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244 / The Rāstrakütas and Jainism
and Ellorā Jaina cave temple. One more special architectural feature discovered recently in the triple-shrine is that there is a cave below the shrine in the left corner meant for the meditation of the monks.
8.6.4. Recent discovery of three ancient Jaina images, by the author of this monograph, at Mallasamudra (
Gadag Dt), has proved that the village was a famous Jaina establishment from early 8th century. Though the original shrines do not exist now, a compact hall, facing east, has enshrined three magnificent Jaina idols on a raised platform. Among them, two are of Pārsva in khadgāsana, and the other one seated in ardhapadmāsana is of Mahāvira.
8.6.4.1. Of the two Pārsva figures, the one with fivehooded canopy is the earliest of Jina-Pārsva images in Karnātaka, stylistically dating to C. 8th century. The absence of any accoutrements or even the two attendent deities or flywhisks, and a strong well built proportionate body, slightly oval shaped face with elongated ears, a clean shaven head divulge the aesthetic and commensurate composition. A puppet like rigidity and an almost premitive bareness, characteristic of Jaina sculpture is masterly executed in this figure. Even though the sculpture of Jina Pārśva in the forelobby of Jaina caves at Aihoļe and Bādāmi are dated late 6th cent., they are carved in bas-relief. But, so far, Mallasamudra image is the first known image wrought of a block of black stone.
8.6.4.2. An exquisite figure of Mahāvira seated in padmāsana on a lion throne, flanked by camaradharas, capped by chatra-traya triple parasol, one above the other, is assignable to early nith century, and definitely of Amõghavarşa-I period. Most charming sculpture has the figures of Matanga yakşa, sitting on the right side and Siddhāyikā yakși on the left. Matanga yakşa is holding the citron fruit in his left hand and the right hand in abhayahasta
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