Studies in Jaina Art

SR No.: 001610
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Umakant P Shah
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 218
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Art, & Culture
File Size: 9 MB

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STUDIES IN JAINA ART
In the midst of the Samavasaraņa, a Caitya-tree was made by the Vyantaras, rising 3 Kos, 1 beneath it a platform (pitha ) with manifold jewels, on it they made a dais (Chandaka ) of gems. In the centre of it, to the east was placed a jewelled lion-throne with foot-stool. Above the throne shone the white triple-umbrella, on both sides Yakşas held two white fly-whisks. At the gate of the Samavasaraṇa, they placed, on a golden lotus, the dharma.cakra of remarkable light. 2
Gods use nine lotuses in turn for the Master to walk on while reaching the congregation. Entering the Samavasarana by the east.gate, the Jina makes pradakşiņā of the Caitya-tree and bowing to the congregation (tirtha) takes his seat on the lion-throne. Vyantara gods make three life-like images of the Lord and place them in the other three directions so that everyone in the assembly finds himself facing the Lord. Behind the Jina appears the resplendent halo (bhamandala ), a drum is sounded in the skies ( devadundubhi ), and a jewelled banner blazes in front of the Lord.
1 Kos - 1 of a Yojana. Johnson, op. cit., p. 192, n. 452. Ct. :-39fgerunt
F TU ATI तिस्थगरपायमूले करेंति देवा शिवयमाणा ॥ ५५.२ ॥
इयतुमपेतछंदय भासणबतच यामराभो य । जय प्रक्ष करणिकरेंतित बापामतरिया ॥ ५५३ ॥
dvasyaka Niryukli, op.cit., pp. 231-32. According to later texts there is usually an Asoka-tree, but the discus. sion of heights of Asoka-trees In samavasaraṇas of different Jinas shows that Caltya-trees (trees of enlightenment) of different Jinas were there, above which was the Adoka tree. See, Dharmaghosa op. cit. 8 C1, CT ung time guste
eft craft 9191 HITET U O P 11 444 ||
आचाहिण पुम्बाहौ तिदिति पडिकबगा जु दैवकया। जैकगणी अनौ वा दाहिणपुच्च अदूमि ॥ ५५६ ॥ जे से ऐश्वहिं कया तिविछि पल्डिवगा जिणवरस्त । सिं पि तप्पभावा तथाणुरुवं हवा हव ।। ५५५ ॥
Avakyaka Niryukti, op, eit, pp. 831:38, • Jipaprabha and Pharmaghase give measurements of the different parts of the Samavasarap 4, the unit for each such assembly being the hasta of the Jina for whom it is made. Since the heights of different Jinas are given in a descending order frem ist to the 84th Jina, the Samavasarana becomes smaller with each subbeeding Jina,