Jaina Art and Architecture Vol 03

SR No.: 011014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: A Ghosh
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 403
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 223

CANONS & SYMBOLISM
[PART IX
Dadhi-mukhas and thirty-two Rati-karas, together numbering fifty-two. Each. lake has its name : Nanda, Nandavati, Nandottarā and Nandi-ghosā in the cast; Arajā, Virajā, Asoka and Aparăjită in the south; Vijayā, Vaijayanti, Jayanti and Aparājitã in the west, and Ramyā, Ramanujā, Suprabhā and Sarvatobhadrã in the north.
Each of the lakes in each direction has a forest respectively of asoka or Jonesia Asoka Roxb, saptacchada (saptaparna) or Alstonia Scholaris, campaka or Michelia Campaka and ämra (cūta) or Manglifera indica. The forests make a total of sixty-four. Peripatetic or the Vyantara-Devas with their families reside in the sixty-four präsādas or abodes which are situated one each in the central part of the forest. The prāsādas are square on plan and twice the length in height.
On the top of the fifty-two mountains are, one each, the dväpancāśat akrtrima-caityālayas. Each of these natural temples is 100 yojanas in length, half as wide and 70 yojanas high and has a door in each direction. Within the temples are mani-pithakas or jewelled platforms, 16 yojanas in length and width and 8 yojanas in height. On the platforms are devacchandakas or the diases of jewel with their length and width exceeding those of the platforms. On the diases are placed one hundred and eight eternal images of the Tirthaökaras seated in paryanka-posture. Made of jewels, the images are flanked each by two Nāgas, two Yakşas, two Bhūtas, two pitcher-carriers and an umbrella-bearer. On the diases are also incense-burners, wreaths, bells, the eight mangala-dravyas or auspicious symbols, banners, festoons, baskets, boxes and seats as well as sixteen ornaments as full pitchers, etc. There are mukha-mandapas or entrance-porches, prekşd-mand apas or theatrepavilions, akşa-vățakas or arenas, mani-pithakas, stūpas, statues, caitya-trees, Indra-dhvajas and lotus-lakes in succession.
In the fifty-two caityalayas assemble numerous Devas to celebrate the eight-day function or aştähnika-parvan thrice a year; the custom even today prevails amongst the Jainas. This function falls on the last eight days of bright fortnight of the months Aşadha, Kārttika and Phālguna. The Nändīśvaraparkti-vrata, referred to in the Brhat-Jaina-sabdarnava,* seems to be the same
1 The number is fifty-two only and not more, as Shah suspects. His 'Central mountain, which also has "Sasvata-Jinālayas on it,' is nothing but the Aðjana without the inclusion of which the total cannot come to fifty-two. The early texts referred to by him in this context also do not support his suspicion. See Shah, op. cit., p. 120.
* Brhar-Jaina-Sabdarnava, II, Surat, 1134, p. 512.
$26