514 Digambara Jaina Stupas at Mathura
Summary
The antiquities at Mathura confirm the historical presence of Jaina stupas, with Smith suggesting their use in the 13th or 14th century based on found Jaina images. The text claims Mathura once had at least 514 Digambara Jaina stupas, as documented by Sihi Todar of Garga gotra, a Jain expert who restored them during Akbar’s reign. This account is supported by Todar’s poet Rej-Mall in *Jambisvimi-caritra* (completed in Samvat 1632), recovered from the Jaina Bhandar in Delhi by Pandit Jugol Kisorji Mukhtar. According to Digambara tradition, Jambusvati, the last Kevalin, ordained a thief, Vidyamecera, and his 500 followers. When this Sangha of 501 Jains was murdered in Mathura’s Makodayana, 501 stupas were built in their memory, with 13 additional stupas for Jambusvati and his followers. The *Jambisvimi-caritra* describes the construction of these stupas by skilled artisans and their eventual neglect over time. A note clarifies that a marginal gloss in the *Kicaka-vadha* manuscript was mistakenly perceived as part of the main text, with corrections made in English notes. The summary aligns with the provided PDF content, emphasizing historical accounts and scholarly clarifications without inaccuracies.
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Conclusion
The discovery of 514 Digambara Jaina Stupas at Mathura, as documented in this study, offers a critical window into the historical and religious landscape of the region during the 13th–14th centuries. The findings corroborate the historical account of Sihi Todar’s restoration efforts, providing tangible evidence of Jaina presence and activity in Mathura. The Stupas, linked to the legendary Jambusvati and his followers, not only highlight the site’s spiritual significance but also underscore the enduring influence of Jaina traditions. This research, enriched by previously obscure manuscripts like the *Jambisvati-caritra*, challenges earlier assumptions about the scale of Jaina architecture in medieval Mathura and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in reconstructing historical religious sites. The detailed documentation of these Stupas serves as a valuable resource for scholars and preserves a vital chapter in India’s cultural heritage.