Svasti

SR No.: 007006
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nalini Balbir
Publisher: K S Muddappa Smaraka Trust
Publication Year: 2010
Total Pages: 446
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

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SVASTI – Essays in Honour of Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah
North Indian (Rajasthani) pilgrims.25 That Digambara devotees bring metal yantras which are garlanded with flowers and used in rituals associated with the colossal image of Bāhubali is well known. In the window case of the British Museum our yantra is adequately accompanied by a colour photograph of a circular copper yantra resting on the toe of Bāhubali's foot. Devotees ascending the sacred hill would be keen on placing it at the feet of the seventeen metres tall monolithic statue of Bāhubali for the daily pādapūjā or for any occasional ceremony (Plate 9.7).
The relatively large size of our yantra would suggest that it was meant for use in a public ritual, to serve as a seat for Jina images or for display along with other images. But it could also be that it was to be used in a private family ritual for protection or peace and prosperity by the members of the Soni caste mentioned in the colophon. One thing is sure: it does not belong to the type of Jain yantras "which were to be carried in the pocket or worn as amulets" (Jain-Fischer 1978: II p. 4)!
References
Bhāratīya, Maniprabhā, 1990 : “Dio Jain Mandir Lūnakaranjī Pāmdyā Mandala-Citra"
[Hindi] in Anūpacanda Nyāyatīrtha, Jayapur Digambar Jain Mandir Paricay, Śrī Digambar Jain Mandir Mahāsamgha, Jaipur, 1990, pp. 47-49 of the
caturtha khanda. Cort, John E., 2002: “A Tale of Two Cities: On the Origins of Digambar Sectarianism
in North India” in Multiple Histories : culture and society in the study of Rajasthan, Lawrence A. Babb, Varsha Joshi, Michael W. Meister (ed.). Jaipur,
Rawat Publications, pp. 39-83. Cort, John E., 2009 : “Contemporary Jain Mandala Rituals” in Victorious Ones. Jain
Images of Perfection, ed. Ph. Granoff, Rubin Museum of Art, New York &
Mapin Publishing Ahmedabad, pp. 141-157. Devot Sohanalāl, 1990: "Mandirom mem upalabdha yantrom ki upayogitā evam
mahattva" in Anūpacanda Nyāyatīrtha, Jayapur Digambar Jain Mandir Paricay, Śrī Digambar Jain Mandir Mahāsamgha, Jaipur, 1990, pp. 10-24 of
the tệtīya khanda. Doshi, Saryu, 1981: "The Art Treasures of Shravana Belgola", pp. 101-140 in
Homage to Shravana Belgola, Mārg Publications, 1981 (hardcover) = pp. 49
88 in In Praise of Gommateshvara Shravana Belgola, Mārg, 1981. Doshi, Saryu, 1985: Masterpieces of Jain Painting, Mārg, 1985. Duggar Hīrālāl, Yantra-Mantra-Tantra Vijñāna, Prathama bhāg & dūsrā bhāg. Jain
Prācīn Sāhitya Prakāśan Mandir Śāhadrā, Dillī, 1985.
25 Epigraphia Carnatica vol. 2, No. 302 (201) p. 455, No. 304, 306, 307-321 (V.S. 1812), No. 384-386,
442.