Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center of America NY
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

Page 102

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Model In Making
Mountain
The mountain is the main body and is made of crystal quartz. Various pieces were assembled to provide a sloping pattern on the front & sides in order to replicate the effect of a real mountain. Eight steps are constructed in the center leading to the first row of the Gokhala. Just above the topmost step, 24 Gokhalas are sculpted out of the mountain itself wherein the idols will be housed. This model is built to 1/5th scale compared to the final unit. The final model will also be adorned with a Kalash and a flag on the mountain-top. The wall at the back will be suitably decorated to depict the open sky. It is intended to create an effect of snow-capped mountains by appropriate measures. The weight of the mountain will be 10 tons.
Gokhalas
There are 24 Gokhalas of varying sizes carved into the mountain. Two are extra large, four are large, eight are medium and ten are small. Two front pillars of each gokhala have carved images of devotees (chamardharis or whisk carriers) praying to the God. The domes and arches are also carved with decorative art work.
Idols (Figurines)
24 Figurines have been carved to represent the 24 Tirthankars. Each figurine has its own symbol carved at the base that identifies the idol to a viewer. In addition, the idol's name will appear at the base along with the gemstone name. The final model will consist of 24 idols made from different color gemstones. Due to limitations of the available gemstones, the color will not conform to the original color associated with each Tirthankar. Idols are arranged according to the religious rules. Dimensions and positions vary according to the space available within the arrangement.
Smokey Quartz
Malachite
&1000