadu province for repairing of the kitchen of Sarvalokraya
Jinlaya. It appears that Balahrigaa and Akaligaccha belonged to the
Ypanyas. Balahri or Balagragaa is mentioned in the
inscription97 of the later half of the eleventh
century A.D. in the form of Baltkragana of the
Mulasagha.
In the inscriptions of the kings of
Raa dynasty, we find two names of the Gaas of the Ypanyas
Kreyagaa and Karagaa. Indrakrti (disciple of Guakirti), teacher of the
first ruler Pithvrma of the Raa dynasty, belonged to the Ypanya Sagha.
In another inscritpion,98 Kreyagaa is mentioned, and
Mailpnvaya in place of Mailpatrtha. The lineage of the saints of Kreyagaa
Mailpa Anvaya is as follows Mlabharaka Guakrti, Indra Krti,
Ngachandra, Jinacandra, ubhakrti and Devakrti. Gaga feudatory of some
Amoghavara king after constructing Jaina temple donated a village to Muni
Devakrti. The existence of Kadra Gaa of the Ypanyas is known from the
two inscriptions99 of Raa kings. The lineage of the
teachers of Karagaa of the Ypanyas is given as below Devacandra,
Devasiha, Ravicandra, Arhanandi, ubhacandra, Maunideva and Prabhcandra
Deva.
From the inscriptions of the
Ypanyas, it is learnt, that it remained well organized from the fifth to the
fifteenth century A.D. There were several influential Gaas in it. Later
on, Punnga Viksha Mulagaa, Balahrigaa and Kara Gaa joined the
Mulasagha, Nandi sagha, Draviasagha first, but were afterwards absorbed in the
Mlasagha.
There is a copper plate
inscription100 of the early sixth century A.D. of
the Ypanyas. It belongs to Ganga king Avinta. It records the donation of a
temple installed by Yavanika Sagha.
There is mention of Kumili or Kumudi
gaa of Ypanya Sagha in four inscriptions101. The first
inscription102 of the ninth century A.D. describes
Amara Mudala Guru, disciple of the Acarya Mahvra. He got built Deavallabha
Jinlaya in the north of the village Kreppkkam. In another
inscription103 dated 1045 A.D., some cryas
of this Gaa have been described. At this time, an official name
Chvua got a Jinlaya constructed. Other two
inscriptions104 are of uncertain time. These are
Niidhi inscriptions. The first inscription is the memorial of
Samadhimaraa of nta Vradeva of this
Gaa.
There are four
inscriptions105 of Punngavrikshamlagaa of the
Ypanya Sagha. The first inscription dated 1044 records the donation to
Blachandra crya of this gaa for the newly constructed
Jinlaya in Pulinagara. It also mentions donation to Rmacandra crya
in 1145 A.D. The next inscription106 is dated 1165 A.D., and the lineage of the teachers is given.
The commander Klaa of the ilhra king Vijayditya after constructing a
Jinlaya at Ekkasambuge city made some donation to Vijayakrti for it.
The inscription107 dated 1096 A.D. records some
donation to Paita Crukrti, disciple of Munichandra Traividya of
Viksha Mlagaa. In an inscription108 of the time not definite, there is
mention of the temple of Kusuma Jinlaya of
Vikamlagaa.
The Kaura gaa of the Ypanya
Sagha is mentioned in three inscriptions.109 The first is of the early twelfth
century A.D., and it describes the four cryas namely Bhubali,
ubhacandra, Maunideva and Maghanandi. There is a reference to a temple of this
gaa in the inscription of the 13th century. The third inscription mentions a Jaina image of this
time. The reference to Kreyagaa of Ypanya Sagha is in the
inscription110 of the early twelfth century A.D.
Mla Bharaka and Jinadevasri were the cryas of this
Gaa.
Ypanya sagha has been mentioned
in the five inscriptions111 without any reference to Gana
or Gaccha. The first inscription is dated 1060 A.D., and it informs
the lineage of teachers Jayakrti, Ngacandra and Kanakaakti. The next two
inscriptions belong to the twelfth century A.D., and they mention the
Samdhimaraa of Municandra
and his disciple Plyakrti. The last inscription of the 13th century A.D.
refers to Traikrti crya.
The Dharmapur
inscription112 of the eleventh century A.D.
records donation to Mahvra Paita of Vandiyra gaa of Ypnya
Sagha. The Varagala inscription of 1132 A.D. refers to the passing away of
Gunacandra of Mahmuni of this gaa.113 In the Tengal
inscription114 of the twelfth century A.D.,
Vaiyragaa has been mentioned. The disciple of crya of Ngavra of
this gaa installed in image115. The four inscriptions of this
Gaa belong from 980 A.D. to the 13th century.
Krcaka Sagha : The Krcaka Sagha was in
existence in Karataka during the fifth century A.D. along with the Yapaniya
Sagha as is guided from the inscriptions of the Kadamba rulers. As the Monks of
this Sagha had beard-mustache, it was called Krchaka.
In the Kadamba
inscription115, Krcaka Sagha is mentioned
along with the Nirgranthas and the Ypaniyas. Kadamba ruler Mrigeavarm granted
land to the Krcakas along with the Ypanyas and the Nirgranthas. In an
inscription116, Vrasnecrya Sagha, a branch of
the Krcakas, has been mentioned Kadamba king Harivarm at the preaching of
ivaratha donated a village named Vasuntavtaka for the worship of a Jaina
temple built by Miges, son of the Senapati Siha and for hra
(food) or Sarvasagha. In the inscription117, there is mention of one more
ramana Sagha named Aharishi to which at the request of Sendraka
feudatory Bhauakti, Kadamba King Harivarm donated a village named
Marade.
Dravida Samgha : A group of Jaina Saints residing
in Draviadea was known as Drviasagha. In the inscriptions, it is mentioned
as Dravia, Dravia, Dravia, Drvia, Davila and Tibula. Draviadea
covers the modern Andhra and Madras region which is called Tamiladea. According to the
Daranasra of crya Devasena, Drviasagha, was established by
Vajranandi disciple of Pjyapda at Madura in the South in V.S. 526. Generally,
most of the inscriptions of this Sagha belong to the kings of Koglva
dynasty, ntara dynasty and Hoysala dynasties. These inscriptions inform that
Drviasagha received royal patronage from the kings of these dynasties. Most
of the inscriptions of this Sagha belong to the kings of Hoysala dynasty. It is
learnt from these inscriptions that crya of this Sagha contributed to
the propagation of worship of Padmvati. The monks of this Sagha renovated the
Vasadis or Jaina temples in which they were living, gave
hradna, and managed lands, Jgira etc.
The early inscriptions of Drva
Sagha were found at Agadi (Solebraan), the origin place of the Hoysalas. In
one inscription119 dated 990 of this place, this
Sagha was written as Draviasagha Koakundnvaya and in another
inscription120 dated 1040 as Mlasagha
Dravidnvaya. But in the inscriptions121 of the later half of the eleventh
century A.D., it has been mentioned Draviagaa along with Nandisagha I
Sagalnvaya or Arugalnvaya. In the beginning, Dravida Sagha reamined
associated with Mlasagha or Kundakundnvaya but afterwords, it came to be
related with the Nandisagha of the Ypanyas. When Draviagaa became
influential, it became Drvia Sagha. The discovery of early inscriptions of
the Hoysalas at Agdi (Solebra) proves that they might have contributed to
strengthen the Drabida Sagha. In some inscriptions of Nandisagha,
Arugalnvaya has been mentioned. Arugala is the name of the place in
Gudiyapattana Tluk of Tamila Province. The combined name Dravia
Sagha, Nandi Sagha Arugalnvaya informs that it was the Nandisagha of Tamil
province, and Nandisamgha originated from Arungala. From the Nandisagha of the
Ypanyas came into existence the Nandisagha of Drvida Sagha. In the eleventh
and twelfth centuries, the seats of the Munis of this Sagha were Mullra
of Konglva kingdom and Hummach, capital of ntara Kings. The
inscriptions122 found at Hummach inform about
several cryas of this Sagha reya Pandita, Sudharm,
Kamalabhadra, Vdhbhasiha and Ajitasena Pandita.
An inscription123 of Nandigaa Arugala Anvaya of
Drvia Sagha belongs to the eleventh century A.D. The lineage of ntamuni,
Vdirja and Vardhamna has been given in it. The next
inscription124 of this Anvaya is dated 1192
A.D. and it describes about Vajaranandi, disciple of Vsapjya. In an
inscription125 of the 14th century A.D., the
lineage of the Anvaya-rpla, Padmaprabha and Dharmasena is known. In three
inscriptions126 of the Drvia Sagha, Arugala
Anvaya has not been mentioned.
The Vajrakhea copper plate
inscriptions127 dated 915 A.D. record the donation
of village to Vardhamna guru, disciple of Lekabhadra of Vragaa-Vrnya
Anvaya of Dravi Sagha. Amoghavasati of Chandanpur and Uriammavasati of
Vaanera were looked after by them. It is the oldest of all the available
inscriptions so far available. Varnita Viragana Vrayya Anvaya is not
found mentioned in any other inscription. It is the first and only inscription
of the Drvia Sagha found outside Mysore Pradea. The Pudra
inscription128 dated 1087 A.D. records the
donation of land to crya Kanakasena for Pallava Jinlaya. The
Ujjili inscription129 dated 1167 A.D. mentions the
donation of land to Indrasena crya of Drvida Sagha Senagana Kairra
gachchha. The association of Snagaa with Drva-Sagha was not known earlier.
Earlier Senagaa was told related with Mlasagha and Kairra gaccha with
Surstha gaa. The inscription130 dated 1194 A.D. is the last of this
collection. It was discovered from Yetina hatti and it records the death of crya
Ajitasena.
Kshth Sagha There is a controversy among
scholars about the origin of the Kshh Sagha. Devasena, an author of the
tenth century A.D., mentions in the Daranasra that Kumrasena
established the Kshh Sagha in the south. In two
inscriptions,131 its name has been mentioned Kch
Sagha. It has been written in the Vacanakoa of the 17th century that
Lohcrya, Pattadhara of Umsvm established this Sagha at Amaroh in
North India. According to Kamta
Prasad,132 Kshth Sagha originated from
Kshh village near Mathura located on the bank of the river Yamun. The main
gacchas or branches of the Kshh Sagha were Nanditala, Mthura, Vgaa and
Lavgaa.
Jambkhanda, Gaa Jambkhaagaa has been mentioned
in the inscription133 of the sixth-seventh century A.D.
Sentraka king Indraanda donated something to crya
ryanandi.
Sihavra Gaa There is an
inscription134 dated 860 A.D. of Sihavra gaa.
It records some donation by king Amoghavarsha to crya Nganandi of this
Gaa.
It seems that there was not much
difference in the functiong of the Sahas, Gaas and Gacchas
of the South. Munis of these organizations go constructed temples and
Mathas (Monasteries). They received the donation of the villages, lands,
gardens, houses etc. They
participated in discussions of the royal courts. Incidentally, they helped the
kings to manage the affairs of their kingdoms. They tried to increase the
influence of Jainism even by Mantra Sdhan, Astrology and
Medicines.
vetmbara Gachchhas of North India
During Medieval Period
The number of vetmbara Gachchhas
was originally 84 but it seems to be only conventional. Neither the castes nor
the Gachchhas were founded at one time. They came into existence at
different times. Some names of the Gachchhas have no significance but
were added simply to make their number 84. This increase in number started about
the eleventh century A.D. At present, their number seems to be about one hundred
fifty. Most of these Gachchhas originated in Rajasthan, but a few in
Gujarat. The cryas of these Gachchhas are known to have performed the
consecration ceremony of images and temples at different times and places. These
gachchhas originaged in different ways. Some of the gachchhas were named after
certain good deeds by certain persons while others named after influential
persons. Some of the ancient Kulas in course of time were also converted
into the Gacchas. The Gacchas are also territorial in
origin.
Rajasthan
Actional
Gachchhas
(1) Bihad
Gachchha
Uddyotana Suri bestowed the
designation of 'Sri' on the eight monks including Devasri under the shade of a
large banian tree at a village Teli situated at Mount Abu. According to the
opinion of some, the designation of the (highest priest) was conferred only on
Sarvadevasuri. As the designation was conferred under the banian tree, the
Nirgrantha Gaccha began to be called Vaa Gaccha. Vaa Gachcha is known also by
another name Brihad Gaccha.135 The earliest inscription of 1086
A.D. of this Gaccha in Rajasthan is found at Kotar in Sirohi
State.136 The next early inscription of 1158
A.D. is found at Ndol in Marwar.137 From the inscriptions it seems that
it became popular in Sirohi138 and Marwar States in the 12th, 13th
and 14th centuries. The inscriptions
of the 14th and 15th centuries of this Gaccha are also found Udaipur and
Jaisalmer.139
(2) Kharatara Gaccha
Kharatara Gaccha is the most famous and influential Gaccha. Jinevarasri by
defeatng the Chaityavss in the royal court of Durlabharja got the title
'Kharatara' in 1017 A.D. From him started the Kharatara Gaccha.140 It arose outside Rajasthan but
gathered a large number of followers here. In course of time, it was divided
into many branches.The inscriptions of this Gaccha are found in the different
parts of Rajasthan. But it remained dominant in Jaisalmer from the 14th century
to the 19th century.141 The chryas of this Gaccha
installed several images and wrote many works.
(3) Tap Gaccha : Jagacandra
Sri was not only a scholar but he
was also a great ascetic practising penances. He accepted the
penance of doing 'yambil'
for the whole life and passed twelve years in this way. Seeing it, Jaitra Simha,
the king of Mewar, gave him the title of Tap (which means a real ascetic) in
1228 A.D. From this time, Nirgrantha Gaccha got another name of Tap
Gaccha.142 The saints of this Gaccha
contributed considerably to the growth of Jainism. Later on, it was also divided
into many branches. Viddha Pauslika Tap-Gaccha started from Vijayacandra who
was the pupil of Jagacandra Sri. From Devendra Suri, there started the Laghu
Pauslika Tap-Gaccha. Vijayacandra Suri was indolent in the performance of
religious rites while Devendra Sri devoted himself to the performance of the
purifying rites and contributed to the development of Jainism.143 The images installed by the cryas
of this Gaccha are found in different parts of Rajasthan. But still, it remained
strong in Sirohi,144 Mewar and
Jaisalmer.145
(4) Achala Gaccha :
Vijayachanda Updhyya was the first person to start a Gaccha called Vidhipakha
in order to support the pure rites. Once the merchant Ko went to Ptan. While
performing the rites of paikkamaa, he used the edge of his cloth in
bowing down instead of using the 'mubhapa' (a piece of cloth kept on
the mouth by the Jaina ascetics). Kumrapla asked him the reason of this. The
Guru told him about Vidhi-paksha (the new sect) and then
Kumrapla used the edge of his cloth (called chala in Gujarti) in saluting.
