________________
80
JAIN JOURNAL
is invariably represented with regard to Jina images, is engraved in the centre of the chest, but it has now been concealed under the metal coat. There is a curly type of headdress (uşnişa) over the head, the two ends of which hang down touching the shoulders.
In the lower right corner of the central figure there is a sitting devotee with folded hands, and a male cauri-bearer holding a flywhisk in his upraised hand, while on the left is shown a figure in the katihasta pose. The camaradharas wear ear-rings, necklace, karanda-mukuta, etc. The pillarets have at each segment a decorative design. From below it starts with a half diamond, then come three standing females with folded hands, and finally a simha-vyāla supporting a makara. The pillarets terminate into a capital carved with drooping foliage. On either side of the head of the kausaggiyas
is a square niche having two hovering figures; they are Vidyadhara and Gandharva, the former carrying a garland and the latter playing a musical instrument.
The nimbus or prabhāmaṇḍala of the figures is most interesting. At each side of the round part there is an elephant lustrating, and at the top come the heavenly drummers. Bordering the aureole is a row of geese, who are elegantly carved and are very pleasing.
Jain Education International
Though the images are stylized, rigid and lifeless, as is generally found with the images of this period, they are well carved so far as their chiselling is concerned. No emphasis is given to the anatomical details, which is clearly evident from their squarish facial features and stiffening of limbs. However, the artist is successful in creating the idea of transcendentality through his work.
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
