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of cobra hoods, Dharanendra is depicted in semi-human form and stands behind the Tīrthankara. Dharanendra holds two flywhisks, thereby accentuating themes of both protection and glorification of the Jina. Dharanendra is the only figure that provides shelter for the Jina, as Padmāvati is not carved with a parasol extended over the Jina's head - a narrative element which is found in most images of this period. Carved in the upper left corner of the relief is the demon Sambara (also known as Meghamālin) who tried to disrupt the Jina's meditation by hurling a giant boulder at him. As in other rockcut representations of the attack on Pārsvanātha, the demon's hands are raised above his head suggesting that the upper ledge of the niche is his weapon of destruction. This element can be interpreted more literally here at Kalugumalai as it appears that the demon is about to hurl the very boulder that the relief is carved upon.
Figure 5: Gommateśvara from Group 3 at Kalugumalai
Within Group 3, we also find a single relief of Gommateśvara (Figure 5).
$ According to UP 73.136-40, Sambara's attacks on the Jina lasted for seven days, culminating in an attack with a boulder or mountain (saila).
