Jaina Iconography

SR No.: 011018
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B Bhattacharya
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1974
Total Pages: 247
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 151

CHAPTER V
THE NAVAGRAHAS
The Jainas following the earlier Brāhmaṇic tradition reduced the Planetary system to a group of iconic representations, which constitute an important class of gods known as Jyotiska Devas. The features of these Gods in sculpture are mostly of the kind of their originals though, as in other cases, there are distinct characteristics by which we recognise them showing them as purely Jaina creations. From the ritualism attached to these gods we may well infer that individually and collectively their worship had much vogue among the Jainas. It is likely, therefore, that images of the planets used to be constructed either separately or in a group like the panel of Brāhmanic art representing the Navagrahas. In the discoveries of Jaina scriptures, we have had very little instance of meeting with the separate figures of their nine planets. Nevertheless, it is nccessary to deal with their descriptions in our book for we are not devoid of hope of finding out examples of Jaina Grahas as we have found their other images, all equally receiving the treatment in the Jaina iconographical literature. In this topic, it is noticeable that stress has been given to the supremacy of the planets over the different quarters (Dik) calling them "ruler of cast" etc., and this seems to be a new feature in the Jaina iconology of the astronomical deities.
Surya
1.
The sun-god has been described in Svetāmbara Jainism as riding on a chariot, drawn by seven steeds and holding in his hands two lotuses. He is known there as the deity of the East and the husband of Ratna Devi.1 The Digambara description
श्रीसूर्याय सहस्रकिरणाय रत्नदेवीकान्ताय गङ्गाय यमुनाय नकारजगत्साक्षिणे कर्मसाक्षिणे । पूर्वदिगधीशाय कमलहस्ताय सप्ताश्वरथवाहनाय ।
Acaradinakara, Pūjāvidhi (Rāmaghața MSS).