Jain Journal 1970 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 47

APRIL, 1970
241
Fig. 10
The interpreters of the dreams. Kalpa Sutra folio, c. 1500 A.D. Four greybeard interpreters appear in two registers. Three hold books or rolls and two are dipping pens into ink-pots.
Fig. 11
Birth of Mahavira. Kalpa Sūtra folio, c. 1600 A.D. Trisala lies upon her bed, the babe Mahavira held in her right arm. A maid is standing behind.
Fig. 12
Celebration of Mahavira's birth festival. Kalpa Sutra folio, c. 1550 A.D. Music, dance and gaity all around.
Fig. 13
Youthful Mahavira and the jealous god. Kalpa Sutra folio from Devasano Pado Bhandar, c. 1475 A.D. The story does not occur in Kalpa Sutra. It is related by Hemacandra. When Mahavira was not yet eight years old he used to play games becoming his age. One day Sakra praised Mahavira's steadfastness in his court. One of the gods did not liked it and came down to earth to test his courage. The god assumed the form of a serpent and appeared at the foot of a tree where Mahavira and his companions were playing. All the other boys fled in terror but Mahavira picked up the serpent as though it were a rope and threw it to the ground. The other boys then came back and resumed the play. The god also took the form of a boy and began to play with them. At this time the boys were climbing a tree. Mahavira got to the top first. The wager had been that the winner should mount the back of the vanquished and ride them about. He therefore got on the back of the other boys, he mounted the back even of the god. Then the god with wicked intent took the form of a terrifying demon and began to increase in size. He had not even stopped growing when the Lord struck him on the back with his fist and that blow reduced hiin to a dwarf. The god now took his usual form and acknowledging his mistake returned to his residence.
The painting shows at the right top Mahavira carrying a long stick. In front of him around a tree is coiled a snake (the god in disguise). Right bottom is a companion of Mahavira. At the left is the god with Mahavira on his shoulder.