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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.
It was found somewhere in Khajuraho or its vivicinity, and is currently located in the Vishvanath temple there.[4]
The inscription was first published by Cunningham,[5] and has since been published in several books.[6]
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]
Most of the inscription is metrical, with the exception of the initial invocation to Shiva and the samvat at the end.
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.
Translations are provided by Kanhiayalal Agrawal [12] and Kale[13]
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