Notes on Modern Jainism

SR No.: 007307
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mrs Sinclair Stevenson
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1910
Total Pages: 142
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 99

JAINA WORSHIP.
87
cleansing the idols, marking them and offering rice. In the main circle of the temple, or Rariga Mandapa (1 is 4), were two figures of A'dinātha and two of Mahāvira.
In a furthur recess, the Gabhāro FIGLI), which one might almost call a chancel, were two figures of Sambhavanātha, and within the inner shrine, the Sevāno Gabhāro (24121 PICHIRI, a larger figure of A'dinātha and his attendant Yaksas, set in a background of beautiful carving.
The furniture of the temple consisted of a beautiful silvered alms chest or Bhandāra (Gisi?), standing just in front of a rough wooden table on which was a square silver stand for the sacred book. Behind this table was a smaller wooden one, also bare, save for a three-legged stool which rested on it. A hanging brass bell and a moveable gong completed the equipment.
The images of the Tirthankara were all of white marble and quite nude, wearing only a star-shaped ornament on their breasts. Just as with the S'vetāmbara, the figures are seated with their legs in the Padmāsana ( 4941349) posture, i. e. crossed in front, the toes of one foot resting close upon the knee of the other, and their hands in the Kāusagga position, i. e. the right hand over the left in the lap. The eyes of the Tirthankara in the Digambara temples are devoutly cast down, in the S'vetāmbara they are staring straight in front of them. The Digambara lay great stress on this difference, as shewing how completely their Tirtharikara have renounced the world.*
* It is interesting, however, to note, as perhaps indicating local divergencies, that in the plates illustrating Dr. Burgess' Digambara Jaina Inconography' the Tirtharkara are represented as nude iudeed, but looking straight in front of them.