Grahapati Kokkala inscription

The Grahapati Kokkala inscription is an epigraphic record documenting the dedication of a Shiva temple. It dates to 1000-1001 CE. It is one of several Chandella era inscriptions that mention a Grahapati family.[1]

It is the earliest known reference to a Grahapati family.[2] Unlike all other Chandella era Grahapati inscriptions which are Jain, this refers to a Shiva temple,[3] although Verse 3 suggests that the builder also worshipped Jinas.

Location

It was found somewhere in Khajuraho or its vivicinity, and is currently located in the Vishvanath temple there.[4]

Publication

The inscription was first published by Cunningham,[5] and has since been published in several books.[6]

Description and contents

The inscription at Khajuraho, dated Samvat 1056, Kartika (1000–1001 AD), is engraved on a slab and records the dedication of a temple termed Vidyanatha temple.[7] The current location of the Vidyanatha temple is uncertain; the inscription slab has been fixed to the Vishvanath temple.[8] Cunningham had identified the Beejamandal temple at Jatkara village near Khajuraho as the Vishvanath temple.[9][10]

Metrics

Most of the inscription is metrical, with the exception of the initial invocation to Shiva and the samvat at the end.

Text

It is a large 22 line text.[11] It starts with invocation Om Namah Shivaya.

  • Verses 1-2: Invocation of Lord Shiva.
  • Verse 3: Equates Shiva with Parama Brahma, Buddha, Vaman, Jina etc.
  • Verses 5-7: Praise of the Padmavati city.
  • Verses 8-14: Praises a family lineage of Grahapai Vamsha leading to Kokkala.
  • Verses 15-21: Describe a town and the Vaidyanath temple built by Kokkala.

Translation

Translations are provided by Kanhiayalal Agrawal [12] and Kale[13]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Inscriptions of the Chandellas of Jejakbhukti,Ed. H.V. Trivedi, 1989, p. 456.
  2. ^ Svasti Śrī: Dr. B.Ch. Chhabra felicitation volume, K. V. Ramesh, Agam Prasad, S. P. Tewari, p. 139
  3. ^ Lalit kalā, Issue 10, Lalit Kala Akademi,1961, p. 64
  4. ^ The Early Rulers of Khajuraho, S.K. Mitra, 1958, Motilal Banarasidas, p. 224
  5. ^ Epigraphica Indica, Pt I, 1888, p. 135-36
  6. ^ Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
  7. ^ Epigraphica Indica, Pt I, p. 135-36
  8. ^ Kharjuravahaka, D. J. Kale, 1967, p. 123
  9. ^ Reports By Archaeological Survey of India By Archaeological Survey of India Published 1880, Cunningham
  10. ^ Cunningham, Alexander (1880). Report of Tours in Bundelkhand and Malwa in 1874-75 and 1876-77. 8 Hastings Street, Calcutta: Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing. p. 22. Retrieved 8 May 2017.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  11. ^ Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
  12. ^ Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
  13. ^ Kharjuravahaka, D. J. Kale, 1967
  • A photograph of this inscription outside Vishvanth temple in Khajuraho.