Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

Author(s): A Ekambarnathan
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha

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JAINA SCULPTURAL ART
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relief sculptures of Adinatha and Mahavira are carved on a boulder leading to the cave atop the hillock. A little away from these images, a beautiful sculpture of Parsvanatha flanked by Dharanendra and Padmavati yakshi was commissioned within a shrine-model at the instance of Vasudeva Siddhanta Bhattaraka in the 8th century A.D.4
An excellent portrayal of Ambika yakshi and an image of Naganandiacharya are accommodated in the cave at Panchapandavamalai near Arcot town. The goddess is shown seated in ardhautkutikasana with her left arm holding a lily flower and the right resting on the seat. Miniature figures of her sons and husband are also seen in the panel. Naganandi, a monk who probablly popularized the worship of Ambika, stands in kayotsarga a little away from the yakshi. All these images were caused to be made by one Naranan of Pugalalaimangalam in 781 A.D.
Tirakkol near Vandavasi has a huge boulder containing beautifully carved images of Adinatha, Chandranatha, Parsvanatha and Mahavira on its four sides. Except Parsvanatha, others are shown seated in dhyana posture. Parsvanatha, occupying the western side, stands in kayotsarga pose, canopied by a five-hooded serpent above his head. Kamata kneels down in supplication on the right side, while Padmavati holds a long-handled umbrella above the head of Parsva, from the left side. All these bold relief's exhibit the 9th century style of art.
Ananthamangalam, 14 kms north-west of Tindivanam, has two groups of sculptures carved on the facade of a cave and an adjacent boulder. The first group represents Ambika majestically standing along with a row of three Tirthankaras. The next group has Parsvadeva flanked by Padmavati and Kamata in