Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

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

Page 56

JAINA BRONZES ** 55
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as 'Kachchinayaka' or lord of Kanchi. Scholars are of the opinion, that the bronze was probably so named after the earliest Chandranatha temple at Jinakanchi(Tirupparuthikundram) of 8th cent.A.D. The image is in kayotsarga pose, with a square face, broad shoulders and narrow waist exhibiting the characteristic features of the later Chola style. Modern bronze figures of Chandraprabha found in other temples are of poor workmanship. They possess a triangular mark on the chest and the crescent emblem on the pedestal.
PADMAPRABHA
Stone sculptures representing Padmaprabha dated prior to 18th cent.A.D. are not found so far in Tamilnadu. Only modern bronze images are available at Vilukkam, Perumandur, Venkunram and Nelliyankulam. In all these, the Tirthankara is in kayotsarga posture. A lotus symbol is found on the pedestal.
SUPARSVANATHA
His images may be identified only with the presence of a swathika symbol and the serpent-hood, generally three-hooded serpent. An ancient bronze datable to 10th cent. A.D. from Salukki is one of the earliest specimens present in Tamilnadu. In this the Jina is in kayotsarga posture with a hooded serpent above his head. Similarly, a 13th cent.A.D. specimen from Devanankavundankidaiyur in Salem District, standing in kayotsarga, has a beautiful five hooded serpent canopy over the head. However, modern bronze images are available in places like Chittamur, Venkunram, Nelliyankulam, Tirupparuttikunram etc. In all these, he is in standing posture, with a serpent