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208
saina Monuments of Orissa
Suai, Kachela, Charmula, Kotapat, (D.M. 41) and Jamunda (D.M. 35). Lotus marks with the image of Kāji temple at Jeypore (Fig. 123), champak flower with the chauri bearers of Rşabhanātha figures of Suai, kirttimukha over the image from Beguniabindha now kept in Khiching Museum. Gajavidala on either sides of the figures from Kämtā and Jāmundā (D.M. 35) and trefoiled arch behind head of figures found at Gramesvar temple of Nibharana (Fig. 53) and Nrusimha temple of Chadheibar. The eliptical and circular haloes in a later phase gave place to the trefoiled arches. In rare occasions we find the representation of both champak and lotus flowers on the stele as in case of the Rsabhanātha images preserved in Village Panchagaon (Fig. 57) of Puri district. In earlier phase the haloes were represented in plain design, with occasional depiction of a beaded border but in subsequent phase they are lavishly decorated with lotus petals bordered by rows of beaded chains and various floral devices. In rare instances diamond shaped designs intervene these floral medallions.
The Rşabhanātha image bearing No. D.M. 64 of B. Singpur does not represent the astapratiharas except however the lañchana, bull below the Tirthankara (Fig. 126). Similarly the Rşabhanātha figure in yogasana from Podasingidi at present preserved in the Orissa State Museum is not provided with the pair of chauri bearers, the kevala tree, the trilinear umbrella and Gandharvas playing with various musical instruments.
Youthful body, long hanging arms, erect body and elongated ears are distinctly evident with all standing Rşabhanātha images. In cases of seated figures, the broad chest, deep concentration of mind and eyes on the tip of the nose are perfectly maintained. The right palm of the Tirthankara is invariably kept over the left in all the seated figures with both soles visible to the top. In few cases the tips of fingers of both the hands touch the lower parts of the thigh regions.
Rşabhanātha figures are invariably noticed on the top of Chkreśvari images found on the right verandah wall of Bārabhuji-Gumphā of Khandagiri and places like Suai and Jeypore in Koraput district, displaying all or a few of the astapratihāryas. In all such cases they are shown in yogasana posture. The Rşabhanātha figure crowning the head of Chakreśwari of Suai in addition, is depicted with eight planets in meditative attitude, four on each side.
The standing or sitting Rşabhanātha image also form a part of the chaumukhas found in Orissa.
Rsabhanātha images in bronze, too are designed in kāyotsarga or yogasana posture. In either case the hairs on the head are arranged in jatabhara, allowing a few strands falling on the shoulders, the lañchana, bull in front of the lotus pedestal and occasionally with the trilinear umbrella and the prabhämandala (halo).
2. Ajitanātha
Figures of Ajitanātha, the second Tirthankara of the Jaina pantheon are carved both in yogāsana and kāyotsarga postures on plain or lotus pedestals. These pedestals in
