Holy Abu

SR No.: 023259
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jayantvijay
Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala
Publication Year: 1954
Total Pages: 380
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 14 MB

Page 120

Vimala-Vasahi]
37
parikaras, twenty one (21) without parikara, and a marble slab (pata-plaque) of Chovisi1 (with a group of twentyfour Jinas carved on it).
In this Chovisi pața, is shown in the centre a mulanayaka with parikara. Below the Jina is the dharmachakra symbol and an inscription. In this hall are also placed (Fig. 20), two images of Shravakas, and three of Shrāvikās, representing (according to inscribed labels below) (1) Sã, (Sādhu- merchant, a Bania) Gosala. (2) Sahu, (Sāhuṇi wife of a Sadhu or Sāhu) Suhāgadevi, (3) Sahu, Guṇadevi, (4) Sā. Muhaṇasiha, and (5) Sahu
In a Pañchatirthi, two small figures of Jinas in a sitting posture are added in the Tri-tirthi described above and are usually placed above the figures of the two standing Jinas.
A "Kāusaggiya" image is one in which a Jina is represented as meditating in a standing posture, with hands hanging straight and the body erect (but not held very stiff). The legs are held in a samapada posture, the feet being only slightly apart from each other.
1 A Chovisi Pața (or Paṭṭa) is a slab on which twentyfour (chovisa) Jinas are represented (In Sk. it is called a Chaturviṁshati-paṭṭa). A pața is a stone or metal plaque wherein one or more images are carved. Paintings on boards or canvass representing different scenes are also well known as Patas.
When in a temple or in a representation of a samavasaraṇa, a Jina image is shown in each of the four main directions (as Mulanayaka ), then it is known as a Chaumukha (Sk. Chaturmukha) shrine or sculpture.
(The four-Fold Jaina images, called Pratima-sarvvato bhadrikā in inscriptions on their pedestals, obtained from the Kankali Tilā, Mathura, later became more popular as Chaumukhas-Translator).
2 Abu, vol. II, inscription no. 13.