Jaina Rock Cut Caves In Western India Part 01

SR No.: 022810
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Viraj Shah
Publisher: Agam Kala Prakashan
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 412
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 15 MB

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Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India P: 6.9m by 0.6m. This south facing panel is carved at the height of 0.8m from the base of the peak and has thirteen figures of seated Jinas. Each of the niches measures 0.57m by 0.36m, while the Jina figure measures 0.39m by 0.37m (Plate 188).
Q: Two standing monks: 0.9m by 0.86m. This west-facing panel is within a sort of rock shelter. It is at the height of around 2.5m from the base of the peak. Each of the figures measures 0.9m by 0.35m. The figures are similar to the other monk figures.
In front of these figures are three pairs of pădukās. While two of the pairs are rock-cut, one is carved on a loose slab of stone. The rock-cut pair of padukas measures 0.3m by 0.29, while the padukās on the loose slab measures 0.37m by 0.38m (Plate 189).
The connecting ridge of the Mangi and Tungi peaks is quite narrow (Plate 190). There are two modern structures on the ridge, each of which houses a pair of pādukās. The structures are placed on a high platform and are covered with perforated screens on three sides with domical śikharas. The entrance has an arch and a chauri bearer on each side. In front of the entrance is a pair of seated lions.
Near this structures is a pit, called 'Krisna kunda'. It is believed that here Narayanakrisnachandra was cremated.
Tungi peak: Like Mangi peak, there are caves and icons encircling the base of the peak. There are two caves and three sets of sculptures. Except one set of sculptures, the rest is carved, facing the north. The high stair leads to the western face of the peak (Plate 191). Staring from the west, the caves are numbered. A to D face the north, while e faces the southeast (Fig. 72b).
A: 0.89m by 0.6m. This panel has two icons carved directly on the rock face. Western icon: 0.6m by 0.43m. It is the figure of Parśvanātha, seated in padmāsana. The lower portion of the figure is damaged. The head is shown plain. Above the head is a snake-hood. The number of the hoods is difficult to determine as it is damaged. On the chest a diamond-shaped srivatsa. Eastern icon: 0.3m by 0.26m.
It is a figure of a seated Jina. He is seated in padmāsana. The head is shown plain. The facial features are not clear.
To the east of this sculpture is an empty niche, around 0.5m by 0.39m.
B: Ambika: 0.7m by 0.4m. This panel is around 5m further east. The figure of Ambikā measures 0.58m by 0.35m. She is seated in mahārajalilasana. Below her left leg is shown her vāhana, a lion. Both her hands are on the knees. The objects held in the hands are not clear. She wears earrings, necklace and anklets. Above her head is a figure of a seated Jina, 0.1m by 0.1m. To her right is a figure of standing Jina, 0.24m by 0.09m.