Mahavira and his Teaching

SR No.: 008019
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: C C Shah, Rishabhdas Ranka, Dalsukh Malvania
Publisher: Bhagwan Mahavir 2500th Nirvan Mahotsava Samiti
Publication Year: 1977
Total Pages: 509
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Biography, Religion, & Principle
File Size: 12 MB

Page 441

JINA IMAGES IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, KHAJURĀHO 413 each example an elephant with either one or two riders is shown above each shoulder of the principal Jina. The figures of hovering celestial beings holding garlands (mālādharas) are rendered on two sides of the halo of the Jina. These flying figures in four examples are in pairs, while in the rest they are single. Above the head of the Jina, in every case, is carved a three-tiered umbrella surmounted by a drum being struck by a disembodied figure. In four examples, triple parasols have been supported by stands. The throne-back ends are ornamented with the gaja-vyāla-makara trio, the makara surmounted in three examples by a warrior in act of subduing the animal.
Barring Jina quadruple, in all other images the two recessed corners of the pedestal contain the figures of the yakşa-yakşī pairs of the Jinas, all being seated in lalıtāsana with their one leg hanging down and the other being folded. All the yakşa-yakşī figures are bedecked in the customary ornaments described earlier in connection with the fly-whisk bearers. The yakṣī figures show, in addition, stanahāras dangling between the two breasts. Of the nine images representing Jinas, three show Rşabhanātha, three others Sumatinātha, Pārsvanātha and Mahāvīra; and the rest three include Jaina quadruple, a pair of standing Jinas, and a door-lintel.
A close study of all the Jina representations of the Museum also reveals important points of difference, besides the aforesaid common features, which pertain to the representation of (a) the cognizance (b) the attendant yakşa-yakşī figures (c) the miniature Jinas and other accessory figures. Now we proceed to the study of all the Jina images separately with a view to seeing their individual details. Rşabhanātha, Standing: (Acc. No. 1682; 54" X 32", Fig. 1)
The nude Jina stands on a lotus placed over a covering cloth hanging from the pedestal and showing the figure of grāsa. Left hand of the Jina below the elbow is damaged. In front of the dharmacakra, in the centre of the pedestal, is carved a bull,