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 46

Introduction]
Koțitirtha, Chandrod bhedatirth, Ishani-Shikhara, Brahmapadatirtha, Jambu-tirtha, Gangadhara-tirtha, Kānteshvara, Gangeshvara.
xiii
Mount Abu awaits much more exploration in these directions. The first chapter of this work, which I have thoroughly revised and enlarged with added notes on the geological evolution of Ābu and with references to discussion of the Vasishtha and Arbuda legend from Dr. Sten Konow and Dr. H. D. Sankalia, 2 will show that the Vasishṭhāshrama area requires more critical examination by field archæologists. The sculptures in the compound of the Vasishṭhāshrama include a seventh century beautiful small image of three-headed Savitri with the swan vehicle and a sixth century sculptures of a twoarmed deity sitting with three-headed cobra over his head. Obviously he is a Naga-Devatā whom I propose to identify as Arbuda-Naga of the legend, worshipped in this shrine. The find is of special interest as it is a clear proof of Nagaworship in the sixth century at Vasishṭhāshrama, whether the identification of the name of the deity is correct or not. There is besides a beautiful black image of Vishnu in padmāsana, a charming specimen of art (with arms mutilated), assignable to c. 9th century A. D. The god sits on an expanded lotus with a thick stump, on two sides of the stalk are carved figures of Nagas and Nāginis. On the wall of the shrine, facing the main entrance to the compound is embeded an old stone niche whose pilasters and arch clearly date from c. 8th century A. D., and which is comparable with a similar niche at Bhillamāla and with
1 Aryan Gods of the Mitani People by Sten Konow, Kristiania, (1921), pp. 25.
Journal of The Gujarat Research Society, Vol, VII. no. 4 (October, 1945), pp. 147ff.