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Deogarh The Jaina temples of Deogarh boast of a great number of images, virtually the greatest concentration of Jaina image in the whole of India.
The great ShantiNath (height of the figure 3.73mt.) in temple no. 12 at Deogarh; organization of image divinities and there are also image of Jaina monks. The image (idols) is built before 862. This temple consists of a quadrangular structure which is crowned by a tall tower (shikhara). The circumambulatory passage of temple no.12 is jammed with colossal Jina images and the sanctum (sanctum plus vestibule) houses, besides the great Shantinatha image fore standing image of the Jaina goddess Ambika. If we allot the elements which surround the great Shantinath to three vertical zones, we can read the upper portion without difficulty. The vertical zone to the left has from top to bottom, a male garland bearer, a rosette two Ashoka trees an elephant with small figures a garland bearing couple, fore figures standing for planets, and the capital of the pillar.
An image of jina is housed in the narrow sanctum of temple no. 15. The unconventional element repeats basically the motifs (standard motifs) of the top area as seen in ill D2 (garland bearers etc.). The motif of the lion throne is amplified by the addition of a cushion and two blankets left and to the right of the throne. The carving of the composition is delicate and some decorated surfaces such as the halo with its flower design must be viewed up close to be properly appreciated. Unfortunately, this image is among the pieces which have been altered in the course of the more recent operations.
Reference:- Jainism page no. 110
(D-1 Candaprabhu )