Thence forward, Vidhi-pakha was called chala
Gaccha.146
This Gaccha started in 1166 A.D.
outside Rajasthan but it spread in Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jrual in Sirohi State
and Nagara in Marwar in the 15th century A.D. as known to us from the
inscriptions. Several cryas of this Gaccha composed important works and
celebrated the consecration of many images.147
(5) Primiy Gaccha and Srdha
Primiy Gaccha : From Prim, it seems to be named Primiy Gaccha.
Srdha Primiy system started in 1179 A.D. The great king Kumrapla once
asked Hemachandra to call the leader of the Primiy Gaccha in order to inquire
whether its followers acted according to the Jaina holy books or not. The leader
of the Gaccha was called and questioned by Kumrapla. But he could not give
satisfactory answers, so the ascetics of the Gaccha were asked to go into exile.
After the death of Kumrapla, Sumatisiha, the chrya of the Gaccha, came to
Ptan. On being asked by the people about his Gaccha, he said, 'We belong to
Srdha Primiya Gaccha.' The followers of this system do not worship a Jaina
shrine with fruits.148 It originated outside Rajasthan but
it gathered the followers here also. It remained very dominant in the 15th
century in Jaisalmer and Sirohi States as it is known to us from the
inscriptions. Its inscriptions are also found at Jodhpur and Nagaur in Marwar,
Ajmer and Udaipur.149
(6) gamika Gaccha :
laguasri and Devabhadrasri were the two cryas who belonged to Primiy
Gaccha. They joined the cala Gaccha, but they soon left it and started their
own sect. They taught that prayers should not be offered to Ketra
Devat. Besides this, they propounded some new theories and gave the name of
gamika Gaccha to their section.150 This sect either started in 1157
A.D., or 1193 A.D., but in Rajasthan it spread in the 15th century A.D. It was
prevalent in Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Jaipur and Nagaur, Barmer and Osi in Marwar
State and Sirohi State.151
Kula Gacchas
:
(1) Candra Gaccha : Candra
Kula in course of time was converted into Candra Gaccha. Its name is also
mentioned in the inscription of 1182 A.D. at Jlor in Marwar.152 It seems to have been in existence
from 1125 A.D. to 1435 A.D. in Sirohi State as known to us from the
inscriptions.153
(2) Ngendra Gaccha : From
Ngendra Kula, it became famous as Ngendra Gaccha. The preceptor of the founder
of Aahilapura-ptan named laguasri also belongs to this Gaccha. The
earliest inscription of 1031 A.D. of this Gaccha in Rajasthan is found at Osi
in Marwar.154 It became dominant at Jaisalmer
from the 13th century to the 16th century. It was in existence at Pl, Nagaur,
Sirohi and Udaipur at this time.155
(3) Nivtti Gaccha : Probably
Nivitti Kula in course of time began to be called Nivitti Gaccha. In the early
inscriptions discovered in Sirohi State, Nivitti-kula is
mentioned,156 but in the inscriptions of 1412
A.D. on the metal image of Stalantha at Udaipur, Nivitti Gaccha is
mentioned.157
Gacchas Named after Influential
Persons
(1) Kharatara Gaccha : The
Kharatara Gaccha in course of time was divided into many branches which were
started after the influential persons. Bhvahara Kharatara Skh is the 7th
Gacchabheda, and it was founded by Bhvaharshopdhyya.158 In 1643 A.D., there originated the
Ragavijaya Kharatara kh from Ragavijaya Gai. This is the 9th Gaccha-bheda,
and from this kh sprang the rsrya Kharatara kh founded by
rsropdhyya as the tenth Gaccha-bheda.159 It seems to have remained in
existence at Jaipur in the 19th century.
(2) Tat Gaccha : In course
of time, the Tap Gaccha was also divided into many branches. Some of the
branches were named after the great cryas. After the demise of crya Mahrja
Vijayasena Sri, there were the five divisions in Tap Gaccha after the names of
cryas. One was formed by the followers of crya Mahrja Deva Sri and known
as Deva Sri Gaccha. The second formed by the followers of crya nanda Sri
was known as nanda Sri Gaccha. The third division known as Sgara Gaccha was
organized in 1629 A.D. by crya Rja Sgara Sri. The fourth division named
Vimala Gaccha was named after Vimala Sri in 1692 A.D. The fifth division known
as Saveg Gaccha was created by Pannysa Satya Vijayaj Gai.160
Prvantha Gaccha is also a branch
of Tap Gaccha. An intelligent man called Prva Candra took initiation under
r Sdhuratna Sri of Ngauri Tap Gaccha in 1515 A.D. About some courses of
conduct, he differed from his perceptor and aptly preached his view vigorously.
His Gaccha was named after his own name.161 He too believed in image worship,
and images have been consecrated by himself and other saints of the
Gaccha.
The saint Kisharshi founded
Kisharshi Gaccha, a branch of Tap Gaccha. The earliest mention of it is found
in the inscription of 1426 A.D. at Jrval in Sirohi State.162 The next mention of it is found in
the inscription of 1468 A.D. of Nagaur in Marwar.163 In the 15th century, this Gaccha
was in existence at Jaisalmer.164
Kamala Kalaa is also a branch of
the Tap Gaccha and it became separated as Kamala Kalaa in the 16th century. It
seems to have reamined popular in Sirohi State as known from the
inscriptions.165
(3) Gaccha of this Type in Sirohi
State : From the name of the chrya
Pishplchrya, it was known Pishplchrya Gaccha. It was in existence
in Sirohi State from 1151A.D. as it is known from the
inscriptions.166 Mahendra Sri Gaccha came into
existence after the name of the crya Mahendra Sri. It is mentioned in the
inscription of the 13th century at Ajr in Sirohi State.167 mradevcrya Gaccha was named
after mradevcrya. It was in existence at Ajri and Lota in Sirohi State in
the 11th century. From the inscriptions, it seems that it was associated with
Nivitti Kula.168
(4) Gaccha of this Type in
Jodhpur State : From the Achrya Prabhkara, it became famous as Prabhkara
Gaccha. It is mentioned in the inscription of 1515 A.D. found at Mert in
Marwar.169 The name of Kaaumati Gaccha became
famous after the name of Kavha in 1505 A.D. The name of this Gaccha is
mentioned in the inscription of 1626 A.D. of Osia.170
(5) Common Gaccha Found in the
States : Dharmaghosha Gaccha was named after Dharmaghoa Sri probably in
the 12th or 13th century. It became dominant at places such as Jaisalmer,
Udaipur and Nagaur in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.171
From Bhvadeva Sri, Bhvadevchrya
Gaccha was named. Bhvadra Gaccha and Bahaa Gachha also seem to be of the
above type. The earliest mention of its is found in the inscription of 1157 A.D.
discovered at a village Sver in Sirohi State.172 From the 13th century to 15th
century, the existence of this Gaccha in Jaisalmer is known from the
inscriptions.173
Malladhr Gaccha was called after
Malladhr crya. It remained in existence from the 13th century to the 16th
century at the places such as Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Sirohi
State.174
Vidydhara Gaccha was probably named
after Vidydhara Sri. From the 14th century to the 17th century, it seems to
have been in existence in Rajasthan. Its inscriptions are found at Osia and
Nagaur in Marwar, N in Sirohi State and Jaisalmer.175
Probably, Vijaya Gaccha was named
after Vijayadeva Sri. There is an inscription of 1642 A.D. found at Bhraja in
Sirohi State.176 Another inscription of 1661 A.D. is
found at Blotar in Marwar.177 In the 19th century, a person
belonging to Alwar of this Gaccha performed the installation ceremony of the
image.178
Rmaseniya Gaccha was probably named
after Rmasena. The earliest inscription of 1401 A.D. of this Gaccha is found at
Nagur in Marwar.179 It seems to have been in existence
in Mewar in the 15th
century.180
Yaa Sri Gaccha was established
after the name of the crya Yaa Sri. The inscription of 1185 A.D. of this
Gaccha was found out at Ajmer.181
Territorias
Gacchas
(1) Gacchas Originated from the
Places in Sirohi State : Sirohi State remained the stronghold of the Jaina
religion in early Hindu period. It was, therefore, natural that the Gacchas were
named after the places thereof. Madhaa Gaccha became famous from the village
Mara in Sirohi State. The oldest inscription of 1230 A.D. of this Gaccha has
been found at Mara, the place of its origin.182 The large number of inscriptions of
this Gaccha discovered in Sirohi State indicate that this area remained the
stronghold of this Gaccha.183 In the 14th and 15th centuries, it
was also prevalent in Jaisalmer and Udaipur.184
Nnavla Gaccha and Jnakya Gaccha
seem to be the one and the same Gaccha. It seems to have originated from the
village named N in Sirohi State. Numerous inscriptions from the 11th century
to the 15th century discovered in Sirohi State indicate that it was the centre
of this Gaccha.185 It was in existence at Jaisalmer
from the 13th to 15th
century.186 In the 15th and 16th centuries, it
was found in Mewar.187
According to the Pavali,
Jirval Gaccha is a branch of Bihad Gaccha. It originated from the place named
Jirvali in Sirohi State. It was even in existence in the 14th century at the
very place of its origin.188
Brhama Gaccha among the Jainas
originated from the place Varmna the ancient name of which was Brhamaa
Mahsthna. The centre of this Gaccha was the region of Sirohi State from the
12th century to the 16th century A.D. as it is clear from a large number
inscriptions discovered in this area.189 It was found at Varmna in the 12th
century A.D. The Jaina temple of Mahvira of this place belonged to this Gacha,
and it was built in 1185 A.D. or even before by the rvakas or lay disciples.
The inscription of 1185 A.D. records that Puniga and other rvakas constructed
Padmail of the temple, of Mahvra of Brhamaa Gaccha.190 There is an inscription of 1087
A.D. with the name of this Gaccha found at Pl in Marwar.191 This Gaccha was prevalent in Mewar
in the 14th and 15th centuries and in the 15th and 16th centuries, it was in
existence at Jaisalmer.192
Kcholi Gaccha seems to be connected
with the place named Kchol in Sirohi State. It was a branch of the
Prnim-paka. It was in existence in Sirohi State in the 14th and 15th
centuries.193
(2) Gaccha Originated from the
Places in Marwar : Upakea Gaccha was named after Osi in Marwar. The
inscription of 1202 A.D. with the name of this Gaccha has been also discovered
at this place.194 There is also the inscription of
1137 A.D. found at the village Ajr in Sirohi State.195 It remained popular from the 13th
to the 16th century in Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Sirohi States as a very large
number of the inscriptions have been discovered here.196
The name of Koraaka Gaccha was
given after Koraa in Marwar. The earliest inscription of this Gaccha of 1031
A.D. has been found out at Pav in Sirohi State.197 From this time to the 16th century
it remained in existence in this area.198 From the 14th century to the 16th
century, it was also prevalent in Jaisalmer.199
Saer in Marwar is supposed to be
the original seat of Saeraka Gaccha, founded by Yaodeva Sri who came from
Kathiawar because of the fear of the Mlecchas. He settled with the people at the
tank. He saw a fight between the bull and the lion in which the bull emerged
victorious. The village and Gaccha were named as Saeraka Gaccha. This Gaccha
spread much in the different parts of Rajasthan. It was in existence at Nol in
Marwar in the 12th century.200
In
the 15th century, it was dominant in Jaisalmer. From the 14th century to the
16th century, it was prevalent in Mewar.5
From the place named Hatikud in
Marwar, Hastikud Gaccha became famous. It is mentioned in the inscription of
1396 A.D. of Udaipur.202
Chaitravla Gaccha and Chaitra
Gaccha seem to be identical. They possibly originated from the place named
Chaitravla-nagara in Marwar. They prevailed in Jaisalmer and Udaipur from the
13th to the 16th century.203
Pallivla Gaccha originated from
Pl of Marwar. It is known both as Pallivla Gaccha and Plli Gaccha. Palli
Gaccha is mentioned in the inscription of 1405 A.D. at Jaisalmer and of 1451
A.D. at Jaipur.204 Pallivla Gaccha is found in two
incriptions of the 15th century found at Ajmer.205
Ngapurya Gaccha originated from
Nagaur in Marwar. The disciple of the famous Vdideva Sri named Padma Prabha
Sri practised hard austerities at Nagaur in 1117 A.D. and he was therefore
given the title Ngaurya Tapa.
Harshapurya Gaccha, a branch of Sr Prvanthakula,
originated probably from the place named Harsaur situated between Ajmer and
Pushkar. Some of the chryas of this Gaccha were very powerful and had great
influence over their contemporary rulers. At the request of Abhayadeva Sri, the
Cauhna ruler Phvrja I of kambhar, who lived in 1105 A.D., put the golden
cupolas on the Jaina temples of Rathambho.206 His pupil was Maladhr Hemachandra
who had influence over Jayasiha Siddharja of Gujarat. The name of this Gaccha
is mentioned in the inscription of 1498 A.D. found at Nagaur.207
Maovara Gaccha is a branch of the
Kharatara Gaccha. In 1745 A.D., this branch became separated from Jinamahendra
Sri at Maovara and therefore was named Maovara Skh.208
(3) Gacchas Originated from the
Places in Mewar : Bhartipurya Gaccha orginated from the village
Bhartipura now known as Bhaevara in Mewar. It was founded by Bhartibhaa, the
father of the famous king Allaa, in the 10th century A.D. This Gaccha is
mentioned in an inscription of the 13th century.209 Ratnapurya Gaccha was originally a
branch of Maha Gaccha, but afterwards, it became a separate Gaccha after
Ratanapura in Mewar. It is mentioned in the inscription of 1453 A.D. on the
metal image found in the Jaina temple of Udaipur.210
(4) Gacchas Originated from the
Other Known Places : Kmyaka Gaccha originated from Km in Bharatpur State.
It is said that there was a Kmyaka forest in this area. It is mentioned in the
Bayn stone inscription of 1043 A.D. The names of the Jaina teachers Vishu
Sri and Mahevara Sri are mentioned.211 Rudrapalliya Gaccha is a branch of
the Kharatara Gaccha. In 1147 A.D. at Rudrapalli, it was founded by
Jinaekharchrya.212 It is said to have originated from
the place named Rudrapalli near Delhi. In the 15th century it spread at Nagaur
and Blotar in Marwar and Jaisalmer.213
(5) Gacchas Originated from
Unknown Places : There are some regional Gacchas but the places of their
origin have not been definitely identified. Ppplaka Gaccha is also one of the
branches of the Kharatara sect. This branch became separated in 1417 A.D. from
Jinavardhana Sri.214 It was connected with the place
Pipplaka and therefore it was named Ppplaka.
