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150
JAIN JOURNAL
The patta bears some resemblance to a stele in black stone collected from Sat Deuliya in the Burdwan district which contains 148 miniature Tirthankaras besides a seated Rsabhanatha. The sculpture was identified by Sri P. C. Dasgupta as an early representation of the Astapada tirtha.51
124.5cms x 59cms Circa 9th/10th Century A.D. Plate No. 27
35. Santinatha
Pañcatirthika. The mala-nāyaka Santinatha stands in kāyotsarga pose on a padmasana, flanked by dvi-bhanga cāmaradharas wearing conical crown, one on each side. Ratna-pătras heaped with offerings are placed between the figures of Saviour and the camaradharas. The edge of the back-slab is relieved with miniature Jina figures in kāyotsarga two on each side. Flying . Vidyadharas, with long garlands, and drum and cymbals are placed at the top corners of the stele. Deer, his cognizance, is placed on pedestal below his feet.
66 cms x 34 cms
36. Miniature Caturmukha Shrine
On its four facets are figures of Tirthankaras Santinatha, Parsvanatha, Candraprabha and Rsabhanatha. Bears one line inscription. This votive Jain caturmukha is represented in the form of a miniature rekha temple of the tri-ratha type executed in a simple form. The central pagas have each, one row of shallow niches arranged in vertical order, holding Jina figures in diminishing number from the top. The pädapitha consists of three lower mouldings projected out at the sides which again is beset with three upper mouldings in the centre producing a shallow niche showing the lanchana of the Tirthankara. Above the pädapitha, deep niches have been carved on the extended plane of the central projection, each containing a standing Tirthankara with the attendant figures. The upper facets of the niches are projected out in the shape of an arch, flung out on two sides which rest on thin pilasters. The upper facets of the niches have, probably, been derived from the caitya motif. In line with the two end edges of this so called arch, there is a capping corner element projected out on the segments of the
31 P. C. Dasgupta, "A Rare Jaina Icon from Sat Deuliya", Jain Journal, Vol. VII,
No. 3, Calcutta, January, 1973, pp. 130-32.
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