Ambika on Jaina Art and Literature

SR No.: 002006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 184
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Art, & Literature
File Size: 15 MB

Page 127

(Gulbargā), shows her with amra-lumbi and child. The image, assignable to c. 11th century A.D., also shows the lion mount and mango tree. The figures of Ambikā found at Ammānāgi (Hukeri, Belgaum; Pārsvanātha Basti, 13th century A.D.; Fig. 61), Gudigeri (Kundagola, Dharwar; Mahāvīra Basti, 11th century A.D.), Hubli (Dharwar, Anantanātha Basti, 13th century A.D.; Fig. 62, on page 115), Sedum (Gulbargā, Santinātha Basti, c. 12th century A.D.; Fig. 63, on page 116), Moodbidri (South Kanara, 14th century A.D. onwards; Fig. 64, on page 117), Terdal (Jamkhandi Bījāpur; Jaina temple, 12th century A.D.; Fig. 65 on page 122), Nallura (South Kanara, Pārsvanātha Basti, 12th century A.D.; Figs. 66, 67, on page 118 and 119), Vindhyagiri (Sravanabelgol, 13th century A.D.; Fig. 68, on page 120), Chandragiri (Sravanabelgol, 13th century A.D.; Fig. 69, on page 120), Malkhed (Sedum, Gulbargā, Neminātha Basti, 11th century A.D.; Fig. 70, on page 121) and Yadgiri (Gulbargā; Mahavira Basti, 16th century A.D.) are specially noteworthy. These figures invariably show two-armed Ambikā-either seated or in tribhanga with lion mount and as holding amra-lumbi (or lotus) and fruit (or child). The figures which do not show child in her left lap, represent both of her sons standing together. In some instances from Gudigeri one of her sons rides on lion mount while the second son stands on her right. The goddess, wearing karanda-mukuta, is usually provided with the figure of the Jina over head. In few instances, the lion mount has not been shown (Moodbidrī). The rendering of mango tree over the head of Ambikā was popular also in Karnataka. One of the beautiful figures of Ambikā (Fig. 71, on page 124) is found from Jaina Basti of Angadi (Chikmagalur). The profusely ornamented figure of 11th century A.D. shows beautiful rising creepers on both the sides with a small bunch of mango fruits hanging overhead. Ambikā in tribhanga holds an āmra-lumbi in right hand while her left hand is placed on the head of her younger son, standing (nude) and holding fruit and danda. However, the figure of her elder son, wearing decorated mukuta is shown sitting on her lion mount on right. The ornaments are minutely carved and the features are also pleasing. The figure of two-armed Ambikā bearing āmra-lumbi and fruit and with the figures of two sons on two sides (the figure on right rides a lion) is obtained from Śravanabelgol. Ambikā is profusely ornamented and wears particularly embellished tall mukuta. An 11th century figure of
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