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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
245 22 ] 56 wystal uren ovat 3" . [843 ] images (Figs. 2 and 3) and their attendant figures separately, for they are distinct in many respects except a few.
For the identification of Fig. 2, we have to consider the following points in the case of the Yaksa and Yaksi :
1 Their position in the entire sculpture.
2 Their sitting posture. .3 The gestures of and symbols in their hands.
4 Their prabhas.
Nos. 1 and 2 are those which are usually found in the case of Jaina Yaksa and Yaksi3 and not in those of all such attendants of Buddhist or Hindu deities.
With regard to point No. 3, the symbols in the hands of the Yaksa are not distinct as Dr. SASTRI has already remarked. They look like the bijapurako (r.h.) and a nakulisa (1.h.). However, the recognition of the symbols does not help us matirially for even if they are as they look to be, these symbols are common to both Jambhala and Dharana Yaksa; hence we cannot decide on this score alone.
The Yaksi is supporting with her left hand a child, which is sitting on her lap, while the object in her right hand is not distinct.
Both the figures have got a prabha indicating thereby that they are some divinities.
This purely objective (or 'internal') evidence seems to show that the side figures may be Jaina Yaksa and Yaksi.
Further corroboration of this inference is found from :- .1 The study of the pedestal-figures of the image.
2 The inscription found on the back of the prabha of Fig. 1.
3 External evidence.
The eight standing figures on the pedestal of Fig. 2 may be the Astadikpalas, as Dr. SASTRI thinks; whereas the nine bu
3 SANKALIA, “Jaina Yaksas and Yaksinis," in this Journal, pp. 157-62
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