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
and since then kept in the premises of the Dadhivāmana temple of the village. The Tirthankara carved standing in Kāyotsarga pose on a double petalled lotus pedestal, supported by lions. The canopy of seven hooded snake is found above head. The coils of the snake are all gathered behind the figure. Among other notable features we find the semi Nāga devotees and devotees in kneeling posture below pedestal, Chauri bearers on the pedestal and kevala tree, trilinear umbrella, flying figures with garlands in hands and music played by hands at the top. The slab including the pedestal measures some 0.87m x 0.47m x 0.20m and damaged at places like the kevala tree, umbrella, legs, head, chauri bearers and flying figures. But the damaged portions are crudely repaired through cement by the local people.
The more Jaina relics were also brought to the Museum from Brahmesvarpatna, located very close to Siśupālgrah. Of the two, the figure of Rşabhanātha was collected through the efforts of N. Senpati, I.C.S. (Retd.) and the other, the figure of Ambikā was recovered from the bushes by the Museum staff. The Ambikā image has for the time being shifted to the Dhenkanal branch Museum for display. It is carved standing on a lotus pedestal with a baby on the left lap and a bunch of mangoes in the right. Another baby is seen attempting to pluck the mangoes held in her right hand. The trunk of the tree (mango tree) is seen to her left, instead of conventional position at the back. Lion, the vehicle of deity is also carved near the tree. She is profusely decked with ornaments but they are all weathered due to the soft quality of the sand stone in which it is excavated. Upper part of the image including its head is damaged and missing. The Tirthankara Neminātha is also not available in the appropriate place as the portion already gone away with. The remaining part of the slab including the pedestal measure 0.60m x 0.35m.
The other piece is the figure of Rşabhanātha carved standing in kāyotsarga pose on a lotus pedestal below which his lāñchand, the bull is lying. The pedestal also contains supported lions at corners and devotees in kneeling position and folded hands. Hairs on the head of the Tirthankara are arranged in matied locks, a few strands of which falling on the shoulders. Among other attributes we notice the chauri bearer on either sides, the eight planets seated in yogāsana pose, the kevala tree, trilinear umbrella, flying figures with garlands and cymbals and drum played in hands are all envisaged along with the image. Lotus marks are also seen above his shoulders.
The discovery of Jaina relics at Siśupalgarah and Brahmesvarapatna presupposes the election of a shrine in the ancient past in the neighbourhood.
K.C. Panigrahi in his book "Archaeological Remains at Bhubaneswar" includes two figures from Mukteśvar temple bearing Fig. 59 and Fig. 60 with captions like Dhyani Buddha and Jaina Tirthankara, respectively. But as it appears, both the figures may be assigned to Jaina pantheon. We usually notice Jaina Tirthankara images carved seated in yogāsana pose and standing in Kāyotsarga pose. hcre Fig. 59 is carved seated cross-legged keeping the right palm over the left in perfect meditative attitude. The conventional kevala tree spreads its branches on either side at the top. Their conventional attributes are however lacking. The hairs on his head are arranged in curled knots.