Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

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

Page 82

JAINA PAINTINGS
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construction of the mandapa and the second phase, belonging to the 17th century A.D.
The sangita mandapa is rectangular in shape and has four rows of pillars, running parallel to the mandapa in front of the shrine. These two mandapas, together form four aisles in which paintings are executed on the ceiling.
The earlier paintings are found on the third aisle from the verandah, depicting the most significant events in the life of Mahavira along with certain decorative patterns. The third aisle is vertically divided into four parts. Of these, the portions in the centre are bigger and occupy most of the ceiling. To the left of the central division, there are three horizontal panels demarcated by fine lines containing the dreams of Priyakarani and, the Lord's birth followed by his janmabisheka.
In the lower most panel, the artist captures Priyakarani as she anxiously narrates her dreams to a monk; the eagerness of the queen is beautifully caught by the painter. In the following panel, the artist is able to portray the feeling of discomfort of the pregnant queen in labour, her face looks excited as well as slightly concerned; her breasts are full with her abdomen slightly lowered as she is in labour. Similar emotions are also captured in the maid's face as she tries to keep her queen as comfortable as possible. The curve of the mouth in the queen face effectively brings out her subdued agony while, at the same time, the maid's mouth is portrayed in such a manner that it brings out the happiness mixed with anxiety as she realises the queen is about to deliver the heir to the throne.
The next painting is of the janmabhisheka. In this painting, Lord Vardhamana is depicted seated on