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Survey of Jaina Monuments of Orissa
119
Ajitanātha respectively and one, the figure of Tirthankara Mahāvira. Rest nine images belong to Rşabhanātha. From the predominance of Rşabha figures it can well be presumed that the site was dedicated to Rşabhanātha. This Jaina monument was constructed before A.D. 750 as reported by V. Dahejia.46 But from iconographic considerations of the Jaina Tirthankara and Sasanadevi figures available at the site, a later date can be ascribed to these temples. An account of the figures is given below.
1. Rşabhanātha
The first figure we encounter at the place is of Tirthankara Rşabhanātha affixed to the outer wall near the entrance to the premises. It is carved seated in yogāsana pose with all the other twenty-three Tirthankaras on the sides. A four handed image of Chakreśvari, the Sāsanadevi and bull, the lanchana of Rşabhanātha are found below the pedestal. A devotee in añjalihasta depicted to the left. Chauri bearers are not traced near the pedestal. Two figures mounted on elephants, trilinear umbrella surmounted by the kevala tree and the oval halo are envisaged in the upper part of the slab. Hairs on the head of the Tirthankara are arranged in matted locks, a few strands of which are falling on the shoulders. Gandharvas playing with musical instruments and auspicious mark on chest are not available. The slab is damaged into two pieces and extensively covered with moss and lichen. It measures 0.80m x 0.46m in all.
2. Rşabhanātha
The second Rşabhanātha image is kept to the left of the inner wall after we enter the premises. It is carved seated in yogāsana pose on a lotus pedestal supported by lions in each corner. Bull, as the mark of cognizance, and Chakreśvarī as the Sasanadevi are carved below the lion throne. The four handed seated Chakreśvari figure displays disc in upper and varada mudră in the lower two hands. Yakşa Gomukha and a devotee in kneeling posture are also found depicted in the pedestal. The two chauri bearers are noticed in standing posture over the pedestal of which the one on the right is damaged. The circular Prabhāmandala, behind the head is finished with lotus petals enclosed by a beaded bord er. Hairs on the head are arranged in jață. The trilinear umbrella too is decoarted along with its staff and top knob. Branches of the kevala tree are depicted above the sacred umbrella. Flying Gandharvas with garlands are hovering in sky. The representation of elephants on the two top corners is a noteworthy feature of this image. Musical instruments played in palms are conspicuous in their absence, a portion of the slab from the top along with one elephant and one flying figure is damaged and missing. It measures 0.85m x 0.57m.
3. Rşabhanātha
The third figure of Rşabhanātha is kept in a separate broken shrine near the second. It too, is carved seated in yogāsana pose on a plain lion throne below which its
46.
V. Dahejia, Early stone Temples of Orissa, p. 103.
