Jain Journal 1975 07

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

Page 28

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hanging on the front of the pedestal is decorated with kirtimukha from whose open mouth is suspended festoons. However, in one case (K. 59) it also shows beads and lozenge-shaped decorations. In the centre of the pedestal is depicted a dharmacakra flanked by kneeling worshippers with folded hands. At two ends of the pedestal are also sculptured two lions, suggesting simhasana, standing or sitting with their backs and faces turned towards each other, and in one case, however, they stand to front facing the observer. Barring a single instance (K. 66), in all others the mula-nayaka is attended on either side by a standing male fly-whisk-bearer wearing rich jewellery with the inner hand bearing a fly-whisk held above the shoulder and the outer hand resting on the thigh. Over the head of the Jina is shown a three-fold chatra topped by a disembodied figure beating a drum, now damaged in two examples (K. 59, K. 66).
JAIN JOURNAL
Besides the aforesaid common features, the Ajitanatha images also reveal points of difference in regard to the representation of the elephant cognizance, diminutive Jina figures and other secondary figures and motifs. Now I proceed to the individual treatment of the Ajitanatha images with a view to seeing their individual details.
First image (K. 66), measuring 23.5" x 17", exhibits the elephant emblem on left of the dharmacakra. On the lower-most part of the simhasana are carved some flying figures. Each recessed corner of the throne is occupied by a seated Jina figure, in place of Yaksa-Yaksi pair. The principal Jina is joined by two standing Jina figures. At each top corner, there also appears a standing Jina. The nimbus of the mulanayaka is decorated with lotus blossom and beaded circle. However, the figures of the flying maladharas and elephants with riders, usually carved on the top parikara, are absent here. The figure is attributable to the eleventh century.
Second image (K. 43) measures 23" x 16" and is datable to the eleventh century. The halo shows similar decorations as referred to above. Over the head of each camaradhara figure is depicated a standing Jina figure. The top parikara shows the flying maladharas and elephants with riders. It is the solitary image of Ajitanatha at Khajuraho which contains the Yakṣa- Yakşi figures. However, the Yaksa figure of the left extremity is hidden under the plaster but on the corresponding right side, there appears two-armed Yakşi carrying a sword in her extant right hand.
Third image (K. 59), measuring 27" x 15", is assignable to the twelfth century. Below the dharmaca :ra is carved the cognizance, an elephant. In the right recessed corner of the throne is carved a pair of