Jain Journal 1981 07

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

Page 26

A Unique Image of Rsabhanatha in the
State Museum, Lucknow
MARUTI NANDAN Prasad Tiwari
State Museum, Lucknow, possessing a number of Jaina images, mainly coming from the Kankali Tila, Mathura, also exhibits an exquisitely carved image of Rsabhanatha, the first Jina. The image (Acc. No. 16.0.178) hails from Orai, a place in the Jalaun district of Uttara Pradesh. The image, measuring 47.6" x 36.3", is fashioned in the buff coloured sandstone. The importance of the image, as may be pointed out in the beginning, lies in the depiction, on two sides of the dharmacakra, of two Jaina goddesses ; one of them being Ambika and the other one, much mutilated, is possibly that of Laksmi.
The Rsabhanatha image following a homogenous formula of Jina representation, in effect also elsewhere during the early mediaeval period and onwards, represents a fully developed stage of representing Jina iconographically with the full cortege of the accessory symbols and figures of the Yakşa-Yakşž pairs. Jina is seated crosslegged in the dhyānamudrā with upturned palms placed one over the other in his lap. The Jina is marked with the srivatsa symbol in the centre of the chest. He is seated on a lotus with its petals spread over an ornate cushion decorated with muktā-varala and jewelled lozenge motifs in its front. His soles and palms are also marked with cakra symbol. The hair of the Jina is disposed in spiral curls with an uşņisa-protuberance, at the top. The hair also shows three unplaited lateral strands, an invariable feature of Rsabhanatha, falling on each shoulder. The ornate cushion of the Mūlanāyaka is placed on a triratha pedestal supported by two lions, suggesting simhāsana. The two lions standing with their backs turned to each other and paws up are represented with their necks turned somewhat inward. The lion figure to right (from visitor's standpoint) is severely damaged. In the middle of the throne is depicted a dharmacakra with suspended ribbons and also a bull, the cognizance of Rsabhanatha,
rved alongside. The right and left extreme corners of the throne have respectively been occupied by the figures of Yakṣa and Yakși.