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Jaina Art and Architecture at Mathurā
is a niche containing a standing figure, the nature of which is difficult to ascertain.634 The figure to the proper right seems to be a male figure accompanied by a child, and that to the left appears to be a female figure. 635
The torana or gateway of this stūpa is of the usual type. This lavishly carved torana bears a striking affinity with the toranas of the stūpas of Sanchi and Bharhut.636 It consists of two oblong carved posts supporting three horizontal curvi-form architraves with ends simulating makaras. 637 Between the architraves are supporting blocks, and the two rolled ends of the bottom architrave are sustained by two lion-shaped brackets.638 Crowning the top architrave is a honeysuckle motif flanked on either side by a tri-ratna (or nandipada) symbol, as in the eastern gateway of the stūpa of Bharhut.639 Dismembered fragments unmistakably prove that the torana of this Jaina stupa was modelled on the lines of the stūpas of Sanchi and Bharhut.640
The terrace over the high platform of this stūpa served as a processional path.641 The terrace in this stūpa is enclosed by a three-barred railing, the latter is pierced by a torana.642 Access to this terrace is provided by a balustrated staircase of eight steps right in front of this torana or gateway.643 A distinctive feature of this stūpa is depiction of two high pillars, one each at the front corners, which are of the height of the stūpa above the platform.644 The relief on this silā-patta or āyāga-patta is a miniature replica of the stūpa.
634. 635. 636. 637. 638. 639. 640. 641. 642. 643. 644.
JAA, I, Plate I; Vogel, Catalogue, Plate V; JUPHS, III, p. 35. Ibid.; p. 55 and Plate 1. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid., pp. 55-6 and Plate 1. Ibid., and Plate 1. Ibid., p. 55 and Plate 1. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid., p. 56 and Plate 1.
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