Pattavali

Stela: Bhadrabahu as the last Kevalin in Digambara tradition

A Pattavali (From Sanskrit patta: seat, avali: chain), Sthaviravali or Theravali, is a record of a spiritual lineage of heads of monastic orders. They are thus spiritual genealogies.[1] It is generally presumed that two successive names are teacher and pupil. The term is applicable for all Indian religions, but is generally used for Jain monastic orders.

There are several famous pattavalis which are often used to establish historical chronologies:[2][3]

Glasenapp notes that although the chronological list mentioned in pattavali are valuable, it is not reliable.[6]

  1. ^ Śrī paṭṭāvalī-samuccayaḥ, Vīramagāma, Gujarāta : Śrī Cāritra-Smāraka-Granthamālā, 1933
  2. ^ Akbar as Reflected in the Contemporary Jain Literature in Gujarat, by Shirin Mehta, Social Scientist, 1992, p. 54-60
  3. ^ Medieval Jaina Goddess Traditions, by John Cort Numen,1987 BRILL, p. 235-255
  4. ^ Maharaja, Gyansundar. "Oswal Porwal Aur Shreemal Jatiyo Ka Sachitra Prachin Itihas". jainqq.org. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  5. ^ Indian Antiquary: A Journal of Oriental Research, Vol-19, Issue no.-January-December.
  6. ^ Glasenapp 1999, p. 12