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.Inscriptions of the Chandellas of Jejakbhukti, Ed. H.V. Trivedi, 1989, p. 456.
It is the earliest known reference to a Grahapati family.Svasti Śrī: Dr. B.Ch. Chhabra felicitation volume, K. V. Ramesh, Agam Prasad, S. P. Tewari, p. 139 Unlike all other Chandella era Grahapati inscriptions which are Jain, this refers to a Shiva temple,Lalit kalā, Issue 10, Lalit Kala Akademi,1961, p. 64 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.The Early Rulers of Khajuraho, S.K. Mitra, 1958, Motilal Banarasidas, p. 224
Publication The inscription was first published by Cunningham,Epigraphica Indica, Pt I, 1888, p. 135-36 and has since been published in several books.Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146
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.Epigraphica Indica, Pt I, p. 135-36 The current location of the Vidyanatha temple is uncertain; the inscription slab has been fixed to the Vishvanath temple.Kharjuravahaka, D. J. Kale, 1967, p. 123 Cunningham had identified the Beejamandal temple at Jatkara village near Khajuraho as the Vishvanath temple.Reports By Archaeological Survey of India By Archaeological Survey of India Published 1880, Cunningham
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.Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146 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 Khajuraho, Kanhiayalal Agrawal, The MacMillan Company of India, 1980, p. 141-146 and KaleKharjuravahaka, D. J. Kale, 1967
See also Indian inscriptions Khajuraho Padmavati Pawaya Beejamandal
Notes
External links A photograph of this inscription outside Vishvanth temple in Khajuraho.