Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

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

Page 85

84 JAINA ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF TAMILNADU
the rest, his last birth as the Tirthankara. The story is depicted in progression from right to left with few exceptions. Important events such as the janmabisheka, the coronation of the Prince and his renunciation are all highlighted as single panels while, events like the procession of Gods who come to listen to the Tirtankara's sermons occupy more than one panel.
The life of Mahavira starts in the second aisle at the end of the narratives of Rsabha and continues in the verandah too.
Another interesting subject which has been added here, is the story of Krishna who was designated as the Vasudeva, who flourished during Neminatha's time; he is supposed to have been a cousin of Neminatha. The panels in Tiruparuttikunram depict the story of the birth and bala-lilas of Krishna.
The introduction of the story of Krishna as a subject of these paintings is worthy of note as it served to add to the popularity of the Jaina myths, and also impressed upon the minds of the people, the morals in them. Further, as it was a theme already popular with the Hindus, it served to unite the Hindu and Jaina religions with the purpose of encountering a common and more dangerous foe in the form of the Muslim invaders of Vijayanagar Kingdom.
The panels 73 82 are illustrations of Neminatha's life. However, these paintings have been badly affected by bio-deterioration caused by leaks in the roof and bat droppings. The only ones that remain are his birth, renunciation, initiation and his enlightenment; the Samavasarana is not depicted.
Most of the paintings have been done on a white ground. In the second aisle, a red background has been used. The story normally proceeds from left to