Jain Sanctuaries of the Fortress of Gwalior

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

Page 79

standing feniale figures, who can be identified as the salabhanjikas. They have floral garlands, as if they are offering them to the deity. The angular position of legs and hands show some bhangas, usually shown in associated figures. The upper portion of the pillar is semi-circularly bent with projected mouldings over floral drop pendents. The stem of the pillar is intricately carved.
The horizontal lintel connecting the upper portion of the pillar has the usual lotus medallians shown in squarish niches. The heavenly abhiseka is indicated by the gajakalasha motif over the head of the image. The maladharis, on either side are seen. slightly over the shoulders. The srivatsa on the chest and other physical organism of the naval and other bodily features, generally, are similar to those observed in the images met with earlier.
Cave 13: This cave is different from the earlier caves. As already stated, the balcony portion is an open pillared columnade with the lintel carrying the pendentive floral designs. The vestibular portion below the balcony has only an insignificant lower opening so as to enable the visitors to enter the vestibular space. Towards the north eastern corner, there is a stepped stair way leading to the balcony of the top.
The balcony is supported on two squarish pillars having fluted surface. They raise to a height of 4 m. over a squarish pedestal. The main image of the Tirthankara can be seen even from the verandah outside.
Simhapitha: The usual simhapitha is not well portrayed with its embelishments. In its centre lies a prominent niche, Its top portion prasthara, shows a projecting chhajja.
The vrttapitha lying above the simhapitha, has rounded sides and decorated with dharmachakras on either side of niche, containing the figure of a 'horse' that stands as if moving forward to the right with a briddle going over the shoulders. Thus, the seated image can be identified as Sambhavanatha, the third Tirthankara.
The Image : As usual, the stated figure of Sambhavanatha (Plate 14) is shown with crossed legs and the soles of the feet are well exposed. The stretched right palm is placed over the left, in meditative posture. The naval, the srivatsa over the chest, with two circular nipples on either side have artistic touch. The neck has four folds and the face mouldings as ususal have given way, and only chisel marks are seen in the oval form of the face. Over the head, the creeper pallava motif is carved within an oval shaped 'halo' the decorated prabhavali.
Cave 14: The mulanayaka in this cave is the standing figure of Kunthunatha. He is shown with a torana projected over pillars. His chinhapitha contains the figure of a 'goats'.
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