It seems that both Humbaa Caste as
well as Gaccha originated from the place named Humbaa which has not been
identified yet. It is mentioned in the inscription of 1396 A.D. of
Udaipur,215 Jalyodhara Gaccha originated from
the village named Jorudra. This name has been mentioned in an inscription of
1156 A.D. which has been discovered at Ajr in Sirohi State.216 This Gaccha was especially
connected with Mohavaa from 1169 A.D., to 1366 A.D.
Bhmapallya Gaccha is a branch of
Prim Gaccha and originated from the village named Bhmapallya. It is,
therefore, known as Bhmapallya Gaccha. It is mentioned in the inscription of
1541 A.D. found at Jodhpur.217 Kuuvapur Gaccha is one of the
branches of Tap Gaccha. It started from the place named Kuuvapur. It was
prevalent at Nl in the early 16th century. Indranandi of this Gaccha
installed the images in 1512 A.D., 1513 A.D. and 1514 A.D. at this
place.218
Other Remaining
Gaccha
(1) Sub-Branches of Kharatara
Gaccha : It is mentioned in the pavals that Madhukharatara kh was the
first Gaccha-bheda which started in about 1107 A.D. from Jinavallabha Sri.
Laghukharatara Skh, the third schism, was founded by Jina Siha Sri in 1274
A.D. In 1365 A.D., Vega kh took its rise founded by Dharma - Vallabha Gani.
It remained dominant from the 16th century to the 19th century in
Jaisalmer.219 It was the fourth Gaccha-bheda. In
1507 A.D., Acryya Kharatara Skh arose founded by chrya ntisgra in
Marudea. This is the sixth division. In 1629 A.D., there originated the
Laghuvchryya Kharatara kh from chrya Jinasgara Sri occasioned by
Harshanandana, pupil of Samaya Sundara. This is the eighth Gaccha-bheda in the
Kharatara sect.220
(2) Gacchas Found in Marwar :
Marwar remained the chief centre of the Jaina religion, therefore, the followers
of the different Gacchas resided here. Siddhnt Gaccha is mentioned in the
inscription of 1508 A.D. found out at Jodhpur.221 Jpaa Gaccha is mentined in the
inscription of 1477 A.D. of Nagaur.222 An inscription (19th century)
referring to Kavala Gaccha is engraved on the pillar of the Jaina temple at
Rainapura.223 The name of Tvara Gaccha is
found in the inscription of 1442 A.D. of the Jaina temple of Munisuvrata at
Jodhpur.224
(3) Gacchas Found in Jaisalmer
State : In Jaisalmer State, Jainism flourished greatly because of its
situation in the heart of the desert. Vapya Gaccha is mentioned in the two
inscriptions of 1105 A.D. and 1281 A.D. discovered at
Jaisalmer.225 Saravla Gaccha seems to be in
existence the 12th and 13th centuries in the area.226 In 1364 A.D., Ivara Sri of Bhaa
Gaccha performed the installation ceremony of the image of
Sumatintha.227
(4) Gacchas Found in Jaipur State
: Some Gacchas are also found to be mentioned in the inscriptions of Jaipur.
In 1472 A.D., the image of Padmaprabhu was set up by Bhkhara through Vajrevara
Sri of Cacla Gaccha.228
In
1452 A.D., ivarja celebrated the consecrations ceremony of the image of
Kunthuntha through Padmananda of Rja Gaccha.229 Chahiter Gaccha is mentioned in
the inscription of 1555 A.D., found on the Pacatrth in the Jaina temple of
Jaipur.230
(5) Gacchas Found in Mewar :
There are some Gacchas which are not known to have been in existence at any
other place except Mewar. The inscription of 1317 A.D. with the name of Pry
Gaccha is found at Udaipur.231 In 1144 A.D., Kanudeva of
Devbhidita Gaccha performed the installation ceremony of the image through Sla
Sri of Devbhidita Gaccha.232 The inscription of 1439 A.D. with
the name of Nihati Gaccha233 is engraved.
(6) Common Gacchas :
Thrpadrya Gaccha and Thirdr Gaccha seem to be the one and the same
Gaccha. In the 12th century, it was in existence in Sirohi
State.234 In the 15th century, it seems to be
prevalent in Jaisalmer.235
The
earliest mention of Pippala Gaccha is in the inscription of 1151 A.D. found at
Koar in Sirohi State.236
It
was in existence from the 14th century to the 16th century in
Jaisalmer.237 Mahukara Gaccha also seems to be
known by the name of Madhukara Gaccha which is mentioned in the inscription of
1436 A.D. discovered at Rohi in Sirohi State.238 It is also mentioned in the
inscriptions of 1470 A.D. and 1506 A.D. discovered at Alwar and Jaisalmer
respectively239. Bokadiy Gaccha seems to have been
prevalent in the area of Jaipur and Nagaur in the 14th and 15th
centuries.240
Gujarat : That Jamaapura Gaccha originated
from Jamanapura is situated in Mahesana District. This Gaccha is mentioned in a
metal icon of V.S. 1285. The Tharpadra Gaccha, originated from the ancient name
Tharpadra, is located in Banas Kantha District. At present, it is known as Tharda.
Harjagaccha originated from the place Hrjagaccha originated from the place
Hrja in Mehasana District241. The literary evidence for the
existenve of this Gaccha is dated V.S. 1556 (1500 A.D.) while the epigraphical
evidence goes from V.S. 1330 to V.S. 1577. The Alijiya Gaccha is connected
with a place named Alaja, near Ahmedabad.242 Four inscriptions dated V.S. 1136,
V.S. 1207, V.S. 1228 and V.S. 1273 found in the Jaina temple at Badhava
mention this Gaccha. The inscriptions engraved on the Jaina images found at
Palithana, aturunjaya, Cambay, Bharu Kaccha (Gandhara). Anahilavada etc.
mention different Gacchas. Some of them might have originated in
Gujarat.
The followers of the different
vetmbara Gacchas migrated from Rajasthan to the neighbouring regions of Malwa,
Maharashtra and Uttara Pradesh, and settled there. They became prosperous and
performed the installation ceremony of images. They also carried old images with
them and placed them in the temples. Numerous images engraved with the names of
the Gacchaas of the 15th and 16th centuries are noticed. The rvakas of
these Gacchas also got prepared the copies of manuscripts for presentation to
the cryas. It seems that there was nothing like unity in the vetmbara
Jaina Sagha, but on the contrary, it was divided into several Gacchas with
differences. They gradually spread throughout North India. There was no
personality to unite them under One Sagha.
Malv : Tapgaccha became very popular in
Malwa during the 15th and 16th centuries. Next important Gacchas known
were Khaatara, gama, chala and Upakea. The other Gacchas mentioned
in the Jaina inscriptions are Napla, Pali, Bhvada, Nakya, apallya, Nagendra, Korata,
Dharmaghoa, Jrapallya, Rudrapalliya, Brahmaa etc. The main centres of these
Gacchas were Ujjain, Badnawar (Vardhamnapura), Mandu (Mandapadurga) and
Dhar.243
Mahratra : The inscriptions are engraved on
Jaina metal images place in the Jaina temples of Bombay, Nagpur, Amravati,
Akola, Chandv near Nasik, Manamda, Karanja, Wardha, Chlsagva and
Bhadravati244. Some Jaina inscriptions were found
at Dhulia245. These inscriptions give
information about the gacchas. The most popular, in this region, were Tap and
Kharatara Gacchas. The other Gacchas known from the inscriptions of the
metal images were Kurana, Chitra, Bihad, chala, Jirpali, Pali,
Dharmaghosha, Sandera, Kishnarshi, gama, Pippala, Ngendra, Brahmaa,
Bhmapalli, Gynakya, Bhvadra etc.
Uttra Pradea : The inscriptions of Jaina images
found at Banaras, Agra, Ayodhya etc. also give information of these Gacchas such
as Kharatara, Tap, Prnima paka, Maladhr, Dharmaghosha, nchala, Korana,
Brahamaa gama etc.
An important inscription from
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh mentions the names of two Jaina saints belonging to
Rjakula-gaccha which is probably the same as Rjagaccha. The Komalagaccha was
already in existence in Multan.248
Digambara Saghas, Ganas and Gacchas
in the North during the Medieval Period
The Digambara Saghas of the
Medieval period in North-India were Mthura, Vgaa, Ltavgeda and Nandtata.
Besides, there were Kshh Sagha and lasagha. Later on, Mthura, Vgada,
Lavgea and Nandi became the branches of the Kshth-sagha. The lasagha
along with the Baltkragana became powerful from the 14th century onwards. The
cryas of these Saghas performed the installation ceremony of
images and got prepared the copies of the manuscripts. They led pilgrimage to
the holy places along with the rvakas. The image of ntintha was
consecrated by the crya Subhadra who belonged to the line of Degaa
in the mnya of Candrakara crya249. The Puta-Sagha from Badnawar
is also known.
Mthura Sagha : Mthura Sagha seems to have
originated from Mathura. According to the Daranasra, Rmasena was the
crya of the Sagha. He prohibited the use of Picch (small brown peacok
feather). The frist historical mention of this Sagha is found in the
works of Amitagati. His teacher's lineage is Devasena, Amitagati, Nemisea and
Mdhavasena. He wrote the Subhitaratnasadoha in V.S. 1050 during the
reign of Paramra king Muja, the Vardhamnanti in V.S. 1068, the
Dharmaparksh in V.S. 1070 and the Pacasagraha in V.S.
1073250 :
Another old crya of Mthura
Sagha was Chatrasena. His crya loka got the abhantha temple built
in V.S. 1166. The third known
crya of this Sagha is Gunabhadra. He wrote a lengthy
Praasti of the temple of Prvantha in V.S. 1226. Lalitakrti is the
fourth crya who installed the Dev image in V.S. 1234. The fifth
crya was Amarakrti who wrote the Neminthacarita, and
Shaakarmopadea in V.S. 1247251. The Mthura Sgha is known from
the inscriptions of the twelfth century engraved on the Jaina images discovered
at Badnawar252. The Mthura Sagha and its
cryas are known from the inscription of V.S. 1308.253
Mthura Sagha seems to have
remained dominant in Rajasthan during the eleventh and the twelfth centuries. At
this time, images were installed by the cryas of this Sagha at
different places. There is a mention of Paita Mahsena of Mthura
Sagha in the inscription of 1158 A.D. on the stone image of Brahm in the
Jaina temple of Baghera.254 Yaakrti appears to be the
influential crya who performed the consecration ceremony of the white
stone image now placed in the temple of Singhiji at Sanganer in 1167
A.D.255 and the white marble image of
Padmaprabhu now found at Maroth in 1175 A.D.256 This function was organized by
Kuladhara, son of Manoratha who seems to be a rich rvaka. In 1175 A.D., Hety
and his son Vilhaa also installed the image of Mroha through the same
Yaakrti257. The author of the Bijaulia
inscription of 1170 A.D. was Guabhadra, a Mahmuni who belonged to the
Mthura Sagha258. An inscription of 1176 A.D.
engraved on one side of a four-sided massive Jaina pillar in the Jaina temple at
Rphel, near Udaipur,
records that the pillar was erected by Padmar, a female disciple of
Ajik belonging to the Mthura Sagha259. There was a hold of Mthura Sagha
at Badnawar in Malwa. This is clear from the Jaina inscriptions of V.S. 1210,
1226 and 1236 of images260.
The medieval lineage of Mthura Gaa
starts from Mdhavasena who had two disciples Uddharasena and Vijayasena.
According to traditions, Mdhavasena lived during the reign of Alauddn
Khilji261.
After Uddharasena, Devasena,
Vimalasena, Dharmasena, Sahasrakrti and Guakrti gradually became Bharakas.
In the mnya of Guakrti, a copy of the Pacstikya was written in V.S. 1468
during the reign of Vramadeva of Gwalior. The successor of Gunakirti was
Yaahkirti. In V.S. 1486, he got the Bhavishyadatta Pacham Kath
prepared at Gwalior during reign of Dgarasiha. Padita Raidhu,
disciple of Yaahkrti, installed an image of dintha in Gwalior during the
reign of ngarasiha. The Paaishya of Yasahkrti was Malayakrti who
installed the Yantra in 1502 and image in V.S. 1510. After Guabhadra,
Malayakrti became Bharaka. Jinadsa got a copy of the Samayasra
written in Gwalior during the reign of garasiha. A copy of the
Jnrava was prepared in Gwalior in V.S. 1521 during the reign of
Krtisha. The consecration of images was performed in V.S. 1529, 1531, 1547 and
1548 during the reign of Kalyamala. Caudhar odarmala of the mnya of
Guabhadra got a copy of the Mahpura written. Brahma Maana, grand
disciple of Guabhadra wrote a Guak of Stotras at Sonapata in
V.S. 1576 during the reign of Ibrhim. In the Amnya of Dharmadsa, pupil of
Guabhadra, a copy of the Dhanadacarita was written in V.S. 1590 during
the reign of Humayun. Bhnukrti became Bharaka after Guabhadra. Sha
Rpacanda presented a copy of the Uttarapura to Bharaka, Bhnukrti
in V.S. 1606 during the reign of ha Salma (ruler of the Sur dynasty V.S.
1545-1554) at Abrhmba.
A copy of the Bhavishyadatta
carita was written in the mnya of Kumrasena, disciple of
Bhnukrti in V.S. 1615 during the reign of Akbar. At the request of Shu
Todara, Paita Rjamalla wrote the Jambsvm Charita in V.S. 1632
during the reign of Akbar.
The second lineage of medieval
period of Mthura Gaccha started from Vijayasena, disciple of Mdhavasena.
Afterwards, Msopavs Jayasena, reysasena, Anantakrti and Kamalakrti
respectively became the Bharakas. Kamalakrti established an image in V.S.
1443 during the reign of Nthadeva (Local ruler). Harirja, pupil of Padmakrti,
wrote a copy of the Pravacanasra in V.S. 1469 at Gwalior during the reign of
Viramadeva.
The disciple of Hemakrti was
Kmalakrti who erected an image of Chandraprabhu in V.S. 1506. A copy of the
Bhavisatta-Kath was written in V.S. 1056 in his mnya at Gwalior
during the reign of Dgarasiha. ubacandra and Kumrasena, disciples of
Kamalakrti erected an image of Mahvra in V.S. 1510. ubhacandra installed an
image in V.S. 1530 at Gwalior during the reign of Krtisiha. From the
Harivaa Purna of Raidhu, it is known that their monastery was at
Sonagiri. His pupil Yaahsena installed the DaalakshaaYantra in V.S. 1639.
Another disciple of Kamalakrti was Kumrasena. His disciple was Hemacandra
whose pupil was Padmanandi. Padmanandi's disciple was Mikarja. The disciple
of Padmanandi was Yaahkrti. Bhagavatdsa wrote the Mugatiiromani Cnad
in V.S. 1680 during the reign of Jahangir and the nckrtha Nmamla
in V.S. 1687 during the reign f Shahjahan. Another disciple of Yaahkrti
was Kshemakrt. Pandit Rjamalla wrote the Lisamhita in V.S.
