Jaina Stupa At Mathura Art And Icons

SR No.: 007031
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Renuka J Porwal
Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2016
Total Pages: 306
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 13 MB

Page 89

The Jaina Stupa at Mathura: Art & Icons
Bhagavatī-sūtra refers the establishment of many Kalasas of gold, silver and mixed metals, when Jamali, the son in law of Mahāvīra, sits on throne. Many sculptures from Mathurā have depiction of Kalaśas either separately or as one of the mangalas on Ayāgapatas. It is also seen holding by Jaina monk with right hand on the right
side of Sarasvatī image of Kușāņa period (fig. 32). 7. Darpaņa (Mirror):
Darpaņa too is considered auspicious in aștmangala. The unidentified mangala on Ayāgapața of Sihanādika may be displaying the folded darpaņa. In every Jaina temple mirror is kept to see the reflection of a Jina image as a kind of ritual and Mangala. The synonyms of darpaņa are mukuta, ādarśa, ātmadarśa etc. The root of darpana is a 'Darpa Sandīpane', with termination / pratyaya
‘ņica' forming the word darpaņa. 8. A pair of fish:
A pair or single fish is considered very auspicious not only in ndia but in many parts of south Asia. A pair of fish is the sign of fertility and abundance. In Sanskrit it is called 'Matsya' for single and 'Matsya-yugma' for a pair. The root ‘mad' with termination ‘sya' form the word 'Matsya’. While 'Yugma' stands for couple forming a pair of fish. The ideology of fish might have inspired recluses as the symbol of creation and aesthetics. The dreams of Tīrthankara's mother include a pond having fishes might signify the carrying of Jina in a womb of mother. The earliest depiction of a pair of fish is available on the punch marked silver coins of 6th to 5th century B.C. on the obverse side.31 One hoard of Sunga period obtained from Kaušāmbī has a sword having a handle of a fish in the shape of a flag within a railing. The ancient śrīvatsa symbol has a fish in a centre surrounded by two snakes is available from Mathurā. Here a fish is a symbolic carving for Lakşmī. A fragment of an Āyāgapața with Bhadrāsana (divine seat) has a carving of a fish under its arms reflecting its reverence nature. Here at Mathurā, most of the pairs of fish are seen with their faces turned on each other side having a floral sting in their mouth (fig. 110, 111). Some inscribed copper coins assigned to late 1st century B.C. of Satavahana dynasty obtained
31 Srivatsava A. L. Bhartiya Kalā pratika, (Ilahabad, Umesh Prakashana, 1999),
pp. 116-117.