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c) Miniature Caturmukha Shrine
This votive Jain Caturmukha is represented in the form of a miniature Vimana, characteristic of Dravida architecture. The shrine has two stages - the lower is a square with four facets and the upper a dome shaped roof capped by a kalasa (pot). In the lower stage is carved over the pedestal of three steps (gandi). There are four decorated pillars supporting a parasol. In each of the four facets, there is a niche which houses a Tirthakara icon in kayotsarga posture. The opening of the niche is decorated with richly carved prabhā. The parasol is embellished with flower designs and in four corners there are four seated lions. In the upper stage, which is hemi spherical, there are four niches just above the niches of the lower stage. Here the niches are shorter and decorated with pillars extending into decorative prabhd. In the short niches are seen Tirthankar icons in Padmāsana posture. (Plate 4)
JAIN JOURNAL
In the absence of any inscription in the icons, it is not possible to fix the exact date of the icons It is probable that they were donated by some devotees during the 13th century A.D. or even later date.
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