Jain Journal 1971 07

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

Page 10

Terracotta sealing depicting a torana perched with a peacock. The motif along with sacred symbols will recall the description of vanavedika in the Mahapurana. The inscription on the margin has not yet been deciphered.
Chandraketugarh, 24 Parganas,
Circa 1st century B.C.
The sealing is now preserved in the State Archaeological Gallery, West Bengal. Drawn by E. D. Sampson.
P. C. DASGUPTA
On Risabha's visit to Taksasila
In the context of legends regarding the sojourns of Risabhanatha, the first Tirthankara, obviously within an unknown epoch before Mahavira the scholars and devotees are alike eager to identify sites and monuments described in Jaina texts in this connexion. These legends become more interesting in the light of the early propagation of Jainism under the patronage of Samprati, descendant of Asoka, and the accounts of Hiuen Tsang besides other annals regarding Jaina monuments in Sindhudesa, especially at Multan, and the Punjab. Taking into consideration the stories related to pious Jinadatta Suri and his establishment of the Pañcanadi Pūjā and other accounts illuminating the dissemination of the religion in the west during mediaeval times the early legends may be evaluated in their perspective. Thus, the legend of Risabhanatha's journey to Taksasila to meet his son Bahubali is indeed incomparable in its glory and significance. In his Studies in Jaina Art (Banaras, 1955) Umakant P. Shah has summed up the story as follows:
"It is said that when Risabha went to Taxila, he reached after dusk; Bahubali (ruling at Taksasila) thought of going to pay his homage next morning and pay due respects along with his big retinue. But the Lord went away and from here, travelled through Bahali-adambailla, Yonaka and preached to the people of Bahali, and to Yonakas and Pahlagas. Then he went to Astapada and after several years came to Purimatala near Vinita, where he obtained Kevalajñāna.” According to U. P. Shah the relevant verses show that Taksasila was probably included in the province of Bahali (Balkh-Bactria) in the age of Āvaśyaka Niryukti.