Jain Journal 1974 10

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

Page 13

OCTOBER, 1974
61
ideals and thoughts of the Nirgrantha to distant lands. It will be noticed that the Gana of Bhadrabahu was also known as Sarasvati-Gaccha in memory of a miracle associated with scholiast Kondakundacarya who is known to have been graced by the divine utterances of a stone Sarasvati. In such a context the spread of Jainism in the South will not only indicate peity and an inspiration for the iconography of the Jinas and their accessory deities and symbols but it will also vouch for an intellect and realisation of outstanding order. Without endeavouring to adjust with changing situations resulting out of confrontation of thought and influence of new groups and nationalities from the north the maxims of the Nirgrantha better prepared to be relegated in contemplations and repose than to compromise. The emancipation of soul in the doubtful world of atoms remained as the purest light before the ethereal assemblage of nude sylphs as represented at Sittannavasal whose soft lines and full breasts vivid with eternal life will recall the heavenly beauties of Sigiriya. The latter are admiring a collection of chosen flowers which they sometimes seem to sprinkle with delicate hands as if to celebrate a great event in the mortal world. Comparing the Apsaras of Sigiriya with the sculpted female figures of Amaravati Benjamin Rowland has again suggested a link whose exact religious significance is yet to be ascertained. 28
The ideals attached with Mahavira enlightened the thoughts of devotees both in the north and in the south. While the glowing tribute to Vardhamana inscribed at Sravana-Belgola will reveal an understanding of the greatness of the Tirthankara about two thousand years ago, the noble monuments at Tirupuruttikunram (Jina-kanci) near Conjeevaram and on a series of hill-spurs including the famous Sittanavasal, the Narttamalai and the Aluruttimalai in Tamilnad are ancient witnesses of the history of the Nirgrantha. Mahavira worshipped at Tirupuruttikunram is known as Trailokyanathasvami representing an inheritance from the distant past. Besides monuments and relics awaiting evaluation there are such sculptures of Mahavira in the South which are sublime witnesses of an everlasting glory. Among these may be mentioned the image of the Tirthankara (Vardhamana) from Biccavol in East Godavary region of Andhra Pradesh and other
28 Benjamin Rowland : The Art and Architecture of India.