Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

Author(s): T V G Shastri
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

Page 70

and covering even the caves, 3 and 4 (plate 3). There are three temples with shikharas described in it and the first of which is more decorative. They are temples that could be identified as rekhanagara prasadas. The first one among them contains the relief of a seated Tirthankara, near the entrance, while the other two on either side have no images. As in the case of Tirthankaras, most peculiar, is that the temple itself has the usual gajakalasha motif at the top, suggesting that the temple itself, is as sacred as the Tirthankara. In between on either side, two miniature standing Tirthankaras are seen from the base of the temple. The ceiling of the sanctum shows the representation of a lotus medallian with a projected seed pod in a squarish framework.
Cave 3: The lower portion of the back wall of the main images in the sanctum is partially seen in the former cave, from the common verandah, through the entrance, this cave is closed in the lower part, below the lintel of the entrance. However in caves 2 and 3, the upper part is open. This is mainly attributed to the removal of the lithic wall from the parapet upto the level of the lintel. This does not have the entrance as elaborately as the former. The opening above the lintel is common to both the Caves 2 and 3. However, a rectangular window like opening serves as the entrance and another squarish window lies within the pillared jambs. Below the lintel and covering the jambs on either side of the entrance, there is a representation of the gajakalasha motif. Incidentally, it has to be stated, that this cave is excavated one meter below the level of Cave 2, which could be clearly seen from the differences in the levels of their ceilings as well as on the western back wall. The niche has the reliefs of rekhanagara prasadas.
Above the parapet of this cave sanctuary, as already stated, there is a huge elongated rectangualr niche 9x1.5 m. It is cut deep into the vertical section of the hill. This is common to both the caves. The back wall of Cave 2 projects out, one meter above Cave 3. However, the same niche covers both the caves. A part of the niche above Cave 2, has one rekhanagara prasada, while Cave 3, has two similar temples, all placed side by side as seen in the plate 3.
Though Cave 2, in general, is plainer without embellishments, but the niche above the parapet of the cave has a much embellished temple shikhara with a prominent seated image possibly of Parsvanatha at the entrance.
Corresponding to the entrance, of this cave there is a squarish window above, almost touching the lintel. It provides lighting to the upper portion of the cave.
Images : The interior of the sanctum has a plinth measuring 6 m. in length, 5 m. in
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