Jain Journal 1983 10

SR No.: 520072
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 35
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 28

JAIN JOURNAL
1. Tirthankara Candraprabha, 44cm x 24cm (fig. 1)
This image, one of the few seated icons of Tirthankara discovered from Purulia district, was found in damaged condition and subsequently restored. The Jina sits in padmāsana with his hands in dhyāna-mudrā on a full blown mahāmbujapitha having a base comprising of five squat supports on which are carved indistinct objects. Crescent, the lāñchana of the Jina is depicted on the centre of the lotus seat. The back of the throne is cut roughly along the torso of the central figure and consists of vertical panels topped by horizontal mouldings relieved with short pilasters. Enclosed within these panels, one on either side of the Tirthankara, stand male cauri-bearers wearing short lower garments and plain jewellery. The Jina sits under a projected trilinear chatra slightly damaged at the front. He has elongated ear-lobes and his hair is arranged in schematic curls with an uşnişa. A semi-circular siraścakra gracefully rimmed with rows of leaves and pear-like beads surrounds his head. The prabhāvali is generously decorated with floral scrolls and creepers, and includes the usual garland bearing Vidyādhara couple on the edges. Pairs of heavenly hands playing on drums and cymbals are seen flanking the chatra.
2. Tirthankara Rsabhanatha, 66.5cm x 29cm (fig. 2)
The Jina, in kayotsarga posture, stands on a double-petalled lotus placed on a triratha pedestal which has a bull, the lāñchana of the Jina, in the centre flanked by crouching lions. On the left facet of the pedestal is a pair of devotees with their arms joined in adoration, while on the right are votive offerings. The saviour is nude, the hair is dressed in a tall jațāmukuța with curls falling down the sides of the head and over the shoulders. On either side stand male cauri-bearers wearing lower garments and simple ornaments. The edge of the back slab contains the representa tion of seven planets (grahadevatås) with Ganesa, arranged in four on either side of the Jina. A plain circular śiraś cakra adorns the head of the Jina, which is surmounted by a trilinear chatra. Garland bearing Vidyadharas can be seen at the top corners of the stele hovering in the conventional representation of clouds, and also a drum and a pair of cymbals struck by disembodied hands.
3. Tirthankara Parsvanatha, 140cm x 57cm (fig. 3)
This is the largest and the most graceful sculpture among the group and is befittingly placed in the centre of the podium. The Jina stands in
· Mukhopadhyay, Chatrak, op. cit., p. 8.