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]
According to 600 AD inscription at Sravanabelagola, Harivansha Purana, Jambuddvita Pannati and Kalpasutra, the Pattavali (lineage) after Mahavira, 24th tirthankara, until Bhadrabāhu is commonly recognized by both the sects without disputes. Differences arise from Sthulabhadra onwards, whose undisputed adherence to the Śvetāmbara is confirmed. [8] Kalpasutra gives a lineage starting with Pushyagiri after Vajrasena ending with Devardhi Ksamashramana, the president of the Vallabhi council under whom the principal canonical scriptures of the Śvetāmbara sect were formally written. The Kalpasutra also mentions ganas and shakhas established by other disciples of Bhadrabahu, Sambhutavijaya, Mahagiri etc. [9] The Brihat-Kharataragachchha pattavali gives the name of Chandra after Vajrasena, the lineage continues until Udyotana, the founder of Brihadgachcha.[10]
Arhadvali is said to have been the founder of the divisions of the Mula Sangha. Even though the Digambara sect claims Manatunga was a Digambara monk, none of the pattavalis maintained by the Digambara sect mention him.
Śvetāmbara Lineage
According to the Śvetāmbara tradition, the monastic lineage is as follows: - [13]
