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 49

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The ceiling under discussion is a non-pareil one since it depicts four different Vaisnavite themes in a single ceiling composed in a beautiful manner without any overlapping. The dynamism of central Narasimha figure is retained even by the smallest figures shown in the scenes of samudramanthana, Krsna-lilä, and Bali-Vamana episode.
JAIN JOURNAL
Luna-vasahi also contains, in its ceilings and on the side of the beams on the south of rangamanḍapa, the representations pertaining to the life of Krsna. The scenes include the birth and carrying of Krsna by Vasudeva to the house of Nanda and Yasoda, the childhood episodes (bālalilā) and the killing of demons by Krsna. On the left of the rangamaṇḍapa, near the bhramika, is carved in the ceiling, the nativity of Krsna. (Fig.5) It is well known that Krsna was born in a prison under the strict guard of Kamsa because Kamsa wanted to kill all the seven issues of Vasudeva-Devaki soon after their birth because of the fear that he would be killed by one of the issues of Devaki.23 The entire representation, divided into four squares, is very realistic. In the centre the figure of Devaki is carved reclining on a cot with her left hand kept under head. Close to Devaki the figure of newly born infant Krsna is lying. By her side there also appear four female figures, two of them fanning while the others holding vases. Below the cot are carved nine vases, symbolising navanidhis, befitting the auspicious occasion of the birth of Krsna. The second square on its four sides (in the centre) shows the doors which are half closed with a figure standing in the intervening space in two cases. The doors are shut to suggest that Krsna was born in a house under strict vigil and guard of the soldiers of Kamsa. On the corners, there stand four pairs of elephants, facing each-other with a tree carved in between them. On the back of each elephant there sits a figure carrying a vase. The doors on the four sides in case of third square also are likewise half closed with a figure standing at each door. The two corners of the square are decorated with two trees, while the remaining two corners are occupied by the four-armed figures of Gajalaksmi and Cakresvari. Cakresvari, seated cross-legged, holds a conch, a disc, a disc and water-vessel. Below the seat of goddess is carved the figure of her mount Garuda in human form. The figure of Gajalaksmi, seated as cross-legged, bears the abhaya-mudrā, a long stalked lotus, a long stalked lotus and a water vessel. The seat of the
13 Trisastisalakapurusacaritra, 8.5.98-114. The Jaina works, however, do not mention that Krsna was born in prison; they simply mention that his birth took place in a house under strict guard of Kamsa and when Krsna was born the gods put to sleep Kamsa's agents/watchmen so as to facilitate Vasudeva to carry baby Krsna to the house of Nanda in Gokula.