Jain Stupa and Other Antiquities of Mathura

Author(s): Vincent A Smith
Publisher: Vincent A Smith

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PLATE JX.
ÅYÂGAPATA, OR TABLET OF HOMAGE, OF AN UNKNOWN DONOR. This tablet resembles that depicted in Plate VII in having for its central object the figure of a seated Juin saint. The surrounding syinbolic ornaments, however, are quite different. Among them may be noticed the svastika or mystic cross, and a pair of fishes, omens of good luck, a second seated Jina (at the foot of the plate), « Slapr (at the top of the plate), and sacred trees within railings (at the sides). The slab thus offers another proof of the Jain veneration for Stapas. The sacred trees closely resemble those generally associated with Buddhism. A photograph of this slab has been already published by Buhler, accompanied by an elaborate description. ("Epigraphia Indica," Volume II, Plate I, 1, pp. 311-313). The remains of the inscription at the base are illegible.
According to Dr. Pührer, the oight napicious marks of the Jains are: (1) the myntio cross (Svastika), (2) mirror (Darpana), (3) pot (Kalasa). (6) anne sont, shaped like an hourglass (Bhadrdiana), (5, ) two small fish, (7) flower garland, (8) book. ("Journal of Indian Art and Industry," October 1893, page 38.)