Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

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

Page 76

JAINA PAINTINGS
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men to hear the world teacher, for the acquisition of divine knowledge which would lead one to spiritual emancipation; which was the central focus of the Jaina religion and was not the privilege of a select few alone.
That is why perhaps, this motif was chosen time and again by those who commissioned the paintings, as it conveyed to the lay person the uniqueness and exemplary dictates of being Jaina devotees.
Similarly, the dancers were perhaps symbolically represented to convey the joy one would experience on witnessing the Lord in the Samavasarana. The joyful disposition of the dancers captivates the mind and catapults the viewer to a higher plane of spiritual experience, as one witnessing the Lord in his Samavasarana would feel.
On the other face, we have the royal couple who are depicted with a benign countenance exalting in their munificence and spiritual fulfilment under the guidance of their preceptor, who is also depicted beside them. Their countenance speaks of subtle majesty against the grandeur of their position indicated by the significant ornamentation of their crowns.
Apart form this, there are elaborate floral patterns, representation of ducks with floriated tails and other decorative motifs all adding to the richness of the entire composition. According to scholars, these motifs have a lot in common with similar motifs found at Ellora.
The purpose behind the excavation of the navo and embellishing ii with paintings in this period was perhaps to provide the Jaina laity with a beautiful canvass which evoked both religious fervour and at the same time conveyed the message of the Lord and beauty of bliss.