Book Title: Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior
Author(s): T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 100
________________ Other Tirthankaras in the Shrine : Besides the main image of Neminatha, the shrine-contains two more images on the walls towards north and south. The image towards north is shown standing to a height of 51/2 m. Here, the proportions of the limbs are not well maintained. The hands, legs and ears are elonated. The srivatsa mark on the chest is clearly seen. The nudity and a diamond like projection over the chest identified as srivatsa, are common iconographical features of all the Jain images. Although, the human form is clear other associated features are not clearly indicated. The face is blurred possibly due to ravages of time. The image towards the south is not fully carved. It is shown only up to the waist, and stands to a height of 4 m. Possibly an attempt was made to show a standing image. Only the right leg is seen. The symbol srivatsa on the chest is indicated. The face of this is rather featureless. The usual associated features like the gajakalasha, maladharis and others are absent. The Open Temple (First Group) : In this group, there are two identical sanctuaries. They are mainly called open temples as there is no front temple, or mukhamandapa at present towards east. They are originally closed temples as in the former, but now, they are fairly open, This could be confirmed from the open space outside, containing three pillar stumps. It is not clearly known if they are really the remnents of a mukhamandapa, in front of the cave sanctuaries. However, the entrance doors are still intact. But their upper chambers have given way. Thus, both the temples are well lit up, by the sunshine that enters not only through the main entrances but also through an opening in the upper chamber. Even if both are closed temples because of the projecting rock ceiling they would have enjoyed enough lighting, mainly because of the wide open eastern window of the upper chamber. The Entrance : The main entrance or the dvara, has a prominent sculptured lintel. It Shows scroll work on either side of the central niche, which contained something oblitrated figures. The door sakhas on either side are quite plain. They do not show any ornamentation. The Image : The western wall contains a seated image of a Tirthankara. On either side, two elephants are shown facing north and south. They are mounted by two seated figures. From the faceted crowns they could be identified as Indra and Upendra. Further up, two more flying figures are seen with garlands. Evidently, they are maladharis on either side of the Tirthankara. The above representations are shown in a pillared frame. Over (80)

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