Jain Journal 2010 07

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

Page 34

JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLV, NO. I-IV JULY.-JUNE 10-11
made of cholrite stone and measures 100 cm x 50 cm (Pl. 3). This is a caubisi type of image. In the edge of the back-slab are depicted the miniature figures of twenty-four Tirthankaras arranged in six vertical rows of two each on either side of the mula-nāyaka. They are in kāyotsarga posture over a plain pedestal. Their respective cognizances are also carved in this pedestal. In the space between the mula-nāyaka and the rows of miniatures Tirthankaras, a pillar like frame has been carved. This frame is surmounted by pidha like architectural members. This elaborate composition looks like a temple niche in which the main Tirthankara figure was carved. This frame is surmounted by pidha like architectural members. This elaborate composition looks like a temple niche in which the main Tirthankara figure was carved. This entire sculptural specimen is visually dominated by the carvings of architectural units were also used in Jaina temples. This particular icon is quite damaged and it is difficult to delineate its precise iconographic details.
In this image the Jina stands on a full blown lotus placed on a pañca-ratha pedestal. The central ratha of the pedestal bears the lanchana of the Jina, bull, placed between the two crouching lions. Remaining protions of the pedestal depict the ratna-patras heaped with offerings and in the left side a devotee in namaskāra mudrā occupies the blank space. Above the architectural motifs a drummer is depicted and he is flanked on either side by a Vidhyadhara. The Jina has stylized jatajuta with keśa-vallari falling down the sides of its head and over its shoulder. The back slab also reveals the male cauri-bearers flanking the Jina at the lower corners. These cauri-bear ers stand on lotus pedestals and their left hands are in katyavalambita posture and the right hands hold a fly-whisk. On stylistic grounds, this image is assignable to c. 11th - 12th century AD. 4. The fourth icon in our repertory of Risabhanatha images from
Satpatta measures 115 cm x 55 cm (Pl. 4) and is made of the same