Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

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

Page 75

Cave 7 :
The Image: Below the main image of mulanayaka over the pedestal, the iconographic representation is a 'conch'. Hence, he could be identified as Neminatha. He is seen for the first time as mulanayaka in this group, although he appears in Caves 5, 6 as a subsidiary deity in rectangular niches.
Niche (east): Corresponding to the image of Neminatha on the west, the eastern wall has the miniature carving of Trisala, the mother of Mahavira in a rectangular niche measuring 1.3 m. in length and 60 cm. in width. Her posture is the same, as found in others.
Cave 8 : As in other caves, the mulanayaka on the western wall can be identified as Santinatha. He stands in kayotsarga to a height 8 m. The image is seen over a pedestalled chinhapitha below the feet, which bears the figure of a 'deer' indicating that it is the image of Santinatha, the 16th Tirthankara. Other details are similar to those described in other caves.
Cave 9 :
The Image : The main image here may be identified as Kunthunatha. The entrance is more ornate than the orther entrances of the previous groups. It has projecting cepitals over the pillars. It can be shown as a torana erected over the pillars. The vrttapitha has a 'goat' in a niche in the centre which identifies him as Kunthunatha, the 17th Tirthankara. He appears earlier in Cave No. 5, similarly as the mulanayaka.
On either side of the simhapitha pedestal below, there are two niches containing Tirhankaras. On the right, there is a cattle faced gandharva Gomukha over the shoulders of a 'man'. The yakhsi chakreshvari has a pasa and a 'circular flower' in her hands. The image may be identified as Adinatha.
Towards the left of the main image, there is kirtimukha placed over pillars standing to a height of 2.5 m. The pillars have fluted sides, bearing creeper like decorations. The top portion of the capitals, are moulded like a shrine, with miniature seated figure of Sambhavanatha, the third Tirthankara in the centre
Outside the kirthimukha, motif there is a rectangular panel measuring 2.20x1.75 m. on the extreme left. It contains a standing image of Neminatha (Plate 7). On either side of the image, maladharis near the shoulders and chamaradharis near the legs are carved. It has the usual padma prabhavali behind the head, arranged like an overflowing scroll of garland over head. About 60 cm. below the image, there is a rectangular niche measuring 1x.50 m. It contains the usual relief of the reclining figure of the mother, Trishala.
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