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 43

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a marriage proposal and consequently Krsna took him to a water sport along with his wives.15
JAIN JOURNAL
The relief in the Vimala-vasahi shows in the second circular band the demonstration of strength of Nemi in the ayudhaśālā of Krsna. In the scene, Krsna sits on a throne when Nemi enters. The hands of both are folded in greeting each-other. Besides these figures there is another figure of Nemi lifting up the Kaumodaki gadā. Further ahead there stands Nemi with outstretched straight right hand and Krsna is trying to bend it with his full strength but could not succeed even a little. Krsna is shown applying his full force with both his hands. One of his raised legs also suggests this point. On the other hand, Aristanemi is shown bending Krsna's outstretched hand, in an easy manner only with his one hand. However, the hand of Krsna is shown in a bent position to suggest Nemi's victory. Further ahead there stands Aristanemi successfully blowing the conch and trying the bow. The bow, however has been broken into two pieces. Next to this, there sit two figures probably of Krsna and Balarama, facing and talking to each-other. Possibly the scene represents the worries of Krsna over the strength of Aristanemi who is getting assurance from Balarama about the future renunciation of Aristanemi.16
The next scene, in the first ceiling of the cell No. 33 (originally cell No. 29), is a beautiful representation of the subjugation of Kaliya naga by Krsna. (Fig. 2) The Jaina works do not make any reference as to the game of ball played by Krsna and his friends on the bank of river Yamuna. This is mentioned only in the Mahābhārata and other Brahminical works. These works mention that when ball fell into the river, Krsna jumped into Yamuna to fetch the ball and on being hindered by Kaliya he subdued the snake. The Jaina works instead mention that Balarama and Krsna were on their way to Mathura for taking part in the wrestling competitions at the invitation of Kamsa. While crossing the Yamuna, they encountered Kaliya naga who like friend of Kamsa intended to bite Krsna. The Jaina works further mention that after jumping on the back of snake Krsna immediately entered his hand into the open mouth of Kaliya and dragged him out of the river with the help of the lotus stalk tied to the snake like a nose ring. The snake, looking lifeless, was at last freed by Krsna at the request of its seven queens.17
15 Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, Neminatha Caritra, parva VIII, sarga IX.
16 Muni, Sri Jayantavijaya, Holy Abu (tr. by U.P. Shah), Bhavanagar, 1954, pp. 67-69. 17 Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, Neminatha Caritra, parva VIII, sarga V.