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 46

JANUARY, 1986
117
The relief in the centre exhibits, in a circle, the Kaliya nāga with human bust. The tail of Kaliya shows long interwoven coils f a circle in a beautiful manner with three hooded canopy. On the canopy there stands Krsna in an active but easy mocd subduing the nāga with a thin rope, looking like a lotus stalk, tied to its nose. Krsna wearing karandamukuța, channavira, necklaces and kaustubha, holds a ring, probably meant for disc, in his raised right hand in a manner as if to give a hit on the snake hoods. However, his left hand is engaged in subduing the snake. The nāga with folded hands is shown humbly accepting his defeat. On two flanks of the snake are carved three small figures of his queens with folded hands and looking towards Krsna, as if requesting for the life of Kaliya. Two more nägini figures with identical details are shown on each sides of Krsna. Thus the sculptor here, in consonance with the Jaina text, has represented seven queens of Kaliya. The lower panel shows a reclining figure on a coach with two standing female figures, one pressing the leg of the reclining figure and the other one fanning him. The figure may be either Krsna or Kaliya with queens. Further ahead, there stands a female figure, in between a pair of trees, watching the duel of two male figures, probably the wrestling between Krsna and Canura. The upper panel shows Krsna along with Balarama and others playing a ball with sticks in hands. Some figures, playing on musical instruments are also shown. Thus the entire representation appears to have been carved on the basis of the Brahminic tradition.
The first ceiling of the cell No. 41 contains a beautiful representation of Krsna playing holi with gopas and gopikās in gayful mood. (Fig. 3) The central figure, wearing a small kiritamukuța, long hanging uttariya (pitāmbara) and other usual ornaments, is holding two small objects, probably kanakaś rngakoșas (golden pickāris of cow horn shape) full of colour for sprinkling on the figures of gopas and gopikās, carved all round. However, we have reference to the sprinkling of coloured water in sport by kanakaś rågakoşa in the Kādambari of Banabhatta. On two sides of Krsna, there stand two gopas alongwith six female figures (gopikās), all likewise holding kanakaś rngakoşa. One of the female figures is also holding a pot, probably full of coloured water. The entire depiction is suggestive of the festive moods of Krsna and others who are shown in different beautiful postures. 18 However, it may be mentioned that the Jaina works do not refer to this episode of holi.
18 Even today in Mathura and Vrindavana, the people play holi with Srngi like
object in hands.