Some Early Jaina Temples in Western India

SR No.: 250310
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M A Dhaky
Publisher: Z_Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_Mahotsav_Granth_Part_1_012002.pdf and Mahavir_Jain_Vidyalay_Suvarna_
Total Pages: 58
Language: English
Classification: Article & Tirth
File Size: 19 MB

Page 27

316 SHRI MAHAVIRA JAINA VIDYALAYA GOLDEN JUBILEE VOLUME
árnga. Each of the two bhadra balconies is topped by a parikarma-yukta rathika harbouring Kubera on the west and an unidentified Yakṣa on the east. A sikharika flanks on either side of the rathika.43 From the centre of the first tier of the phamsand projects the urahpháṁsand above. the eastern and western bhadra and it is flanked on either side by half simhakarna (pediment). An antarapatra decorated with a check pattern intervenes between the first and the second tier: The east, north, and the west face of the tier shows a simhakarna flanked on either side by its half replica. The framed panels locked in each of the three central simhakarnas contain a seated Jina figure on the east and west and Kubera on the north. Each of the four corners of this tier is decorated with a very elegant karna kata rendered as an aedicule of the complete shrine with a phamsand superstructure. Once more an antarapatra finds its place, now decorated with ratna (diamond) in panels. Next comes. the third tier with a single simhakarna projecting from the centre in each direction. A seated Jina figure is placed in each one in the middle of the mesh. Now comes a shorter, plain antarapatra and the skandha vedi (covering slab), a short grivd and the boldly fluted ghanta (bell) crowned by a kalasa (pitcher-finial) which may not be original.
(3) Mukhamandapa
The socle of the Mukhamandapa has suffered extensions in recent times, which mask the original contour completely. The free standing pillars over this pitha support the phamsana superstructure above, which harmonizes beautifully with the phamsand of the Gudhamandapa. It is two tiered and graced at the open corners by präsädikäs (miniature temples). The figures in the three panels of the simhakarna on the east are obscured by plaster coatings. A Yakşi with a lion vehicle is. discernible in the central panel. The corresponding panels on north reveal the three Mahavidyås-Gauri, Vairotya and Manasirespectively. The western phârsand, on the north face, shows the seated figures of Yakşi Cakreśvari, Mahavidya Mahākāli, and Vågdevi. The west face shelters Mahavidya Manavi flanked on either side by a Yaksi which cannot be identified on the strength of the known texts.
The two tiered phamsand of the Mukhacatuski is crowned by an unfluted ghanta; its corners are relieved by Nagara-kutas. The three panels in each of its three pediments likewise enshrine divinities. The
42 Framed panel.
43 At Roda, in Temple VII, we notice miniature phamsand instead.