APattavali (From Sanskrit patta: seat, avali: chain),Sthaviravali orTheravali, 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 forJain monastic orders.
There are several famous pattavalis which are often used to establish historical chronologies:[2][3]
According to 600 AD inscription atSravanabelagola, Harivansha Purana, Jambuddvita Pannati and Kalpasutra, thePattavali (lineage) afterMahavira, 24thtirthankara, untilBhadrabāhu is commonly recognized by both the sects without disputes. Differences arise fromSthulabhadra onwards, whose undisputed adherence to theŚvetāmbara is confirmed.[8] Kalpasutra gives a lineage starting with Pushyagiri after Vajrasena ending withDevardhi Ksamashramana, the president of theVallabhi council under whom the principalcanonical scriptures of theŚvetāmbara 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 theMula Sangha. Even though the Digambara sect claimsManatunga was a Digambara monk, none of thepattavalis maintained by the Digambara sect mention him.
