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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Jaina Monuments of Orissa
between the arches. All the four door-ways were originally flanked by pilasters from the capitals of which spring the arches, the latter crowned by either a Srivatsa or a nandipada symbol. The capitals of the pilasters consist of winged addorsed animals reclining on abaci above inverted bell-shaped lotuses.
The two central arches depict running friezes with boys chasing animals including lions and bulls. The first arch contains rosettes within loops of garlands and the fourth a procession of twelve geese carrying lotus flowers in bills. The crown of the arch is formed by the intertwining of the tails of two serpents, whose bodies encircle the arch and whose triple-headed hoods form two prominent wings on its two sides.
Over the arches and extending along the entire length of the verandah and continuing along the side walls runs a railing interrupted at those places where there are groups of stepped merlons alternating with blue lotuses. The remaining spaces in between the arches are filled with semidivine beings flying in haste with garlands and trays of flowers.
The tympana from the left depict an elephant attended by two she elephants, a person driving a chariot drawn by four horses, Gajalakşmi and worship of a tree within railings.
The inscription of the outerside of the architrave between the left pilaster and the first pillar of the verandah calls the cave that of the monks of Dohada (?)
Another short inscription which has been incised on the rock outside the verandah has been peeled of.
Cave No. 4. Tentuli-Gumphā
This cave consists of a small cell and a benched verandah in front. Its floor has been raised at the back and ceiling designed flat. Entry to the cave is made through two door openings duly flanked by side pilasters resting on ghata based on stepped pedestals. The pilasters are crowned by elephants over bell shaped inverted lotuses on square abaci. The plain arched bands are pointed at the top. The facade is devoid of sculptural representations.
A portion of the verandah is blocked by the living rock. The verandah ceiling is designed flat. The only pillar and the side pilasters are of the usual type. The brackets contain depiction of a lady displaying lotus buds and a trotting elephant.
The roof of the ruined unnamed and unnumbered preceding cave is supported by a modern masonry pillar. The floor of this cave is raised at the back and roof slanting towards the front. The scooping in front of Tentuli-Gumphā has a collapsed roof supported by a modern pillar. The floor of this cave is also raised at the back and the ceiling slanting towards the front. It too, has no number or name.