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Survey of Jaina Monuments of Orissa
101
In front of the Pancha Bhawan at Anandapur a few Jaina relics originally brought from Podasingidi are kept. Two enterprising Sub-Divisional officers of Anandapur were responsible for their shifting to this place. They have been displayed over cement pillars in front of the hall to remind the local people about the ancient heritage of their district. A. Joshi27 had earlier reported these sculptures. But his identification of the two Mahävira images appears to be actually the figures of Rsabhanatha, and his mention of second Pārsvanātha is not available at the place. Particulars of these relics are furnished below.
1. Pārsvanātha
The image of Pārsvanātha measuring 0.75m x 0.50m X 0.21m is carved seated in yogāsana pose on a double petalled lotus pedestal. A canopy of seven hooded snake appears above his head. Chauri bearers are standing on either sides. The umbrella and the flying figures (left side figure available) with garlands in hands are envisaged at the top. To the left of the figure a devotee is standing near a tree.
2. Rşabhanātha
The first figure of Rşabhanātha is carved standing on a pedestal flanked by two chauri bearers. His lāñchana the bull is not visible below the pedestal. But from the matted locks of the hair on the head and strands falling on his shoulders it can well be identified with Tirthankara Rşabhanātha. A circular halo is seen behind the head. The umbrella flanked by flying figures with garlands ncticed on the top of the slab. It measures 0.37m x 0.27m x 0.41m.
3. Rşabhanātha
The second figure of Rşabhanātha, too is carved standing on a pedestal duly served by the chauri bearers on either sides. Like the above his lāñchana, the bull is not available below the pedestal but it can well be ascertained from the matted locks of hair falling on his shoulders that the image be of Tirthankara Rşabhanātha. An eliptical halo seen behind the head. The conventional umbrella over head is flanked by flying Vidyadharis with garlands in hands. The image measures 0.39m x 0.29m X 0.13m.
4. Ambikā
The fourth figure of the series represents Ambikā seated in lalitāsana pose under a mango tree studded with fruits and leaves. Her Tirthankara, Neminātha with sacred umbrella, kevala tree, flying Gandharvas, is observed at the top. She holds the baby on the left thigh. Her right hand damaged. Her vehicle the lion seen depicted below the pedestal along with female devotees in folded hands.
27.
A. Joshi, "Further light on the remains at Podasingidi" OHRJ, Vol. X No. 4. pp. 30-32,
