Jaina Monuments Of Orissa

SR No.: 022826
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R P Mohapatra
Publisher: D K Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 384
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

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Survey of Jaina Monuments of Orissa
The other one of the series (D.M. 27) is a headless Tirthankara seated in meditative pose on a pedestal supported by lions. In the centre of the pedestal is carved the Sasanadevi figure seated in padmasana. Other elements at the top along with the chauri bearer of the left side are damaged and missing. Läñchana of the Tirthankara is not traced in the pedestal. It measures in the available portion some 0.32m x 0.24m ×0.10m.
The fourth fragment depicts the upper part of a Tirthankara. Its lower part below the chest is damaged and missing. The circular halo behind head is executed in lotus petals and beaded borders. The umbrella surmounted by kevala tree and flanked by flying figures with garlands is depicted at the top. The chauri bearer of the left side though badly affected is traced only in out line. The decorative staff of the umbrella is visible behind head. The available part of this figure measuring 0.34m x 0.33m x 0.10m appears to be disproportionate in anatomical details.
The last relic of the place (D.M. 55) whose identification somewhat difficult is a seated Tirthankara image with a circular halo behind head. The kevala tree and the umbrella are envisaged at the top. A crack has developed in the halo. In view of the faint trace of matted locks of hair on the head it can be tentatively identified with Rṣabhanatha.
The other seven sculptures from B. Singpur are of Yaksas and Yakṣinīs more possible of Ambika and Gomedha, the two reverently associated with Neminatha. Ambika is either carved independently or in common with Gomedha. But in either case the figure of Neminatha is distinctly visible at the top.
The first sculpture of this group (D.M. 5) is identified with Ambika (Fig. 129). She is carved standing on a lotus pedestal to the left of which her mount, the lion is found along with two other attendant figures. In her two hands she holds the baby on the left and displays a bunch of mar goes on her right to which two more babies on the right are anxiously looking for. The mango tree seen behind her is laden with leaves. Above the tree, Neminatha, her Tirthankara, is found depicted in meditative pose with chaurl bearers, flying figures with garlands. She is lavishly decorated with necklace, girdle, earring, bangles, bracelets and her hairs arranged in plaits. The figure damaged at the hip, legs and fingers, is measured 1.5mx 0.52m x 0.25m.
The second piece (D.M. 7) depicts the figures of Yaksa Gomedha and Yakşini Ambika (Fig. 130) seated on a common slab below which, lion, her lanchana and two seated devotees are found. She holds the baby on her left lap whereas she displays mango in the right. A decorative circular halo is found behind her head. The mango tree laden with leaves and fruits is providing shade to both the Yakşa and Yakşiņi. Neminatha, their tutelary Tirthankara, is seated in yogasana pose on a pedestal above the tree flanked by chauri bearers and flying Gandharvas with garlands. A portion of the slab including the figure of Yakça Gomedha is damaged and missing. The entire piece measures 0.47mx 0.17mx 0.6m.