1641 for Sha Fmana when Akbar was ruling. The natives of Bairh were the
followers of Kemakrti. The successor of Kemakrti was Tribhuvanakrti. His
paa ceremony was held at Hisra. Then, Sahasrakirti became successor in
V.S. 1663. The Paa ihya of Sahasrakrti was Mahcandra.
Devendrakrti, disciple of Mahicandra, renovated the Jaina temple of Fatehapur
in V.S. 1770. The disciple of Devendrakrti was Jagatkrti.262
Kth Sagha : There is some controversy among
scholars about the origin of the Kh Sagha. One view263 is that it originated from the
village Kh, near Delhi. It was the capital of the rulers of Takka dynasty in
the twelfth century A.D. Devasena, author of the Daranasra, holds a
different view264 about the origin of the Kth
Sagha. Kumrasena, disciple of Vinayasena, established this Sagha at Nandiyda
(modern Nndea in Maharashtra). The earliest inscription265 of the Kshh Sagha is engraved
on a memorial of Jaina Pillar dated 1095 A.D. of the great Acarya Devasena at
Dubkunda. After the 14th century A.D., this Sagha was divided into four
branches Mthura Gaccha, Vgaa Gaccha, Lavgaa Gaccha and Nanditaa
Gaccha. Surendrakrti who lived in V.S. 1747 and belonged to Nanditaa-Gaccha,
mentions the above four branches266.
Kh Sagha was in existence at
some places in Dhra District. It is clear from the Jaina image inspriptions
dated V.S. 1328, V.S. 1408, V.S. 1470 and V.S. 1510267 discovered there. That there
were followers of the Khsagha at Mainapuri in Uttar Pradesh as known from
the Jaina image inscriptions dated V.S. 1414, V.S. 1473 and V.S.
1515.268
Khsagha seems to have
flourished mostly in the Pajba and Mlaw, and Agravalas generally remained
associated with it. Most probably, the images and the manuscripts of this
Sagha found in Rajasthan were either brought later from outside or
installed by Agravlas of Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, there were still some places
which somehow remained associated with this Sagha. The work of
restoration and repairs of the famous temple of ishabhadeva of Dhuleva near
Udaipur was carried out by the followers of this Sagha. The inscription
of 1374 A.D. tells us that Hardna, the son of Sha Vj, restored this temple
at the instrictions of Bharaka Dharmakrti of Khsagha. From the
inscription of 1515 A.D., it is clear that Kadiypriy of Kcchl gotra
with his son and wife constructed a hall and a shrine in the time of
Bharaka of Kh Sagha. Bhoja, son of Sangh lh of the Bagheravla caste,
celebrated the installation ceremony of the newly constructed temple, with the
members of his family in the time of Bharaka Surendrakrti. Through the
influence of the same Bharaka, Bhpat constructed a small shrine in 1697
A.D.269
From some inscriptions and
Praastis of manuscripts, it is known that the ancient Vgaa Province,
including the area of ngarpur, Bnswr and Pratapagh, was the headquarters
of this Sagha.
Vgaa Sagha : Vgaasagha originated from the
region Vgaa which includes Dgarpura, Bsavar and Pratpagaha Districtis
of Rajasthan. The inscription of 994 A.D. on the image of a Jaina found at
Bayn says that it was caused to be made in accordance with the instructions of
Srasena of the Vgaa Sagha by three brothers Sihaka, Yaorja and
Nonnaika270. There is an image inscription
dated V.S. 1324 of Vgaa Sagha Daapurnvaye found at Ujjaina271. Another Jaina image inscription
dated V.S. 1325 found at Tlanpur (Dhar District) is of Vagaa
Sagha272.
La Vgada Gaa : The La Vgada Gaa originated
from the region of Gujarat Vgaa, crya Mahsena, who composed the
Pradyumna Carita Kvya in V.S. 1050 during the reign of Paramra ruler
Maju, belonged to La Vgaa Sagha. From the Dubakuda stone
inscription273, it is known that encouraged by the
teaching of the Jaina monk Vijayakrti of the Lavgaa Gaa, some Jaina
rvakas (Laymen) constructed Jaina temple, and the Kacchapagha ruler
Mahrjdhirja of the Dubakunda branch made some donation of land and
other things in favour of this temple in 1088 A.D. The La Vga Gaccha is also
mentioned in the Jaina image dated V.S. 1325 found at Tlanpura274. The Laa Vgaa Gaccha is found
mentioned in the Jaina image inscriptions of V.S. 1251 at Badnwara, of V.S.
1288 at Dhra and of V.S. 1325 at Tlanpur in Dhra District.275
Nandi Tata Gaccha : Nanditata Gaccha seems to have been
named after Nanditaa village (modern Nndeda) in Mahrshtra. Rmasena of this
gaccha founded the Narasihapura caste and got constructed the temple of
antintha in Narsihapura. His disciple Nemisena worshipped Padmvat and
founded the Bhaapur caste.
The historical period of Nanditaa
Gaccha is available from Lakshmsena, disciple of Ratnakrt. The two disciples of
Lakshmsena were Bhmasena and Dharmasena. From thems two lineage of cryas
are known. The pupil of Bhmasena was Somakrti. He installed an image of
italantha in V.S. 1532 along with Vrasena. He wrote the Yaodhara carita at
Godhili in V.S. 1536 and set up an image in V.S. 1540. He showed a miracle of
flying in the sky at Pvgaha by the grace of Padmvati in the reign of
Firozshah.
After Somakrti, Vijayasena,
Yaahkrti, Udayasena, Tribhuvanakrti and Ratnabhshaa became Bharakas one
after another. Kadsa, pupil of Ratnabhaa, composed the Vimalanatha
puraa in V.S. 1674 at Kalpavalli. After Ratnabhaa Jayakrti became
Bharaka. An image of Prvantha was set up in V.S. 1686. Then, Keavasena
became Bharaka after Jayakrti. Keavasena was succeeded by Vivakirti
who wrote a copy of the Harivaa
Pura in V.S. 1700.
The second lineage of Acaryas
of Nanditaa Gaccha starts from Dharmasena, disciple of Lakshmsena. He
wrote the Atiaya Jayamla. After Dharmasena, Vimalasena and Vilakrti
respectively became Bharakas. His disciple Vivasena installed an image in
V.S. 1596. Vidybhaa, disciple of Vivasena, set up the image of Prvantha
in V.S. 1604, and another image in V.S. 1636. Vidybhaa was succeeded by
rbhaa. He installed the Prvantha image in V.S. 1636, wrote the
Sntintha Pura at Sojitra in V.S. 1659, installed the image of Padmvat in V.S.
1660, a Ratnatraya Yatra in V.S. 1665 and Candraprabha image in V.S.
1676.
The main disciple of r Bhaa was
Brahma Jnasgara who wrote several works... ri Bhshaa was succeeded by
Bharaka Candrakrti who wrote the Prvantha Pura in V.S. 1654 at
Devagiri, installed Padmvati image in V.S. 1681 and composed several
Pjs. Candrakrti, while going on pilgrimage of the South, defeated
Ka Bhaa at Narasiha Paaa on the bank of Kver. Candrakrti's disciple
was Bharaka Rjakrti who gained victory in discussion at Varnasi.
Rjakrti's pupil was Lakshmsena who set up the image of Padmvat image in
aka Smvat 1561 and Bhubali image in V.S. 1703. Indrabhaa became Bharaka
after Lakshmsena. Some of his disciples led pilgrimage to Gommatevara in V.S.
1718.
After Indrabhaa, Surendrakrti
became Bharaka. Images ad Yatras were installed, and copies of the
manuscripts were prepared. The three disciples of Surendrasena were Lakshmsena,
Sakalakrti and Devendrakrti. After Lakshmisena, Vijayakrti became
Bharaka276.
Punnta Sagha : As cryas of this Sagha
moved in Karaka regio, it became famous by the name of Puaa Sagha.
Badnvara (Vardhamnapura) in Malwa became a stronghold of Jainism. crya
Jinasena of this Sagha wrote the Harivaapura at Vardhamnapura in
aka Samvat 705 (782 A.D.). crya Hriea composed the Bihat
Kath-Kosha in V.S. 989 at this place. Vijayakirti, disciple of crya
Amritacndra of this Sagha, installed an image in V.S. 1154277. There is an image inscription of
V.S. 1227 mentioning Puasagha at Badnavana.278
Mla Sagha : There is a divergence of traditions found in
Pavals279 not only about succession but also
about the residence or immigrations of the Pontiffs of the Mlasagha. The four
Pavals agree on the main points but the fifth Paval
presents considerably different traditions. The fifth Pattval
closes with the name of ubhachandra who reigned up to 1443 A.D. Hence, this
is the oldest Paval and as such the information supplied by it seems
to be correct. The Pavals tell us that the first 26 pontificates took
place in Bhaddalapura. According to the four Pavals, Bhaddalapura is in
Malwa, while the fifth Paval tells us correctly that it was in the
South. After that the 27th pontiff transferred his seat from Bhaddalapura to
Ujjaina according to all Pavals. From Ujjaia Mghacandra II, the
53rd pontiff, shifted his seat to Br in Kot state in about 1083 A.D. Down to No. 63 or 64, the pontificates
took place in Br. From here, 14 pontificates, took place in Gvaliara down to
77 according to the four Pavals but the fifth Paval
tells us correctly that ten pontificates were established at Cittora and
four at Bagher. This is further confirmed from the fact that there was the
existence of a prosperous colony of Digambara Jainas on the hill at Cittora at
the time of Kumrapla280, and Bagheravlas were converted to
Jainism, and Jaina temples were built at Bagher in about eleventh century
A.D.281. From the 78th Pontiff
Vasantakrti, the seat was transferred to Ajmer in about 1208 A.D. according to
all the Pavals.
From the 84th Pontiff Padmanandi,
the seat was transferred to Delhi in about 1328 A.D. according to the four
Pavals but the fifth Pavali tells us correctly that it was
trasnferred to Idar in ancient Vgaa province. Padmanandi was especially
associated with Vgaa province. A certain rvaka of Vgaa called
Prabhcandra II of Ajmer was invited for the purpose of performing a
consecration ceremony of images but he could not come. Then after giving the
Srantra to crya Padmanandi, the rvaka conferred on him the title of
Bharaka. Thus Padmanandi became the Bharaka in 1328 A.D. of Vgaa.
The term Bharaka is applied to a particular type of Jaina ascetics who unlike
Munis assumed the position
of religious rulers and enjoyed supreme authority in religious
matters.
After Padmanandi, separation took
place among his successive Acaryas. These separations were not actually
the schisms but seem to be based on temperaments. Padmanandi had two pupils
namely Sakalakrti and ubhachandra. During his lifetime, the separation took
place between his two pupils. One section under Sbhacandra moved to Cittora
while the other continued to live under Sakalakrti. Again under Jinacandra the
86th pontiff, the disagreement arose between the two disciples namely
Prabhcandra and Ratnakrti. Prabhcandra continued to live at Cittor, but one
section under Ratnakrti moved to Nagaura. Again, differences arose at Ngaura
and one section continued to reside at Ngaura, while the other under Ratnakrti
shifted to Ajamera. From Cittora, it came to Ctasu in the time of Candrakrti.
After that, it migrated to Sanganera, v, mber and lastly to
Jaipur.
Baltkra Gana : Mlasagha, in course of time,
became associated with Baltkragaa which seems to have derived its name
Baltkra Gaa (powerful gaa) from its ancestor Arhadbalin, who was also
known as Guptigupta, the master of Mghanandi. Its earliest mention is found in
the inscription of the 11th century282 but it was in existence
considerably earlier. Afterwards, this was distinguished by the term Sarasvat.
In the 14th century A.D., this name seems to have come from the miracle of the
pontiff padmanandi who is said to have made a stone figure of Sarasvast
speak283.
Several branches of the
Baltkragaa are known. The Kraja kh started from Amarakrti. The
Ltra kha began from Ajitakirti. The Delhi-Jaipur branch began from
ubhacandra. The Nagaura branch started from Ratnakirti, the Atera branch from
Sihakrti, Idar branch from Sakalakrti, Bhnapur kh from
Janakrti, the Srat branch from Devendrakrti and Jeraha branch from
Tribhuvanakrti.284
No activities of the early
Bhrakas before Padmanandi are known in Northern India from any other source.
No doubt, there is mention of Mlasagha in the inscription of 1170 A.D. and
1186 A.D.285 but without any reference to any
Bharaka. Mlasagha has been mentioned in the inscirption of V.S. 1230 found
at Badnawar in Malwa. The Mlasagha and its crya Ratnakrti has been
mentioned in the inscription of V.S. 1323286 From Padmanandi onwards, we possess
some knowledge of the Bharakas of Mlasagha regarding their activities. The
Mlasagha remained dominant in North India from the fourteenth century to the
eighteenth century A.D. The cryas of the Mlasagha are noticed to have
performed installation ceremony of the images and temples in
Rajasthana287, Madhya Pradea288 and Uttara Pradea289. Various copies of Manuscripts were
prepared. Their Pduks and Nishedhikas are also
found.
