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Apart from the deities borrowed either directly or indirectly with modifications, we have several such icon types at Jaina sites which virtually do not find any textual support and instead they speak of the fact that their concept and forms were inspired by the Brahmanical images. The Jaina Caumukhi (sarvatobhadra pratima) is only one of such icon types. The conception of dvitirthi and tritirthi Jina images showing two or three Tirthankaras together are also perhaps inspired by the syncretic icons in Brahmanical tradition. The images of Hariharapitamaha from Ellora, Khajuraho and elsewhere show the figures of Brahma, Visnu and Siva on single pedestal. The pala period Jina images from Rajgir in some cases show the snake canopy, but the cognizances on the pedestal are either conch (Neminatha), or bull (Rsabhanatha) or elephant (Ajitanatha) which suggest that inspired by the Brahmanical syncretic images the Jainas also attempted at innovatory forms which have never been referred to in any of the Jaina works.
Reader
Deptt. of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi-221005.
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