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Survey of Jaina Monuments of Orissa
Dhanyakata and regarded as one of the most sacred places of the Jainas. The Kopakataka or Kopakupari is known as Kupari in the district of Balasore and is situated near the border of Mayurbhanja district. But unfortunately we have no evidence of Jaina relics from Kupari in Balasore district. N.K. Sahu traces Buddhist heritage of the place. But the areas around Kupari like the Anandapur Sub-Division of Keonjhar district and the Bhadrak (Charampa) area of Balasore district are extremely rich in Jaina antiquities. However, the site of the ancient shrine at Kupari needs thorough excavation to provide. a satisfactory explanation in the matter.34
Badasai, a village lccated some thirty kilometres away from Baripada preserves a number of Jaina relics near its Managala shrine. The Mangala shrine on the other hand is situated in one corner of the Bodhipokhari of the village. The first Jaina relic encountered at this place is a chaumukha kept partially buried under earth in the midst of terracotta figurines of horses and elephants. This chaumukha contains within its four side niches the figures of Chandraprabha Rṣabhanatha, Ajitenätha and Pärávanatha, all carved standing in kayotsarga pose along with their respective (añchanas and chaur? bearers. The chaumukha is designed in the shape of a miniature pidha temple of Orissan variety, the types of which are reckoned at several places of Orissa. It has the usual square base with pyramidal roof crowned by amalaka sila. It measures 0.50m x 0.17m in height.
This chaumukha is locally worshipped as "Chandrasena" on Udaparva day (Bailakha purnima) for which I could get no explanation from the villagers. N.N.Vasus wrongly identified this Chaumukha (Chandrasera stone) with that of a miniature Buddhist stupa containing Boddhisa.tva figures of Aksobhya, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha and Amoghasidhi within niches and even contemplated to the existence of an ancient Buddhist stupa in greater magnitude in the close vicinity.
The next Jaina relic of this place is a seated four armed image of Ambika, the Sasanader of Neminatha. It is seated in lalita pose on a plain pedestal with lion as her vehicle cerved below. A tree is depicted over her head spreading its branches on the sides. The pedestal is supported by a set of carved pillars. Of the attributes in her four hands one is shown in varda mudra, one kept on the left thigh and the objects in two others are indistinct, of which one, with much difficulty can be associated with a bunch of mangoes. She is profusely decorated with ornaments and her hairs on the head are tied in a knct at the middle. It measures 0.30m×0.16m in length and breadth respectively. N.N. Vasu again wrongly identified this deity with Buddhist Geddess Dharma.
The third Jaina relic of the place is a fragment containing a small Tirthankara figure carved seated in yogasana pose. It can also be related to a Ganadhara or Purvadhara figure.
33. N.N. Vasu, Ibid Vol. I, p. XLII.
34. N.K. Sahu, Buddhism in Orissa p. 87.
35. N.N Vasu, The Archaeological Survey of Mayurbhanja, Vol. I, pp. 41-42 and pl. 53. 36. N.N. Vasu, Ibid, (XCVI)
