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 200

Laņa-Vasahi]
117
Thursday, the 4th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishākha. They show fine workmanship, minute chiselling and are adorned with various motifs, including small figures of Jinas, Jaina monks, human beings, animals and birds. On the top of each is carved a sculpture of the Goddess of Wealth-Lakshmidevi (fig. 33).
(3) A pațţa of the three chovisis on one slab, kept in the Navachoki is already referred to. It is placed in a khattaka (niche ) whose top is surmounted by a beautiful figure of Lakshmidevi.
(4) In a small dome on the right side of the Navachoki is a line of small Jinas arranged in a circular row. This is the central bay of the right side of the Navachoki.
(5) In the last dome on the same side are 4 goddesses, each with two elephants on her flanks, obviously representing Lakşmi-devi. Six Jina-figures are carved between each two goddesses 'thus making a total of twenty-four Jinas.
(6) In the Rangamaņdapa, in the centre of the dome hangs a big ornamental pendant of fine carving which may be compared with the one in the Vimala-vasahi. On the pillars supporting this maņdapa, are placed in the dome, sixteen sculptures of standing goddesses who are known as Vidyādeyis in the Jaina Pantheon.
(7) Below the Vidyādevis, on the peripheri of the dome are arranged in a circular band, seventy-two figures of
1 For names of these Vidyādevis, see the chapter on Vimalavasahi. For a detailed account of these goddesses see, Iconography of the Sixteen Jaina Vidyādevis, by U, P. Shah, in Journal of the Indian Society of Oriental Art (Calcutta ), for 1947. Most of the Vidyādevis in this ceiling are very late and crude, apparently replaced in this century for earlier mutilated ones--Translator.