Ayag Patta and the beginning of Jain Cult Workship

Author(s): A L Srivastava
Publisher: Z_Vijyanandsuri_Swargarohan_Shatabdi_Granth_012023.pdf

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capitals ), two salabhanjikas, flying suparnas and devotees. The facade of the platform is relieved with arched niches simulating makara-toranas and containing standing figures (male on the dexter and female on the sinister) above pedestals." The carved torana has an affinity with those of Bharhut and Sanchi. The inscription on the anda (the main body) and the uppermost medhi of this stupa registers the dedications by the courtesan Vasu, daughter of ganika Lonasobhika, of a shrine (devikula) of the Arhat, a hall (ayaga- sabha), a cistern (prapa) and a stone slab (sila-pata) in the sanctuary of Arhats (nirgrantha-Arahatayatana)." The inscription in six lines is as follows
1. Namo Arahata Vardhamanasa Araye ganika2. Ye Lonasebhikaye dhitu samanasavikaye 3. Nadaye ganikaye Vasu (ye) Arahate devik (u) la 4. Ayaga-sabha prapa sil(a) pa (te) pratisth(a) pite Nigatha
5. nam Araha(ta) yatane sa(ha) m (a) tare bhaganiye dhitare putrena
6. sarvena ca narijanena Arahata pujaye.
According to Debala Mitra, this ayagapatta belongs to the period immediately before kaniska 1.4
The fragment of another caityapata (SML, J. 255) preserves the lower portion of a stupa-relief. The general arrangements and broad/features are quite similar to those represented on the ayagapatta just described above. But the carvings are much superior in plastic art. The delineation of each and every part of the torana is marvellous. The inscription on the slab records the setting up of the ayagapatta by Sivayasa, wife of a nartaka (dancer), for the worshipof the Arhat. On the palacographic considerations, according to Debala Mitra, this inscription too has been ascribed to the period immediately before kaniska I." V.A. Smith was also of the opinion that this inscription may be considerably earlier than Christian era. The inscription reads
1a. Namon Arhantanam Phaguyasasa 2a. natakasa bhayaye Sivayasa 3a. ------|----------------kaye 1b. ayagapate karite 2b. arahata pujaye.
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Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth