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 92

Jaina Iconography
Yakṣiņi named Dharani Devi. The sacred tree peculiar to him is Cuta or mango trec.1 Govinda Raja had the honour of holding his flywhisk.
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One or two images of Aranatha that have been found out so far in Northern India meet the conditions of iconographic marks mentioned in the preceding paragraph. These were discovered in Mathura and belong to the ancient Kushan age."
Aranatha's father was a Kṣatriya prince of the lunar race. He was known by the name of Sudarsana. The Jina's mother was queen Mitrasena. Their capital was at Hastinapura, when Aranatha was born." This Jina also became an emperor.
He obtained the name of Ara because his mother saw a dream of a wheel (Ara) of jewels.*
It is obvious to explain his emblem of a Nandyāvartla. This, as also fishes, come under the Astamangala or cight auspicious symbols.5
Mallinatha
The Jaina books point out to us the emblem of a water-jar distinguishing Mallinatha sharply from his predecessors as well as his successors. His special attendant goblins or technically Sasana devatās are known as Kubera and Dharanapriya (Dig. Aparājitā). Rājā Suluma stands by his side as a Chowri-bearer. The Kevala tree in his case goes by the name of Asoka."
1. रेवत्यां शुक्लपक्षेऽपरा चूततरोरधः ।
Uttara P., P. 286.
2.
Vide Ch. II. Plate VI "Base of image of the Nandyavarta or Ara, dated in the year 79"; Cf. Plates XCII, XCIVI figures showing Nandyacarta symbol on the chest. The Jaina Stupa and other antiquities of Mathura by V.A. Smith.
3. हस्तिनाख्यं पुरं तस्य पतिर्गोत्रेण काश्यपः । सोमवंशसमुद्भ तसुदर्शनसमाह्वयः । मित्रसेना महादेवी प्राणेभ्योऽप्यस्य वल्लभा ॥ Uttara P. 4. तथा गर्भस्थे भगवति जनन्या स्वप्ने सर्वरत्नमयोऽरो दृष्ट इत्यरः ॥
Hemacandra.
5. Aupapātika Sutra. The symbols are: (1) Svastika, (2) Srivatsa, (3) Nandyavartta, (4) powder-box, (5) throne of Fortune etc.. Notes on Jaina Art by Dr. Coomarswamy. J.I.A.I.
6. अधस्तरोरशोकस्यUttara, P. P. 30