________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
ITA
2
3
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
38
Chandan and Sakhal: Lid and a chain to hang the inkpot.
Chandan is the lid of the inkpot while Sakhal is a thin chain or a string tied round the neck of the inkpot to hang it above, lest it should be trampled by someone if it is kept on the ground. Therefore, Inkpots are generally hung above somewhere. See pg 26 Pathu, putha = Covers for protection of Mss. folios
These bookcovers are invariably used by the Jain monks while giving religious discourses, or when they are studying the Ms. They act as bookjackets; when the Mss. folios are temporarily held by the monks while preaching, they are placed in Patha, or putha to protect them from perspiration of the hand or securing them from flying away by the gust of wind.
Puthas are made of various materials from compressed paperboard to wood to metal, even gold and silver. Some of them are beautifully decorated with textile designs. made of cotton or silk. They are of three types:
1. Dodhia i.e. with one and a half folds 2. Bevada i.e. with double folds and 3. Adhiya i.e. With two and a half folds. In the first type the upper flap is almost 1/4 of the longer side of the board and is invariably decorated and embroidered with gold or paintings of the ashtamangalas (eight auspicious symbols of the Jains or the fourteen dreams), while the inside
For Private and Personal Use Only
