Jain Journal 1986 01

SR No.: 520081
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 55
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 4 MB

Page 42

JANUARY, 1986
sumudramanthana along with the episode of Bali and Vamana are, however, not even mentioned in the Jaina works. These examples are distinctly suggestive of the Vaisnava influence at the site. It may be remarked that in the Trişaşṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra Krsna, also called Visnu, is endowed with kaustubha, śäranga (bow), two quivers (akṣayasara), nandaka (sword), kaumodaki (club) and a chariot with garuḍadhvaja.14
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The Vimala-vasahi, besides an instance showing Balarama and Krsna in a narrative from the life of Neminatha, also has the figures of Krsna subduing the Kaliya naga and playing holi. The figure of Narasimha and episodes of samudramanthana and Bali-Vamana are also carved in the temple. The first ceiling of cell No. 10 shows narratives from the life of Neminatha. The central band has a water tank with the sporting figures of Krsna and Neminatha. (Fig 1) The presence of five queens of Krsna is probably suggested by the representation of five female figures in the scene. According to the Jaina works, there ruled a king Andhaka-Vrsni of Yadava family in the Sauripura city, who had ten princes, of whom the eldest was Samudravijaya and the youngest one was Vasudeva. In due course, Samudravijaya became the ruler of Sauripura. He had 16 sons including Aristanemi or Neminatha, who later become a Jina. Vasudeva had Rama (Balarama), Krsna (Vasudeva) and other sons. Krsna after killing Jarasandha became the lord of three continents and made Dvaraka his capital city. Aristanemi although strong and brave, because of his aversion towards worldy pleasures, had no desire to marry or become a ruler. Once while moving with his friends, Aristanemi entered the armoury (āyudhaśālā) of Krsna and established his superiority in physical strength over him by lifting up with ease the Kaumodaki gadā (mace), trying the Saranga bow, turning round for a number of times the Sudarsana cakra and also blowing the Pancajanya sankha. Krsna was surprised to find Aristanemi playing with these mighty weapons and consequently decided to put to test the strength of Nemi out of fear. Nemi suggested that whoever was unable to bend the outstretched straight hand of the other should be declared defeated. Nemi easily emerged as victor in this trial of strength. On this Krsna became perturbed and thought that Nemi would one day easily take over the kingdom. But Balarama told Krsna that Aristanemi was not interested in worldly possessions and would renounce the world at an apropriate time. Jaina works also mention that in view of the aversion of Aristanemi towards worldly pleasures, Samudravijaya once asked Krsna to persuade Aristanemi to
14 Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, 5.5.160-69.