Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

SR No.: 006573
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 188
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 22 MB

Page 121

The Image in the Cave Sanctum :
Proportional to the size of the figures, the sanctum has less roomy space. It is a square with its side measuring 4 m. It is open and does not have doorway, except the entrance opening.
This does not contain any vestibular space, but away from the sanctum, there are two rectangular open rooms on either side of the image.
As already stated, the image stands to a height of 17 m. and 2.5 m. across the arms of the upper shoulder.
Right above the head of the image, the ceiling is made concave. On either side, there is an attempt to portray some human forms. They could be yaksa and yaksi figures associated with the image. The head is featureless and the eyes are almost closed. The ear ornaments hanging down to the shoulders, make the earlobes longer. In general, the facial appearances indicate, grim determination.
The shoulders are not slopy but horizontal, and on the chest, srivatsa mark is indicated. One new feature is that a girdle is shown around the waist. In other caves of Gopachal, this ornament is not seen; besides some artificial filigree work is also shown. Unlike in other Tirthankara images, the genital organ is merely indicated.
Another aspect different from those of the caves is, the portrayal of trichauvimsi miniature figures all along side walls, of the entrance both inside and out. They are carved in rectangular panels, in eight to nine rows with the main images standing in the centre. Evidently, they are proportionately higher from the others.
Trishala Cave: This is connected to the Bavangaj group, but lies slightly on a higher contour and separated from it, a few meters away. There are less prominent caves, but below it, the standing and seated images of Tirthankaras are seen.
This is strangely the wider and comparatively bigger cave in the area. It is usually visited by the devotees. This cave of Trishala, the mother of Mahavira has become famous as a boon-bestowing divinity. She is seen in stretched posture in supine position with slightly raised up head, as if sleeping over a bed with a pillow. The figure is naked, and the upper part of the face is flaked off (plate 38)
Away from the head, two reliefs of male and female are seen. They could be the yaksha and the yakshi attending on her. Away towards the right side, very near the feet, two standing Tirthankaras are seen.
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