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

• Indian inscriptions
• Khajuraho
• Padmavati Pawaya
• Beejamandal