Jain Journal 2010 07

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

Page 36

JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLV, NO. I-IV JULY.-JUNE 10-11
majority of the Parsvanatha images found from various sites in eastern India (like eastern Orissa, the Chhotanagpur plateau and parts of Purulia). The Naga holds a water-vessel while the Nagi holds some indistinct implements. The centre of the pedestal has a mangala-kalasa and two crouching lions facing in opposite direction occupy the facets/projections adjacent to the centre. The remaining projections of the pedestal are left blank. The Jina is attended by two male cauri-bearers wearing succinct lower garments and different ornaments like necklaces, keyūra, kundala, and a conical jatā like crown. They stand in dvi-vanga posture on pedestals and their left hands are in katyavalambita posture while the right hands hold fly-whisks. The Jina's face is more or less damaged. On the edge of the back slab are carved four images of Tirthankara in kāyotsarga posture with their respective lāñchanas depicted on a slightly raised pedestal below them. The upper part of the stele contains the usual Vidyadhara, the pratiharyas of heavenly hands playing on musical instruments, and a projected
tiered chatra surmounting the snake-hood. 6. Two Parsvanatha images made of chlorite stone and measuring 45
cm x 25 cm, 70 cm x 35 cm (Pl. 6) have been plaqued side by side on the right wall of the modern temple mentioned earlier. In each case, the depictions and other iconographic details are the same. The Jina stands in Kāyotsarga posture on a lotus-seat under the canopy of a seven hooded serpent. Anāga-couple with their hands folded and inter-coiled tails springs from both sides of the attendants. The edge of the stele is carved with four Tirthankaras in Kāyotsarga postures, arranged in pairs on each side of the Jina. The style of execution in each case is also the same. However, the smaller speciment of 45 cm x 25 cm exhibits a finer craftsmanship than its bigger counterpart. Stylistically, these are assignable to c. 12th
century AD. 7. An unidentified Jina image has been documented from Satpatta.