Jain Journal 1976 10

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

Page 37

74
exterior wall of the Temple No. 12. Moreover, a sufficient number of separate figures of Cakresvari, Rohini, Ambika, Padmavati and Siddhayika, respectively the Yaksis of Rsabhanatha, Ajitanatha, Neminatha, Parsvanatha and Mahavira, are also available at the site.
JAIN JOURNAL
In the present paper, we wish to study the iconographic features of an important Tri-tirthika Jina image representing the three most popular Jinas-Neminatha, Parsvanatha and Mahavira, respectively the twenty-second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth Jinas-of the site of Deogarh at one place. The image, fashioned in the buff sandstone, is incorporated in the northern enclosure wall of the Temple No. 12. It is assignable to the eleventh century on stylistic and iconographic grounds. The image exhibits three Jinas showing indentical iconographic details except for the rendering of their identifying cognizances. The whole image is much mutilated.
Each of the three Jinas is shown as sky-clad and standing in the kāyotsarga-mudrā on a carpet spread over the simhasana, supported by two lions. The lions, in each case, are represented with their backs and necks turned towards each other and one paw raised. The two lions, in each instance, are intervened by a dharmacakra over which hangs a covering cloth from the pedestal, with the respective emblems of the Jinas. On the strength of these cognizances, starting from the right (from viewer's standpoint), the Jinas can be identified with Neminatha (with conch emblem), Parsvanatha (with sanke emblem) and Mahavira (with lion emblem). The middle figure of Parsvanatha is also provided with the sevenhooded cobra overhead.
Each Jina, marked with a śrīvatsa symbol on the chest, has his hair done in small curls with a protuberance-uşnişa. Excepting Parsvanatha, canopied by snake hoods, the other two Jinas are provided with plain aureoles. The Jinas, in each case, are flanked by a pair of standing male attendants bedecked in usual jewelleries and carrying a flywhisk held above the shoulder by one hand and the other being resting on the thigh. Close to the feet of each Jina there occur two adorers with hands folded in namaskāra-mudra. Over the head of each Jina is carved a chatratrayi topped by a prostrate figure beating a drum and joined by a pair of hovering maladharas. The customary rendering of the Yaksa-Yakşi figures, carved at throne ends, are conspicuous by their absence.
However, it is a solitary instance representing Neminatha, Parsvanatha and Mahavira at one place.