Jain Journal 1983 04

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

Page 28

130
JAIN JOURNAL
standing in khadgāsana mudrā. They are all nude. From right to left, the Jinas are standing in chronological order, viz., Ajitanatha, Sambhavanatha, Abhinandananatha, Sumatinatha, Padmaprabha, Suparsvanatha, and Candraprabha. Their lāñchanas, viz., the gaja (Elephant) aśva (Horse) kapi (Monkey), kraunca (Curlow), abja (Lotus) Švastika and saši (Moon) have been engraved below their feet accordinglly.10 In the third tier from the top, as many as eight Jinas have been depicted again in the chronological order from right to left. They are, viz, Suvidhinatha, Sitalanatha, Sreyamsanatha, Vasupujya, Vimalanatha, Anantanatha, Dharmanatha and Santinatha. They are also in khadgāsana mudrā. Their respective lañchanas, viz, the makara (crocodile), śrivatsa, khangisa (Rhinaceros), mahiba (Buffalo), śukura (Boar); śyena (Hawk) ; and vajra (Thunderbolt) have beautifully been carved out under their feet. In the lower most tier we see figures of remaining eight Tirthankaras, again in the chronological order. They are Kunthunatha, Aranatha, Mallinatha, Munisuvrata, Naminatha, Neminatha; Parsvanatha and Mahavira. They are also in khadgāsana mudrā. Their lāñchanas, viz, the mīga (Deer) Chāga (Goat); nandyāvarta, ghata (pot) ; kūrma (Tortoise) ; nilotpala (Blue lotus); Sarkha (conch); phani (Serpent) and simha (lion) are clearly visible under their feet. All these Tirthankaras have been provided with double circled halo behind their heads which denote to their godship.
The caubišt of Bhagavan Adinatha under discussion shows certain similar features to those reported from the Bangladesh caubisies which belonged to the late Pala (circa 10th-11th century A.D.) period. A caubiši of Bhagavan Candraprabha displayed in the Dacca Museum11 Bangladesh presents the remaining twenty three Jinas in seated (padmāsana) posture. The Dinajpur Museum (Bangladesh)12 caubiši, however depicts all twenty three Jinas standing in four tiers on the either side of Bhagavan Adinatha. The museums of Bihar have not preserved any caubiši in stone.
Hence, the author of this paper, thinks that the Bhagalpur Digambar Jain Temple's caubiši of Bhagavan Adinatha, which certainly belonged to the Pala period, is of great archeological interest.
10 Ibid., verses 5-6. 11Sharma, B.N. Jaina Pratimayen, Delhi, 1979, p. 95. 12 Ibid.