________________
Vimala-Vasahi]
71
of hunger its bird of prey may be handed over. The king offered any other eatable instead but the falcon said that since it lived on flesh, the pigeon would be given up for an equal weight of human flesh alone. The king instantly ordered for a balance, and since a pious Jaina of his type would not injure any other being, he began cutting his own flesh and putting it on the scales. But the god in the pigeon's body kept on increasing in weight till ultimately the king decided to sacrifice his whole body and put himself in the scales. God Surupa, convinced of the steadfastness of the king, was pleased with him, and healing the wounds and blessing Megharatha, went away to the heavens (see fig. 15; for further details in the life of Shantinatha, see, Trişhaşhți-shalākāpurusha-charitra, parva V.)
On the beams enclosing this ceiling are figures of Jinas with shravakas, carrying garlands, jars, fruits, fly-whisks and other offerings.
(20) Cell no. 16, first celing in front also contains representations of five Kalyāṇakas of some Jina. The central circle shows the Jina in the samavasaraṇa. The other reliefs include the Mother lying on a cot and seeing the fourteen dreams, the birth-bath ceremony, dīkṣhā-procession, plucking out of hair by the Jina and the Jina obtaining the Kevalajñāna.
(20 A) Cell no. 19, second ceiling shows five figures of Tīrthankaras, some shrāvakas performing Chaitya-vandana and carrying water-jars, fruits, garlands, musical instruments etc.
20 B) Cell no. 23, on the beams supporting it are figures of Jinas standing and attended by shrāvakas as in 20 A.
(21) Cell no. 29, first ceiling contains a beautiful representation of Krshna subduing the Kaliya-snake