Padmanandi : According to the Pavals,
Padmanandi became Bharaka in 1325 A.D. This date seems to be doubtful as he
was living in 1415 A.D. He did enjoy such a long age as known from the
Pavals and he therefore, must have become Bharaka sometime after
1325 A.D. He was an influential Bharaka who is said to have caused a stone
figure of Sarasvat to speak. From this miracle, Mla Sagha was distinguished
by the term Sarasvat. He made the installation ceremony of images from time to
time. The image with the inscription of 1400 A.D. was installed at his
bidding.290 He had two disciples namely
Vilakrti and Nemicanda who also set up images in his time. From the
inscription of 1413 A.D. engraved on the images discovered at Tonk, it is clear
that Vlhaa and his sons got installed several images by his pupil
Vilakrti.291 In 1415 A.D., Asapla on his
preaching set up the image of Prvantha.292 In the same year, the consecration
ceremony of the image was performed by p through his pupil
Nemicanda.293
Sakalakrti : After Padmanandi, Sakalakrti
became the head of the seat of Vgaa in about 1420 A.D. He was the highly
respected saint of medieval times and had also a good reputation for his
scholarship. He wandered from place to place for the propagation of Jainism. In
1424 A.D., he came to Baal where he spent the rainy season with his
Sagha.294
Several images were installed by him
from time to time. There is a mention of his name in the inscription of 1430
A.D. found on the image in the Digambara Jaina temple at Abu.295
It
is known from the inscription of 1433 A.D. that as a result of his preaching,
Nsala with his wife, sons and brothers set up the Caubs with dintha as a
Mlanyaka.296
In
1435 A.D., Camp set up the image of ntintha after hearing his
discourses.297 He is said to have passed away in
1442 A.D. at Mahsana in Gujarata.
Bhuvanakrti : After Sakalakrti, Bhuvanakrti
became the Paadhara. He was also a scholar like his predecessor. The
consecration function of several images was performed by him. The installation ceremony of the Trimrti
was presided over by him in 1443 A.D.298 In 1458 A.D., Nhuy, the son of
Sr, performed the Daalakshaa Yantra Pratih on his
instructions.299
In
1459 A.D., Sur of his line
celebrated the consecration ceremony.300
As
a result of his preaching, Chp and his wife Gag performed the installation
ceremony of some yantra in 1471 A.D.301
Jnabhaa : After Bhuvanakrti, Jnabhaa
became the Bharaka. There is a Yantra of 1377 A.D. consecrated by him in the
Jaina temple of Udaipur.302 On his advice, Rma with his wife
and son set up the image of Mahvra in 1487 A.D.303
Other Bharakas of this Seat
: Jnabaa was
succeeded by Vijayakti in about 1500 A.D. At his discourses, resh Mel with
his wife, son and brothers made the Pratih of Samavaaraa of
dintha in 1513 A.D. 304
Then ubhacandra became the
Bharaka in about 1515 A.D. He was a well known scholar who wrote a large
number of works in a period between 1515 A.D. and 1556 A.D. His earliest work is
Adhytmataragi and the latest work written by him in 1556 A.D. is the
Sanskrit commentary on the Svmikrttikeynuprek. On his instructions,
Dhann and his wife Dhannde set up the metal image of Prvantha in 1538
A.D.305 In 1550 A.D., rehi Svara with
his brothers, wife and son celebrated the function of Jnanirvaa on his
preachings.306
After his discourses, rpla
erected the image of ntintha in 1551 A.D.307 He was succeeded by Sumatikrti. On
his instructions, Sha Jayavanta with his wife and brothers set up the metal
image of Padmaprabhu in 1563 A.D.308 He installed the images of
Munisuvrata309 and Anantantha310 in 1562 A.D. and 1570 A.D.
respectively. After him, Guakrti became the Bharaka. He was succeeded by
Vdibhsaa. On his advice, s of Idar with his wife Lakshm and daughter Jhil
installed the image of Nemintha.311
An
inscription on the pedestal of a stone image of italantha in the vetmbara
Jaina temple at Maujpura in Alwar State records that it was set up by Humbaa
Lla and Gal resident of Hardoya in 1597 A.D. as a result of his
preaching.312 After his discoures, Hansa with
his wife and son performed the installation ceremony of Shoaakraa yantra
in 1604 A.D.313
After him, Rmakrti became the Bharaka. He was succeeded by
Padmanandi II. At his preaching, the consecration ceremony was performed by
Ratn.314 Then, Devendrakrti became his
paadhara. He was succeeded by Kemakrti. By the influence of his
discourses, Sagh Dgaladsa, Mnaka, Nemidsa, Anantadsa, Somadsa and Ratn
erected the image of ntintha in 1639 A.D.315 Soma316 with the whole Sagha constructed
the Prgra in the Jaina temple of dintha at Sgav. After him,
Narndrakrti, Vijayakrti II, Nemicanda, Candrakrti, Rmakrti, Yaakrti,
Surendrakrti, Vijayakrti II, Nemichanda, Chandrakrti, Rmakrti, Yaakrti,
Surendrakrti, Ramacandrakrti and Kanakakrti became the Bharakas of the
seat of Idar one after another in succession.
Bharakas of the Seat of Cittorr :
During the lifetime
of Padmanandi, ubhacandra separated from Sakalakrti and established his own Paa at Cittora in about 1415
A.D. At this time, Mewara became a centre of Jainism under the royal patronage
of Kumbhakaraa. The famous Jaina Krtistambha was also built. The two Bijaulia
inscriptions of 1405 A.D. and 1426 A.D. speak of a Niedhik of a Jaina
nun named B gamasiri and of a Niedhik of Hemakrti, pupil of
ubhacandra respectively.317 With regard to these
Niedhiks, a wish has been expressed that they may be endured as long as the Sun and Moon last. On the
same pillar that bears the second inscription are sculptured the foot-prints of
some saints or pontiffs. On one side is engraved the name of Bharaka r
Padmanandideva and on the other of Bharaka ri ubhacandra. At v near
Uniara in Jaipur district, there is a Niedhik of
ubhacandra.
ubhacandra was followed by
Jinacandra in about 1450 A.D. Under his inspiration many-sided activities for
the propagation of Jainism received an impetus. Copies of several manuscripts
such as rplacaritra,318
Pradyumnacaritra319 and
Varddhamnacaritra320 were prepared in his time and
probably inspired by him. A number
of temples were built and images were placed in them. There is a Caubs
consecrated by Hararja of his line in 1460 A.D.321 In 1466 A.D., Sha Dharmas with
his wife and sons celebrated the consecration ceremony in his
time.322
The
installation ceremony of the metal image of Prvantha was also performed
through him in 1485 A.D.323 Jvarja Ppaivala at his
instructions performed the installation ceremony of a large number of images at
Mus in the reign of Rvala lvasiha in 1461 A.D.324 The city Mus seems to be in
Gujarat; but from there, these images were sent to the seats of Jainism in
different parts of Rajasthan. He enjoyed a long life because Sha Sea with his
wife and sons performed the Yantra Praiih in 1514 A.D. when Jinacandra
was living.325
There is also a niedhik of
Jinacandra at v.
Prabhcandra came after Jinacandra
in about 1515 A.D. By his persuasion, a large number of manuscripts were written
for presentation to the monks. His followerrs got copies of the manuscripts such
as Madanaparjaya,326
Kriykalpastuti,327
rplacaritra,328
Karakaacaritra,329
Bbubalicaritra330 and
Ratnakaraa331 prepared in 1519 A.D. 1522 A.D.,
1524 A.D., 1527 A.D. and 1535 A.D.
respectively. In 1518 A.D. Bi Prvat got the Yaodharacaritra
written and presented to him.332 Sha Dodu got the
Yaodharacaritra written and gave it to Bramha V, pupil of Bharaka
Prabhcandra.333 Images and Yantras were also
installed through him in 1515 A.D. Sha l of his line performed the
Craayatra Pratih in 1516 A.D.334 In the same year, Rho with his
wife, son and daughter-in-law celebrated the installation ceremony of
Samyakcritrayantra through him.335 His Niedhik also exists at
v.
After Prabhcandra, Dharmacandra
became the Bharaka in about 1518 A.D. Under his patronage and inspiration,
various copies of manuscripts were prepared at different places for presentation
to him and his disciples. With a view to propagating Jainism, he proceeded to
Nagaur where his devotees got the copies of the Uttarapura
saka,336
Pravacanasra-prbhitavitti,337
Karmaprakitti338 and
Prvanthacaritra339 written in 1520 A.D. in order to
present him. In 1526 A.D., a copy of the Candraprabhacaritra was made at
Ctasu as a result of his discourses.340
In
1528 A.D., Kodamade got a copy of the aphua written for offering
him.341 Sha Klh made a copy of the
Pavapura342 ready in 1545 A.D. to give it to
his pupil Kamalakrti. In 1554, Sha Mahrja prepared the Prvanthacaritra
for his presentation.343
Besides other copies of manuscripts
such as the Sukumlacarita344 in 1526 A.D.,
Bhavishyadattacarita345 in 1532 A.D.,
Varddhamnacaritra346 in 1536 A.D.
dipura347 and
Saphua348 in 1537
A.D.,Vargacaritra349 and
Bhavishyadattacaritra350 in 1538 A.D. and
Candraprabahcrita351 in 1546 A.D., were prepared with
the object of offering them as gifts to Sdhus. Several Yantra Pratihs
are also known to have been performed in his time. Tlu352 and Vlamita353 of his line performed the
consecration ceremony of Samyagdaranayantra and Soaakraayantra in 1532 A.D.
Inm 1536 A.D., Sha Psa and Hem installed the Arham-yantra.354
Dharmacandra was followed by
Lalitakrti in about 1546 A.D. A large number of mansucripts were written in his
time. In 1553 A.D., Lohara got a copy of the Yaodharacaritra written for
him.355 At the invitation of the rvakas,
he went to Todaraisingh where Sha Teh and Sha Pj got the copies of the
Ngakumracaritra,356 and
Yaodharacaritra357 prepared in order to offer him as
present. Besides other copies of manuscripts such as the
Upsakdhyayana358 in 1566 A.D.
reikacaritra359 in 1570 A.D.,
Varddhamnacaritra360 in 1574 A.D. amd
Sudaranacaritra361 in 1575 A.D. were made ready by his
followers for presenting them to monks.
Candrakrti became Bharaka after
Lalitakrti in about 1575 A.D. He seems to have removed his seat from Cittora
and established it at Ctasu as known from the inscription of 1604 A.D. that he
was residing at Ctasu.362 The reason was that Mewar at this
time was unsafe and insecure mera from the political point of view. On the
other hand, Ctasu was under mera rulers who were on friendly relations with
Mughal emperors and were patrons of Jainism. This was the time of Akbar who
followed the policy of religious toleration. It was, therefore, natural that the
activities of Jainism progressed. Some of the copies of manuscripts such as
Jvandharacaritra and Pavapura363 in 1579 A.D.,
Pahstikyaprbhita364 in 1580 A.D. and
Harivaapur365 in 1588 A.D. were prepared by his
devotees for offering them to monks of his line.
Besides, Candrakrti is known to
have performed the installation ceremony of images, Yantras and temples. In 1584
A.D., Sha Mok,366 Sha Klu,367 Sha Chel368 and Sha Ratn369 of his line with the members of
their respective families separately made the pratih of
Samayagdarana Yantra, ikra Yantra, Karakua Prvantha Yantra and
Daalakshaa Yantra. In 1591 A.D., Thnasiha went on pilgrimage to Pvpuri
where he celebrated the installation ceremony of oaakraa Yantra at his
preaching.370 In the same year, Cokh of his line
installed the Samyak critra Yantra and Samyagjna Yantra with the members of
their family.371 In 1603 A.D., Sha
Jt372 and Sha Jg373 performed the consecration ceremony
of the metal image and oaakraayantra through him separately. Bohitha of
Ajmer with his sons and grandsons set up Caubs through him in 1601
A.D.374 In 1604 A.D., sntha of his line
made the Pratih of Rikra Yantra.375 An inscription of 1604 A.D. stated
that the pillar of the Jaina temple was erected by him when he was residing at
Campvat (Ctasu).376
Candrakrti was succeeded by
Devendrakrti in about 1606 A.D. Some copies of the manuscripts were written by
his inspiration. In 1605 A.D., he went to Sanganer where Kalya gave a copy of
the Harivaapurna377 to him in present. Nnu and his
wife Nikde got a copy of the dipura written in the temple of dintha
at Todaraisingh and presented to him in 1607 A.D.378 A copy of the
Neminthapura was prepared in 1617 A.D.379 In 1620 A.D., when he went to
Ctasu, Sha Deb offered him a welcome by presenting a mansucript of the
Sudaranacaritra.380
Narendrakrti came after
Devendrakrti in about 1634 A.D. He is known to have performed the installation
ceremony of images and Yantras. An inscription of 1649 A.D. engraved on the
lower portion of a large pillar records that it was erected in the temple of
Nemintha at Ctasu by Bharaka Narendrakrti.381 He went on pilgrimage to holy
places such as Girnar and Hastinpura from time to time with the Sagha. In 1652
A.D., Sagh Tejasi and Udaikaraa of Neva led the Sagha to Girnar where the
Yantra-pratish was performed by Narendrakrti.382 Sagh Sambh and Sagh N
together celebrated the installation ceremony of Daalakshaa Yantra at his
hands in 1653 A.D.383 In 1654 A.D., Jagatasiha in the
company of the Caturvidha-Sagha went to Hastinpura where he
installed the Samyak Yantra.384 In 1659 A.D. Jagatasiha also
celebrated the installation ceremony of Rikra Yantra through
him.385 At the same time, his devotee
Khemasiha of Amber led a pilgrimage to Hastinpura where the installation
ceremony of the inkra Yantra was performed by him.386
Surendrakrti became the Paadhara
of Narendrakrti in about 1665 A.D. In 1672 A.D., he proceeded to Sammedaikhara
where his followers named Saghavi Naraharidsa and Sagh Prvnanda celebrated
the installation ceremony of Daalakshaayantra as a result of his
preaching.387 In 1675 A.D., Naraharidsa and
Sukhnanda of Amber and Ghsrma with his wife and sons celebrated the
consecration ceremony of Prvantha Yantra through him.388
Surendrakrti was succeeded by
Jagatakrti in about 1676 A.D. This was a terribe time and the persecutions of
Aurangzeb were going on. The old temples were pulled down and the construction
of the new ones was not allowed. In spite of this, the activities for the
propagation of Jainism continued because some ruling chiefs of Rajasthan were on
friendly terms with Aurangzeb. Some copies of the manuscripts such as
Upadearatnamla389 in 1688 A.D.,
Padmatpura390 in 1694 A.D. and
Saphuasatka391 in 1708 A.D. were prepared by his
followers in order to present them to Bramhacr Nthrma, Acrya
ubhacandra and oarja, pupils of Jagatakrti. He also celebrated the consecration ceremony of images and
Yantras. In 1684 A.D., Sagh Sonapla made the Yantra Pratith at
Karavara through him.392 The consecration ceremony of a
large number of images was organized by his devotee Sagh Kishadsa at
Cndakhe in 1689 A.D.393 In 1709 A.D, Dayladsa of his line
set up the metal image of Prvantha.394
The next Bharaka after
Jagatakrti was Devendrakrit II. Under his patronage, manuscripts were written
and the consecration of the images took place. Dhanarja wrote a copy of the
Karmakasatka in 1720 A.D. at mber for the study of Paita
Kianadsa, pupil of Devendrakirti.395 In 1728 A.D., A specimen of
Harivaapura was prepared by his followers for the
presentation.396 Chhaa and Sagamala performed the
installation ceremony of images at Dholea through him in 1716
A.D.397 In 1726 A.D., the consecration
ceremony of images was organized at Bansakhoha by his devotee
Hidayarma.398
The successor of Devendrakrti II
was Mahendrakrti who became Pontiff in 1735 A.D. He came from Sanganer and
established his seat at Amber. It is for this reason mer Paa started from
him. It is further confirmed by a praasti.399 Copies of the
Jambsvmicaritra400 in 1736 A.D., and
Trilokadarpaa401 in 1741 A.D. were prepared by his
devotees.
Mahendrakrti was succeeded by
Kemendrakrti in about 1758 A.D. After him, Surendrakrti became the paadhara
in 1765 A.D. In 1769 A.D., Sagh Nandalla performed the installation cerermony
of images on a large scale at Sawaimadhopura as a result of his
preaching402 Vadhurma prepared a copy of the
Munisuvrata-pura403 in order to offer him as a gift.
