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 228

CHAPTER 34
ARCHITECTURE cach cardinal point. Within this railing there is a region of water known as khatika-bhümel. Full of crystal-clear water and wator-lilies and water-beings, the khatika-bhumi is provided with steps made of precious stones.
Bounding the region of water on its inner side, there is again a railing which encloses a forest called valli-bhimni, This, the third region, with dimensions twice those of the first region, is full of pleasant scenery and wooded bowers and raised seats in the midst of clear spaces. The forest is bordered by a compound-wall, second in the structure, which is provided by tower-like gateways, one facing each cardinal point and decorated with paintings of animals and female figures and guarded by Yaksas.
Enclosed by the second compound-wall is a garden or upavana-bhumi. With wooded avenues of aśoka, campaka, cūta and saptaparna, this region, fourth in the structure, has the dimensions twice those of the first region. Here too are theatros where dances and music are a permanent feature. The caitya-vsksas or tree-shaped structures also are the very prominent features here. The third vedikā or compound-wall borders this region inside.
With a row of fluttering flags along its four gates, like those of the earlier one, this wall gives the region encircled by it the name dhvaja-bhūmi or the region of flags, the dimensions of which again are twice those of the first one. Numbering in millions the flags bear specific marks of lion, elephant bull, garuda, peacock, moon or a piece of cloth, sun or a garland, swan, lotus and cakra. The compound-wall bordering the interior here resembles the dhūli-sala for the provision of gates and music-halls but is double in dimensions.
Then the spectator's gaze falls on the illuminating wish-trees scattered about in the wood in elegant confusion, all along the kalpa-vȚksa-bhūmi, the sixth region in the structure. The ten kinds of these trees or the kalpa-vokşas are significantly called pānārga, türyanga, bhūsanārga, vastrăriga, bhojanānga, alayānga, dipanga, bhajanänga, malyanga and jyotiranga. Recessed by theatres and music-halls the wish-trees shelter golden platforms on which are installed the images of the Tirthankaras. This region, of dimensions twice those of the first region, is bordered inside by the fourth vedikd, the four gates of which are guarded by Näga-kumāras.
Now one would get into the region of mansions called bhavana-bhūmi, the seventh and last of this type which has the same dimensions as those of the first one. Consisting of innumerable mansions and other habitations
531