Jain Journal 2014 07

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

Page 75

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JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLIX, NO. 1-IV JULY 2014-JUNE 2015
their particular life event. Moreover the life incidences of Jinas and great personalities are often depicted or painted in the shrines. Jaina Architecture:
Architecture can be elucidated as a science or design of any building or structure. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements e.g. the structures found at the site Kankali Tila, Mathura. Jaina sanctuaries are built with various architectural designs and norms. The exmple architecture of North India is built with Nagara style Shikhara while in South they are formed with Dravidian Shikhara architecture. Dravidian style emerged in the 6th and 7th century in Karnataka as well as in Tamilnadu and reached to its best at pattadakkal (Karnataka) and Kanchipuram (Taminadu). This style is further developed in Basadis at Sravanbelagola, Jinanathpura, Humcha, Lakundi, Mudabidri, Karkal, Venur, Halebid etc. Places up to Hoyasala rule. These temples are built in such a way that with their characteristic features one can judge their culture and patronized dynasty. Another special contribution of Jaina is the free standing pillar found in almost every Basadi, known as Manastambha. The entrance to the royal shrine is contructed in very unique manner in southern India called Gopura.
Thie rules of Jaina architecture and iconography is available in Vāstuśāstra (by Visvakarma), Apparajitpriccha (by Bhuvandeva), Vastusāra by Thakkar-pheru (a Jaina Engineer), Devyadhikara and Vraksarnara. The features of Jaina shrine as referred in above Vāstu Granthas are--
1. The Prāsāda (The main shrine).
2. The mandapa (Gudhha-mandapa or closed hall). * 3. The Trika (Mukha-mandapa or vestibule for pradaksina)
4. A Ranga-mandapa (A hall where devotees perform rutuals). 5. Valanaka or entry hall. 6. Surrounding Devakulikās. The Hindu deities are assimilated in Jaina pantheon as a protec