Sukhendrakrti became his successor in 1795 A.D. His followers made the specimen
of Vragacaritra404 ready for presentation in 1816 A.D.
He participated in the Sagha led by Saghi Ryacandra to Junagad where an
Installation ceremony of some Yantra was performed by Ryacandra through
him.405 In 1804 A.D., the same person
celebrated the consecration ceremony of images at Jaipur as a result of his
preachng.406 After him, Narendrakrti II, Devendrakirti and Mahendrakrti became
the Bharakas one after another in succession.
Bharakas of Nagaura Paa
: Jinacandra had
two pupils named Prabhcandra and Ratnakrti. During his life time, there arose
a disagreement and his second disciple Ratnakrti established his separate seat
at Nagaur. He died at Ajmer which is shown by an inscription of 1515 A.D. on the
Chatr of Bharaka Ratnakrti.407 After him, Bhuvanakrti became the
Paadhara who was followed by Dharmakrti in about 1533 A.D. In 1542 A.D., a
copy of the Dharmapark408 was prepared by this devotee. After
him, Vilakrti became the Pontiff in about 1544 A.D. He was followed
Lakshmcandra. In 1579 A.D., L of his line got a copy of the
Dhanyakumracaritra409 written in order ot offer it to the
nun Karami in present. Later on, Sahasrakrti, Nemicandra and Yaakrti became
Bharakas one after another in succession.
Yaakrti was the Bharaka of some
importance. Under his inspiration, manuscripts were prepared and images were
installed. An inscription engraved in the Jaina temple of dintha at
Revs of 1604 A.D. records that it
was constructed by Sha Jitamala and his brother Nathamala, the two sons of
Devidsa the chief minister of Ryasla at the preaching of Bharaka
Yaakrti.410 His followers Rp and his son
Dgaras of Jobanera made the specimen of Dharmaparkh411 ready for presenting it to
Guacandra in 1609 A.D. The Pacas of Revs presented a throne to him in 1615
A.D.412 He was followed by Bhnukrti and
Bhaakrti. Bhaakrti had two pupils namely Dharmacandra and Ratnakrti.
Again a trouble arose between them, and Ratnakrti established his separate
Paa at Ajamera. After Dharmacandra, Devendrakrti, Amerandrakrti and
Ratnakrti became the Bharakas one after another in succession of Nagaura
Paa.
Bharakas of Ajamera Paa
: Ajamera already
remained a seat of the Bharakas in early times; but fot it, there is no
definite epigraphical and monumental evidence. Mr. Harbilsa rd in his
book413 mentioned the inscriptions of the
eighth or ninth century on the Cabtaras and Chatrs commemorating the death of
the Digambara Jaina Bharakas and the Paitas. But in reality these
inscriptions belong to the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries.
Ratnakrti separated himself from
Nagaura Paa and established his seat at Ajamera. In 1694 A.D., Sagh Jes of
his line celebrated the consecration ceremony of images at Jobanera through
him.414 He was followed by Vidydhara and
then, Mahendrakrti became the Bharaka. In 1709 A.D., Vijayakrti constructed
the Cabtar over the remains of Bharaka Ratnakrti. Later on, Anantakrti
became the Pontiff. Rmasiha performed the consecration of the temple of Shas
as well as of images at Mroha in 1737 A.D. as advised by him.415 Next Bhuvanabhaa became the
Paadhara who was followed by Vijayakrti. In 1753 A.D., Vijayakrti
constructed the Chatrs over the remains of Anantakrti and Bhuvanabhaa.
crya Rjyakrti constructed the Chatr over Bharaka Vidynanda. In 1760
A.D., Vijayakrti spent the rainy seasons at Mroha.416 After him, Trilokendrakrti became
the Bharaka. Bharaka Bhuvanakrti erected the Pduk of
Trilokendrakrti in 1781 A.D. In 1795 A.D., Dharmadsa celebrated the
installation ceremony of images on a large scale through
Bhuvanakrti.417 In 1805, he visited Maroha from
where he proceeded to Kucma418
In 1818 A.D., Pannlla, pupil of
Bhuvanakrti repaired the throne brought from Revs for Yaakrti. Bharaka
Ratnabhaa constructed Chatrs over the remains of Bharaka Bhuvanakrti in
1835 A.D. There is also the Chatr of Bharaka Padmanandi with the inscription
of 1871 A.D.
Besides, a large number of Cabtars
and Chatrs built over the remains of the cryas and the Paitas are found at
Ajmer. There is an inscription of 1725 A.D. on the Cabtar built over the
remains of Vilakirti. crya Bharaka r Vijayakriti constructed the
Cabtar and footprints of crya r Bhnukirti in 1744 A.D. at Ajamera whereas
he actually passed away at Danta in ekhv. Paita Basantarma constructed
the Cabtar of the crya Ratnabhaa in 1756 A.D. The Cabtar of crya
Devendrakrti was built by Gaemala in 1757 A.D. Paita Basantarma also
constructed the Cabtar over the remains of Tilakabhaa in 1754
A.D.
Pt. Tulasdsa constructed the
Chatr over the remains of Pt. Hemarja, a disciple of crya Rjakrti. In 1754
A.D., the Pduk of Pt. Vakasarma was erected. In 1760 A.D., Pt.
Daulatarma constructed the Pduk of his teacher Rmachandra who was a
pupil of Hemarja. In 1761 A.D., Pt. Savirama constructed the Cabtars of Pt.
Rpachanda, Pt. Malukacanda and Pt. Abhairma. The Pduk of Pt.
Viradhicanda was erected in 1798 A.D. The Cabtar of Pt. Pannlla was built in
1844 A.D. Pt. Pannlla was a disciple of Bharaka Bhuvanakrti who repaired
the throne of his master in 1818 A.D.
It is thus clear that several
Bharakas, cryas and Paitas lived and played an important part in the
history of medieval Jaina society when there was anarchy. At this time, the
Muslims were carrying on persecutions and destruction, and the Marhs were
raiding the different parts of the country. The life and property of the people
became unsafe and insecure. Even at this time, Bharakas wandered from place
to place without any anxiety and fear for the propagation of
Jainism.
Bharakas rendered valuable
services to Jainism in medieval times. Some of the Bharakas like Sakalakrti
and ubhacandra were great scholars who wrote their literary works in Sanskrit,
Prkrit, Apabhraa, Hindi, Gujarti and Rjasthn languages. The preservation
of manuscripts was the most valuable work done by them at this time. Several
copies of the works on grammar, medicine, mathematics and similar subjects were
prepared. They also contributed towards art and architecture. Installation of
various images was considered to be their main work. As their Mahas were
cultural centres, they patronised music, painting, sculpture, dancing and other
arts. In social sphere also, their services are remarkable. They often arranged
long pilgrimages with a large number of followers. They sometimes looked after
the management of the holy places; for instance, r Mahviraji was managed by
the Bharakas of Jaipur. Some of them possessed miraculous powers gained
through Mantras. To walk through air, to remove the effect of poison and
to make stone image speak are some of the miracles ascribed to them. They used
to visit the courts of Hindu and Muslim rulers and induced them to observe the
doctrine of Ahims by the prohibition of the slaughter of animals in
their kingdom on certain fixed days of the year.
Caityavs System in
Rjasthna
The system of the Caityavs
functioned in Rjasthna with great success and advantage. A Jaina monk according to the rule
prescribed for him does not usually stay longer than one night in a village or
five nights in a town. This practice is found in Jainism as well as in Buddhism;
and it is an inheritance of ramaa culture. At the same time, there came
gradually a good deal of laxity in the conduct of the
saints.
crya Dharmasgara in his
Paval writes that in 355 A.D., this practice of Caityavs
started.419 But according to Muni Kalya
Vijaya, it had originated even earlier and in 355 A.D., it had become well
established practice.420 At present, the Yatis or rpjyas
in the vetmbaras and the Bhattrakas in the Digambaras are known as
Mahavs. All are collectively known as
Caityavas.
The Caityavs system seems to have
developed in Rajasthana from about the 8th century A.D. The Jaina cryas of
Rjasthna such as Haribadrasri421 and
Jinavallabhasri422 had drawn the attention of the
people towards the laxity in the ways of the monks. They resided in temples and
used their wealth for their personal good. They put on even coloured or scented
clothes. They are food or sweets fetched by the monks. They used to hoard money
and relish delicious dishes. They used Sacitta water as well as fruits
and flowers. They sold idols and purchased children in order to make them their
disciples.
laguasri, the teacher of king
Vanarja Cvad (765-825 A.D.) asked him to issue orders forbidding the stay of
other saints except Caityavs saints in the city of Aahilavda. In
order to violate it, in 957 A.D. Jinevarasri and Buddhisgarasri defeated
the Caityavss in the debate in
the royal court of Durlabharja and thus sought permission for the admission of
the Vidhimrga in Pa.
That Caityavuass had deviated
considerably from the traditional ways of Jaina Sdhus is evident from several
Jaina temples and idols installed by them. This was the practice of the laity
and not of the Sdhus. But the Caityavss saw no harm in these deviations and
argued that what was meritorious for the laity was equally creditable for the
Sdhus. There are inscriptions which give us information about the practice of
the Caityavs in Rjasthna. In 1354
A.D., Rmacandrasri of Jrpall Gaccha for self-merit constructed the
Devakulik at Jrpall in Sirohi State.423 Hematilakasri for the merit of his
teacher constructed the Ragamaapa of the temple at the village Varmna
in Sirohi State in 1389 A.D.424 In 1397 A.D., Vcaka Somaprabhasri
of Pispalcrya Gaccha constructed an image of Sumatintha at Ajr which was
consecrated by Vraprabhasri.425 Vraprabhasri constructed the
Maapa in 1418 A.D. at the village Vrav.426 In 1464 A.D. Vijayaprabhasri of
Kccholvl Gaccha built the Devakulik in the temple of Ajitantha for
the merit of Guasgarasri at Sirohi.427 Bhadrevarasri for the merit of
Tilaka Sri made Devakulik of dintha at Jrapall.428 Udaivardhana of Kccholvla Gaccha
built Devakulik at Sirohi.429 Prvadevasri of Naka Gaccha
with his disciple Vracanda constructed Lagik at the village
Velra.430 Nanna Sri of Pratimkadhra
Pratishh Gachcha erected the image of dideva in the building at
Vasantagadh.431
In the Digambara Jaina literature,
there is no definite and clear mention of the time when the system of
Caityavss started. But that it was in existence in the 8th century A.D. in the
south is known from several inscriptions. In Rjasthna, the Bharakas were
also in possession of villages and gardens. They renovated temples, constructed
inns and gave good to other monks. It seems that, in spite of their being
Caityavss, the earlier Bharakas remained naked, and this was probably
necessary in order to show their separation from the saints of the vetmbaras.
At present, there is a tendency in the Bharakas to put off their clothes
while eating food but wear them at all other times. It shows that they remained
naked in the past and the practice of wearing clothes started
afterwards.
In the domain of religion, the
Bharakas were the spiritual heads. They enjoyed comforts and received money
in various ways from the rvakas. They possessed administrative powers and used
to appoint the Paitas at different places in order to carry on the religious
affairs.
Minor Protestant and Non-Protestant
Sects
The effect of the Muslim invasions
of the Jaina religion is seen in two ways. It brought different Jaina sects
closer together for self-defence against the iconoclasts. At the same time, it
drove others away from idolatry altogether. It, therefore, naturally divided
both Digambaras and vetmbaras each into two divisions known as
idol-worshippers and non-idol-worshippers. The sect of non-idol-worshippers
reminds one of the early Hindu traditions of Vednta and Nirgua Bhakti movement
of Kabra and Nnaka. With the impact of the Muslim culture, some sections of
Jains began to denounce idol worship with great vehemence. The following sects
are the opponents of the idol worship in Rajasthan.
(a) Lok Sect : In
Ahmedabada, Lok earned his livelihood by copying books in the Upsar of a
Yati called Jnaj. While writing these books, he was struck with the fact that
idol worship was not mentioned them. He pointed it out to Jnaj and
others, and a sharp controversy
arose between them as to the desirability of idolatry. At last in 1451 A.D., he
organized a new sect of his own called Lok Sect after his own name. He
declared his disbelief in such
essential rites as Paushadha, Pratikramaa, Pratykhyna
and even in charity. He did not like the rites in which even the slightest
touch of violence or injury was involved. The Muslims at this time were
destroying the temples and the images. This gave him the opportunity to spread
his doctrine well. Great slackness had also come in the mendicants, because they
possessed not only the books and clothes but even wealth. There were mutual
quarrels among them. For this type of behaviour, the people began to criticize
them. He took advantage of all these circumstances in propagating his
doctrines by going from place to
place.
Lok pronounced 31 Stras as
the foundation of his tenet and gave a new interpretation of such Stras
seemed to support image worship. He made such drastic changes in the
vayakastra that they altogether assumed a new form. In 1476 A.D., he
met a man named Bha, a native of rghaapaka near Sirohi who took
Sanysa without being initiated by any Acarya. This monk assumed
the false name of Dhuhaka. In 1511 A.D., he secured a disciple called Rpakaj
and the old Vara Siha became his disciples in 1521 A.D. and 1530 A.D.
respectively. Thus, though Lokha himself was not initiated, others were
initiated by him and became saints.
(b) Sthnakavas Sect : Some
of the members of the Loks Sect disapproved of the lines of their Sdhus
declaring that they lived less strictly than Mahvra would have wished. A Lok
layman Vraj of Srat received initiation as a Sdhu and won great admiration
through the strictness of his life. Many from the Lok Sect joined this
reformer; and they took the name of Sthnakavss while their enemies called them Dhdhiy. The followerss of
this sect are found in all the important cities of
Rjasthna.
(c) Terpanth Sect : The
founder of Terpanth Sect was Bhkamaj. After a critical study of the
scriptures, he came to know that the Jaina Sdhus were not leading their lives
according to stric injunctions and were not promulgating the true principles
of Jainism. The Sthnakvss stayed in the places specially set apart for Sdhus
to live in. He began to stay even in the places meant for laymen. Once, a
strange coincidence took place. Some Sdhus and laymen both
numbering thirteen were staying in a shop. This led a poet of the Sevaga class
to compose a short parody ridiculing the sect and nicknaming it Terpanth (the
path of thirteen). Bhkamaj gave a very appropriate interpretation to it. He
said the number indicated five great vows (Mahvrata), five rules of
conduct (Samitis), and control of body, mind and speech (three
Guptis).
Terpanths do not worship idols.
They think that worship of idols does not lead to salvation. They meditate upon
and mentally worship those highly developed souls who have attained liberation.
They worship and revere those living beings who have renounced the world
asbsolutely and lead the life of asceticism strictly observing the five great vows.
The followers of this sect are mostly found in Bikanera and Jodhpura
States.
Like the vetmbaras, the Digambaras
were also divided into the sects of idol-worshippers and non-idol-worshippers.
In course of time, the sect of idol-worshippers was further split into several
sub-sects.
(a) Traasvm, who was the
revolutionary saint, born in V.S. 1505 at Pushpvat Nagar (Bailahari), near
Katni in Madhya Pradesh. He raised his voice against the rituals of the
Bharakas. He was highly influenced by the works of Kundakunda. He was against
the Idol worship but emphasised on the worship of manuscripts in Jaina temples.
He wrote 14 works, and out of them Mlrohanaj, Padita Pjj
and Kamala Battsji are important. He died in V.S.
1572.432
(b) Terpanthi Sect : The
idolatrous sect of Terpanths was founded by Pt. Banarasidas, a resident of
Ajgra. It became rapidly popular in Rajputana in the 17th century. Originally,
it was known as Vidhimrga but its opponents nicknamed it as Terpanths just to
ridicule it. The Terpanths protested against the elaborate ritualism of the
Bharakas. During the lifetime of Banrasdsa, the great scholar and reformer
of Agra, this sect gained great popularity. It is defined by some as a sect
which emphasizes the thirteen points of self discipline for building up the
character; others, however, believe that the name was given by its opponents to
ridicule it.433 The Digambara Terpanths are held
in contempt by the Bharkas like the vetmbara Terpanths by the rpjyas.
Bakhata Rma in the Buddhivilsa says that this sect differs from the
original faith in thirteen points; and hence, it is called Terpanth. The
Terpanths do not recognize the superior position of the Bharkas. The
Terpanths of the vetmbaras and the Digambaras differ from each other. The
former do not worhsip the images while the later do. The Digambara Terpanths
worship the images but not with the flowers, fruits, sandal and prakla.
The worship, in this way according to them, involves His and therefore
militates against the fundamental principles of Jainism.
(c) Gumnapanthi Sect :
Gumnapanth Sect flourished in the 18th century A.D. and was so called after
the name of its founder Gumnrma, the son of Pt. Toarmal of Jaipur. It was
also known as uddhmnya, because particular emphasis was laid on the
purity of conduct of its followers by imposing certain rules of discipline on
them. This sect spread in several parts of Rajasthana outside Jaipur such as
Mrotha, Bhdav etc.
(d) Bsapanthi Sect : The
Bsapanths are the followers of the Bharakas. They assumed its name because
they thought that they were superior to Terpanths. This sect permits idol
worship and supports the cult and methods of the Bharakas. In this sect, the
idols are worshipped with water, lamp, flowers and sandal. The followers of this
sect are found in Jaipur, Ajamera, Nagaura and Mroha.
(e) Totpanthi Sect : In
course of time, an attempt was made for the compromise between Bsapanths and
Terpanths. A new sect known as Totpanth came into existence. This sect
partly consists of Bsapanth Sect and partly Terpanth Sect. It is, therefore,
also known as Sh Solha Panth Sect. It remained confined only to
Nagaur.
These idolatrous sects do not
materially differ from each other in the Digambaras. Their founders namely Amara
Canda Baajty and Gumn Rma were anxious to maintain the individuality of
their sects; and hence, the nominal differences were emphasized.
1.
Daranasra, p.7.
2.
ramaa Bhagvn Mahvra, IV, P. 269
3.
Ibid, p. 272
4.
EI, XXI, p. 85; IHQ, 1934, p. 57.
5.
Jacobi H : Encylopedia of
Religion and Ethics, Vol. VII, p. 473.
6.
Vilas a. sangave : Jaina
community - A Social Survey, pp. 50-51.
7.
Kalpastra, S.B.E., Vol. 22, p. 288 f.
8. E
I, I, No. XIX, p. 391.
9.
Lders : Epig. Notes. IA, XXXIII, p.
109
10. E
I, II, p. 382.
11.
Buhler : On the Indian Sect of the
Jainas, p. 55.
12.
E I, I, No. VI, pp. 385, 87, 88, 97, 96 and
289.
13.
E.I., I, VI, pp. 385, 87, 88, 97, 96 and
289.
14.
Kalpstra, SBE, XXII, p. 293.
15.
E I, XX, pp. 59-61
16.
Jsls, Nos. 96,
99.
17.
Ibid, 90, 94.
18.
Jsls, Nos. 90,
94.
19.
Ibid Nos. 111, 113, 114, and 149.
20.
Ibid, No. 193
21.
Ibid, No. 113.
22.
Ibid, No. 114.
23.
Ibid, No. 149.
24.
Ibid, No. 193.
25.
Jsls, Nos. 175,
195, 196 and 223.
26.
Ibid, V, No. 55.
27.
Ibid, No. 66.
28.
Ibid, No. 130.
29.
Ibid, No. 183.
30.
Ibid, No. 139.
31.
Jsls, V, No.
74.
32.
Ibid, No. 262.
33.
Ibid, IV, Nos. 292, 335, 416 and 538.
34.
Ibid, Nos. 290, 310, 369, 378, 382, 606 and
642.
35.
Ibid, No. 164.
36.
Ibid, Nos. 180 and 222.
37.
Ibid, No. 54.
38.
Ibid, IV, No. 94.
39.
Jsls, II No.
217.
40.
Ibid, No. 372.
41.
Ibid, IV, Nos. 83 and 169.
42.
Ibid, Nos. 193, 229 and 256.
43.
Ibid Nos. 126, 139 and 140.
44.
Jsls, No. 1,
180.
45.
Ibid, Nos. 122, 123, and 135.
46.
Ibid, No. 123.
47.
Ibid, No. 150.
48.
Ibid, No. 166
49.
Jsls, N.
55.
50.
Ibid, No. 137.
51.
Ibid, IV, No. 61.
52.
Ibid, No. 134.
53.
Ibid, III, No. 186, 217 and 511.
54.
Ibid, No. 138.
55.
Ibid, II, No. 165.
56.
Ibid, No. 147.
57.
Jsls, IVI, No. 185,
234, 269, 318, 490 and 541.
58.
Ibid, No. 185.
59.
Ibid, IV, No. 117.
60.
Jsls, III, No.
153.
61.
Ibid, No. 158.
62.
Ibid, Nos, 237-238.
63.
Ibid, No. 17.
64.
Ibid Nos. 163-165.
65.
Ibid, IV, No. 96.
66.
Jsls, No. IV, No.
212, 291, 323, 476, 565 and 609.
67.
Ibid, No. 476.
68.
Ibid, No. 214.
69.
Ibid, No. 603.
70.
Ibid, III, Nos. 267, 277, 299 and 353.
71.
Ibid, 209, 263, 313, 377, 389, 408, 431, 459,
582.
72.
Ibid, IV, No. 240
73.
Medieval Jainism, P. 327.
74.
Ibid, IV, No. 154.
75.
Jsls, III, No.
208.
76.
Ibid, IV, No. 55.
77.
Ibid, IV, No. 157.
78.
Ibid, Nos. 342, 376.
79.
Ibid, III, No. 569.
80.
Ibid, No. 585.
81.
Ibid, IV, No. 390, p. 13.
82.
jsls, III, No.
99.
83.
Ibid, No. 100.
84.
Ibid, No. 105.
85.
Ibid, Nos. 99, 100, 105.
86.
Ibid, I, Nos. 106, 121, 124 and 142.
87.
Ibid, III, No. 124.
88.
Ibid, No. 106.
89.
Ibid, No. 121.
90.
Ibid, No. 124.
91.
Ibid, No. 106.
92.
Jsls, III, No.
121.
93.
Ibid, No. 124.
94.
Ibid, No. 250.
95.
Ibid, No. 143.
96.
Ibid, No. 144.
97.
Jsls, III, No.
130.
98.
Ibid, No. 182.
99.
Ibid, Nos. 160 and 205.
100. Jsls, IV, No.
20.
101. Ibid, Nos.
70, 131, 611 and 612.
102. Ibid, No.
70.
103. Ibid, No.
131.
104. Ibid, Nos.
611 and 612.
105. Ibid, Nos. 130, 259,
168, 607.
106. Ibid, No.
259.
107. Ibid, No.
168.
108. Ibid, No.
607.
109. Jsls, IV, Nos. 207, 368 and
386.
110. Ibid, No.
209.
111. Ibid, Nos.
143, 298, 300 and 384.
112. Ibid, V,
No. 70.
113. Ibid, No.
86.
114. Ibid, No.
125.
115. Jsls, V, No.
117
116. Ibid, III,
No. 103.
117. Ibid, No.
104.
118. Ibid, No.
104.
119. JSLS, III,
No. 166.
120. Ibid, No.
178
121. Ibid, Nos.
188, 189, 190, 192, 202, 214, 215, 216 and 226.
122. JSLS, III,
Nos. 213, 214, 215, 216.
123. Ibid, IV,
No. 175.
124. Ibid, No.
282
125. Ibid, No.
344.
126. Ibid, Nos.
252, 357 and 409.
127. JSLS, V,
Nos. 14-15.
128. Ibid, No.
56.
129. Ibid, No.
104.
130. Ibid, No.
111.
131. J.S.L.S.,
III, Nos. 633 and 640.
132. Jaina
Siddhnta Bhaskara, Vol. 2, IV, pp. 28-29.
133. J.S.L.S.
IV, No. 22.
134. Ibid, No.
56.
135. ramaa
Bhagavn Mahvra, Vol, V, Pt. II. Sthavirval, p.
2.
136. PJS, Pt.
I, No. 3.
137. MJI., No.
833 and 834.
138.
APJLS.
139. NJI., Pt.
I, II & III.
140. I.A., Vol.
IX, p. 248.
141. NJI. Pt.
III.
142. ramaa
Bhagavn Mahvra, Vol. V, Pt. II, Sthavirval, p.
75.
143. ramaa B.M.
144.
APJLS.
145. NJI. Pt.
I, II & III and PLS.
146. ramaa
Bhagvn Mahvra, Vol. V. Pt. II. Sthavirval, p.
65.
147. NJI. Pt. II, III,
PLS. Pt. I, and APJLS.
148. ramaa
Bhagvn Mahvra, Vol. V, Pt. II, Sthavirval, p.
65.
149. NJI. Pt. I, II
and III & APJLS.
150. ramaa
Bhagvn Mahva, Vol. V, Pt. II, Sthavirval, Pt. II, p.
66.
151. NJI. Pt. I, II
and III & APJLS.
152. NJI., No.
899.
153.
APJLS.
154. NJI. No.
792.
155. NJI., Pt. I &
II.
156.
APJLS.
157. PLS. No.
106.
158. IA., V. XI, p.
250.
159. IA., V. XI, p.
250.
160. raman
Bhagavn Mahvra, Vol. V, Pt. II, Sthavirval, p.
176.
161. raman
Bhagavn Mahvra, Vol. V, Pt. II, Sthavirval p.
176.
162. APJLS. No. 138
& 141.
163. NJI., Pt II No.
1275.
164. Ibid. Pt.
III.
165. NJI., Pt. I, No.
970 & 971.
166.
APJLS.
167. Ibid., No.
425.
168. APJLS. Nos. 396,
470, 471, 472 and 473.
169. NJI., Pt. No.
764.
170. Ibid., No. 899.
171. NJI., Pt. I, II
& III.
172. APJLS., No.
319.
173. NJI., Pt.
III.
174. NJI., Pt. I, II
and III & APJLS., Nos. 82 & 142.
175. NJI., Nos. 789,
1313 & 2278. APJLS., No. 348.
176. APJLS., No.
620.
177. NJI., No.
738.
178. Ibid., No.
1000.
179. NJI., No.
1236.
180. Ibid., Nos. 1080
& 1017.
181. NJI., No.
530.
182. APJLS., No.
66.
183.
APJLS.
184. NJI., Pt. I, II
& III.
185.
APJLS.
186. NJI., Pt.
III.
187. Ibid., Nos. 1111,
1143 & 1031.
188. APJLS., Nos. 74
and 119.
189.
APJLS.
190. Ibid., No.
110.
191. NJI., No.
811.
192. NJI., Pt. I, II
& III.
193.
APJLS.
194. NJI., Pt. I, No.
791.
195. APJLS., No.
404.
196. NJI., Pt. II
& III & APJLS.
197. APJLS., No.
366.
198.
Ibid.
199. NJI., Pt.
III.
200. PLS., Nos. 5
& 23.
201. NJI., Pt. II
& III.
202. PLS., No.
43.
203. NJI., Pt. II
& III.
204. NJI., Nos. 2478
& 577.
205. Ibid., Nos. 533
& 539.
206. Catalogue of the
MSS in the Patan Bharas, p. 312.
207. NJI., No.
1295.
208. IA., XI, p.
249.
209. ARRMA. Yr. 1923
No. IX.
210. PLS., Nos. 49,
124 & 256.
211. IA., XIV, p.
8.
212. IA., XI, p.
248.
213. NJI., Nos. 734,
1267, 1315 & pt. III.
214. I.A., XI,
249.
215. NJI., No. 1059.
216. APJLS., No.
408.
217. NJI., No.
604.
218. NJI., Nos. 849,
850 and 851.
219. NJI., Pt.
III.
220. IA., XI, pp.
248-249.
221. NJI., No.
597.
222. Ibid., No.
1288.
223. NJI., No.
717.
224. NJI., No.
616.
225. NJI., Nos. 2218
& 2232.
226. Ibid., Nos.
2220-22 & 2415.
227. Ibid., No.
2269.
228. Ibid.,
1159.
229. NJI., No.
1174.
230. Ibid., No.
1194.
231. Ibid.,
1042.
232. NJI., No
1998.
233. Ibid.,
1078.
234. APJLS. Nos. 9,
454 & 466.
235. NJI., Pt.
III.
236. NJI. No.
966.
237. NJI., Pt.
III.
238. ABJLS, No.
575.
239. NJI, Pt. I
& III.
240. Ibid, Nos.
1167, 1169 and 1246.
241. Sramana
Oct. -Dec. 1995, p. 28.
242. Ibid,
1997, pp. 81-82.
243. Malavchala
Ke Jaina-lekha.
244. MUNI KANTISAGAR :
Jaina Dhthu Pratma Lekha Sagraha, I.
245. Mlavnchala
Ke Jaina-Lekha. pp. 77-78.
246. P.C. NAHAR :
Jaina Inscriptions III, Nos. 403-425.
247. E.I., I,
P. 120.
248. Jaina Jorunal
Mahavra Jayant Special, pp. 195-196.
249. K.M.T.J.,
II, p. 410.
250. Bharaka
Sampradya, p. 239.
251. Bharaka
Sampradya,
252. KMTJ, p.
505.
253. Ibid, p.
505.
254. Vravn,
VI, p. 355.
255. Ibid, V,
p. 41.
256. Jainism in
Rajasthan, p. 72.
257. Ibid,
258. E.I.,
XXIV, p. 84.
259. ARRMA,
1925-26, No. 3.
260. Mlavchala
Ke Jaina-lekha, Nos 3, 6 and 7.
261. Bharaka
Sampradya, p. 239.
262. Bharaka
Sampradya, pp. 241-242.
263. Ibid, p.
211.
264. Ibid,
265. Bhandarkar
List No. 161; ARADGS, 1973, No. 48.
266. Bhaaraka
Sampradya, p. 211.
267. Malvanchala Ke
Jaina-Lekha, Nos. 217, 209, 198 and 106.
268. KAMTA PRASAD -
Patim Lekha Sagrah, Nos. 60, 56 and 20.
269. Udaipur Rjya
K Itihsa, p. 41.
270. PRAS, WC,
1909-10, P. 52.
271. Malavchala
Ke Jaina-Lekha, No. 59.
272. Mlavchala
Ke Jaina-Lekha, No. 170.
273. E.I., II,
pp. 232-240.
274. K.M.T.A.,
p. 505.
275. Mlavchala
Ke Jaina-Lekha, Nos, 7, 167, 215, 216.
276. Bharaka
Sampradya, pp. 293-294.
277. JSLS, V,
p.No. 98.
278. Mlavchala
Ke Jaina-Lekha, p. 24, No. 7.
279. PR
1883-84; I.A., XX and IA XXI.
280. PRAS. WC,
1903-04, p. 46.
281. E.I.,
XXIV, p. 84.
282. JSLS. No.
208.
283. JBBRAS,
No. XLIV, Vol. XVII, p. 163 and PR 1883-84.
284. Bharaka
Sampradya.
285. Jainism in
Rajasthan, p. 74.
286. KMTA, p.
505.
287. Jainism in
Rajasthan,
288. Mlvchala Ke
Jaina Lekha.
289. KAMATA PRASAD
JAIN : Pratima Lekha Sagraha.
290. NJI, No,
1009.
291. Vrav,
VII.
292. Aneknta,
XIII, p. 126.
293.
Ibid.
294. JGPS, p. 10
(Int.)
295.
Ibid.
296. 1490
҇ Ȍ 9 ͋ʊ ˂ʊ ݧʦU ʊ US U
ȧȧʸ ^UʦUݧ l ^ԊU ݧݧø UØ
UU ʢ ˂ ʸ ʢ ߢ ʸ U ː ʸ
UʄU ʟ ʸ Uȧ ʋ ʸ U ͋ݧ
cU ݧʦU ʊ ݧU Sݧ ո 1476 ݧ ֡ҟ .
.
297. Aneknta, XIII,
p. 126.
298. In the Jaina
temple at Jaipur.
299. 1515
Ȍ 11 ͋ʊ ݧʦU ʊ US 뿊U ȢȢʸ .
ݧݧø ^ԊU . ȝݧø ÌUØ UU ʦU
ʄU ߌ ʐÖ (In the
temple of Chaudharis, Jaipur). Ø 1496 ҇ʝ Ȍ -11 ^UʦUݧ
^UʦUݧ ݧݧø ݧ U - . . ݧø
300. 1516
ʝ 5 ȦU ͋ . ȝݧø ȦU . ʄUʋ
Uݧʋ Uʋ Ê ʐÖ (On the metal image in the temple of
Lunakarana, Jaipur).
301. 1528
҇ 1 ͋ʊ ȝݧø UØ . ʬ ʸ
ʐÖ (Inscription on a Yantra in the temple of Chaudharis,
Jaipur)
302. NJI., No.
1120.
303. Aneknta, XIII,
P. 126.
304. 1570
ٷ - Ê ʦU ʐÖ
305. 1595
҇ Ȍ x ِ ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 UØ ʸ ʌ
Ö
306. 1607
҇ ȦU ʪU ʊ ʪʫU Sʟ U Uʝ ʷݧU
U ʋ ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲
MØ U. Uʡ ʝU . Uͧ ʊ Ê, . U, .
ʊ , . ʂ, . M Ê ݧʟ ʸ ݧݧ (In the
temple of Laskara, Jaipur).
307. NJI., No.
520.
308. 1620
҇ Ȍ 9 Ȝ ͋ʊ US 뿊U . Ȑݧø LØ
UU U ʊ æUʩU . Uʂ ʢ Uʐ . Uʐʌ .
. ݧ . ٟ, , . U k
ʐÖ
309. NJI., No
1636.
310. Ibid., No.
631.
311. Aneknta;
XIII; p: 126.
312. ARRMA, 1919-20
Nos. 1 & 6.
313. Inscription in
the temple of Pod at Jaipur.
1661 ʄUȌ ِ ͋ʊ . ͷ MØ
U . Uȧ . ʦU . ˦UʄU ٫U ݧʦU
ʐÖ
314. Aneknta,
XIII, p. 127.
315.
Ibid.
316. 1751 cU
Ȍ 5 ِ ǝUʊ ʪÊ ͋ʊ Ê ʋ US
뿊U ݧʦU ʊ ȧȧʸ . ݧݧø Ì .
k Ì . 㺲 ݧø ^ԊU . ʊݧø MØ
ِ S UU ݧʦU ʐÖ
317. PRAS. wc.,
1904-05, p. 57.
318. PS, p.
177.
319. Ibid., p.
138.
320. Ibid., p.
170.
321. 1517
Ȍ 10 U ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 Uʋ ʄU
UUUʡ ʸ ʄUݧ ʌ ʄUU
(Jaina temple of Patodi, Jaipur). 1299 Ȍ 9 . . U---
322. 1523
ʅU Ȍ 2 L ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ k ^ԊU
㺲 ^ԊU 㺲 Uʋ UʫU ʊ ʄU
ʸ M U, U˦U U ʐ (Jaina temple
Siramauriya, Jaipur).
323. 1532
҇ Ȍ 7 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 ʊUʋ ʄU Uݧ
ݧʟ ʸ S UʩU ʐÖ
324. 1518
҇ Ȍ 3 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 ʄU ˝Uʡ ʬU˝ʋ
ʐ Uʡ U Uʝ ʄUU ȢUʂʖ
325. 1571
cU Ȍ 2 ِ ͋ʊ ȧȧʸ . 㺲 Ì
Uʋ UʫU يʊ U . ȄUʪ S Ր, ʂ,
ʂ, Ր ʡ, U Ê ʐÖ
326
PS., P. 154.
327. Ibid., p.
98.
328. Ibid., p.
177.
329. Ibid., p.
96.
330. Ibid., p.
147.
331. Ibid., p.
167.
332. Ibid., p.
163
333. Ibid., p.
164.
334. 1573
Ȍ 3 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 Ø ^UʦUݧ
㺲 Uʋ UʒU ʊ . Uˋ
ʐÖ
335. 1573 ʪ
Ȍ 3 ͋ʊ US 뿊U ݧʦU ʊ ^UʦUݧ
ȧȧʸ . 㺲 ^ԊU 㺲 Ì
Uʋ ݧʋ ʊ UلU ʸ ݧʐ k . k
ʐÖ
336. PS.,
p.2.
337. Ibid., pp. 36
& 37.
338. Ibid., p.
96.
339. Ibid., p.
131.
340. Ibid., p.
99.
341. Ibid., p.
174.
342. PS., p.
127.
343. Ibid., p.
128.
344. Ibid., p.
200.
345. Ibid., p.
149.
346. Ibid., p.
170.
347. Ibid., p.
88.
348. Ibid., p.
175.
349. Ibid., p.
55.
350. Ibid., p.
148.
351. Ibid., p.
99.
352. 1590
Ȍ 7 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 Ø c U 㺲 Ì ʄU
ʊ ʸ Ê ʸ ʌ Ø ʋ ʐÖ (Temple of
Luakaranaj, Jaipur).
353. 1590
ʄU Ȍ 4 ȜʦU ͋ʊ l ݧʦUʊ US 뿊U
ȢȢʸ . ㌌ Ø c ^UʦUݧ ㌌ Ì
Uʋ ȄUU ʊ ʟ . . ʜʝ . U
ʦUʄU ʋ Ö (Temple of Lunakaranji,
Jaipur).
354. 1593 cU
Ȍ 3 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲 Ø c U
Ì Uʋ ʄU ʊ ʄU Ì ʸ UU Ì ʄU ʂ
ʄU U ʐÖ
355. P.S., p.
163.
356. Ibid., p.
77
357. Ibid., p.
162.
358. Ibid., p.
94.
359. Ibid., p.
169.
360. Ibid., p.
17.
361. Ibid., p.
190.
362. ARAMA, 1927-28,
No.11.
363. PS., p.
125.
364. Ibid., p.
132.
365. Ibid., p.
73.
366. 1642
͟ 7 ȜʂU ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲, . 㺲,
. 㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ ʊ . ݧ ʸ
Պ UʄU UUʡ Ê ʐ
367. 1641
͟ 7 Ȝ ͋ʊ U Ø U
㐢U ݧø Ø ݧø Ì Uʋ ݧUݧU
ʄU ݧʋ ʐÖ
368. 1641
ȟ 2 h ͋ʊ . 㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ ٟ
ʊ . Ê, . Ê . ݧ, Uʡ
369. 1641
ȟ Ȍ 7 Ȝ ͋ʊ . 㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ
لUU يʊ . Uß . ߸ . ݧʜU, U UUUʂ
ʐÖ
370. 1648 ҇
ʂ ʝʬȦU U Uʡ ʟU ͋ʊ . 㺲ݧø M
Ø Uʋ ʒU ʊ . U ʊ . ȄUʪ˟
ʦU UUʡ . UU ʦU . ʳU Uʐ .
U ʟU ʟU
ʐÖ
371. 1648 ҇
5 ͋ʊ . 㺲ݧø Uʋ ʋ ҥ ʄU , .
˟ ʸ Ìʸ ߫U Ê
ʐÖ
372. 1651
Ȍ 10 U ͋ʊ 㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ ʳU ʊ
ʄU ʄU ʟ ʄU Uß
373. 1651
Ȍ ʐ ȦU ^UʦUݧ 㺲ݧø U ʊ ʄU ͢
ʐÖ
374. 1658 ʷʅU
Ȍ 10 UʦU . 㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ ق
U SÚ U . Ê, m. UU, . . Ê
U U . U, ˝, U
ʐÖ
375. 1661
ȟ Ȍ 2 ͋ʊ U 㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ
ʊ Ջ ʇʟ ʐÖ
376. ARRMA, 1927-28,
p.11.
377. PS. p.
76.
378. Ibid., p.
89.
379. Ibid., p.
28.
380. Ibid., pp.
189-90.
381. ARRMA., 1927-28,
No. 12.
382. 1709 ȟ
7 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ 㺲ݧø c U㺲ݧø Ê
UݧUʢ U UØ UʦUU ݧ
cUÖ
383. See above, p.
48.
384. 1711
Ȍ 4 ِ ͋ʊ k.... ^UʦUݧ U㺲ݧø Ì
ʋ ʊ . Uʐ Uٝ U ʝʐ
ʄU USßʪȦU ʪ cUʖ U
ʐÖ
385. 1716
4 ِ ͋ʊ 108 U㺲ݧø Ì ʋ
Uʐ ʊ U ʝ cU
ݧʦUʖ
386. 1716
4 ِ ͋ ^UʦUݧ U㺲ݧø Ì ʋ
ʊ Uʐ U ʝ ʊ U
USßʪȦU ʪ cU U ʐÖ
387. 1729 ȟ
Ȍ 9 ͋ʊ ݧʦUʊ US˪뿊U . ȦU㺲ݧø Ì
ʄU ʄU UUUʂ ʄU ͦUʟ cUʐ ꐊ
U
388. 1732
cU Ȍ 2 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ ȦU㺲ݧø Ì Uʋ
Μʋ ʊ ʄU UUUʂ ʟ ʐU SÚ ʂ˦Uʐ
S S ٳU Ր ʌ٦U S S قʌ m
UݧU Ê cU ꐊ U ݧUʖ
389. Ps. p.
4.
390. Ibid.,
29.
391. Ibid. p.
174.
392. 1743
ݧøݧ Ȍ 15 ݧUU U ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ ݧø Ì Uʋ ʄU ٟʋ cU
ݧʦUʖ
393. See above, p.
36.
394. 1766
Ȍ 6 ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ ݧø ʄU U^UʦUݧ ʋʂ cU
ݧUʖ
395. Ps., p.
7.
396. Ibid., p.
77.
397. 1773
ʂ ċ ʊ Տ ͋ʊ ---- 㺲ݧø Ì
Uʋ ȄUU ʊ ًU U ʄU U˄UU cU
ݧU (Temple of Chaudharis, Jaipur).
398. 1783
8 Ȝ ʢلU U ^UʦUݧ 㺲ݧø Ì UʫU ʊ
ʄU UUʐ cU ݧUʖ ҥ ҦUʡ
ʐÖ
399. PS., pp. 48 and
56.
400. Ibid., p.
124.
401. Ibid., p.
219.
402. See above, p.
47.
403. PS., p.
48.
404. Ibid., p.
56.
405. See above p.
47.
406. See above p.
47.
407. 1572 ݧ
ʪ 6 UʦU ^UʦUݧ Uݧø ݧ
U˖
408. PS., p.
21.
409. Ibid., p.
108.
410. ARRMA, 1934-35,
Non.
411. PS., p.
20.
412. ː
^UʦUݧ 108 ݧø S ʐ ݧ Uʂ ݧU
U Uʂ U . 1672 ݧ Ȍ 5
413. Ajmer Historical
and Descriptive, p. 123.
414. See above, p.
48.
415. See above, p.
43.
416. 1814 ݧ
ʷʅU Ȍ 10 ِ ^UʦUݧ ݧø UʦUʡ U٦UU
U Ȑʸ ݧٖ
417. 1852 ҇
ʄU ċ ʊ ʟ LʂU U UʌȪ ˥ æUʝ
U ͋ʊ ^UʦUݧ ȝݧøSÌ ʋ ʄU
ʂ ߌ Ð ݧʦUʖ
418. UʦUcU U
U ㌦U ʝʢ cU
æU . 1862 ݧ ʂʅU ʂ Χc ʊ cUʐ
ʦU ͋ʊ l U ^ԊU ^UʦUݧ 108
ȝݧø, U ݧʋͦUʐ cUݧ U UʦUU ʦU ʄUʢ ݧ
cU ݧ S Uʡ ʝݧ ݧ ʸȦUʪ ʝ U Uʖ
ʿU ʦUU ʢݧU ȟ 5 ȧʐ Uʖ
(Inscription, Sha Jaina Temple Mroha).
419. JSAI., p.
351.
420.
Ibid.
421.
Sambodhaprakaraa, Verses 27, 34, 46-49, 61, 63, 68
etc.
422.
Saghapaaka, Verses 7, 11, 12, 15, 21 etc.
423. APJLS, No.
119.
424. Ibid., No.
113.
425. APJLS, No.
432.
426. Ibid., No.
278.
427. Ibid., No.
246-248.
428. Ibid., No.
116.
429. Ibid., No.
249.