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Jaina Íconography of Orissa
209
cases of the figures found at Charampa (Fig. 102), B. Singpur and Mahāvīra-Gumphā of Khandagiri hill are supported by spirited lions. The Ajitanātha image of Kāchelā is carved along with the figure of Mahāvīra on a common pedestal, having common chauri bearers but displaying respective lāñchanas of elephant and lion (Fig. 118). All the astapratihāryas are found normally represented with Ajitanātha figures of Orissa. Devotees in kneeling position and añjali mudrā are depicted along with lāñchana, the elephant. The Ajitanātha image of B. Singpur displays a six armed seated Rohini figure below its plain pedestal. Hairs on the head of all these figures are arranged in rows of curled knots with a bulging at the centre. This bulging in case of Charampa image appears to be very prominent. Another peculiar feature of the Ajitanātha image of Charampa (Fig. 102) is the deep cut-marks on various parts of its body. The Ajitanātha image of Mahāvīra-Gumphā of Khandagiri is not represented with the cymbals or drums played in the palms of invisible Gandharvas. Representation of the symbols of the sun and moon, the trefoiled arch, Näga devotees in añjali pose and heavenly figures offering sacred water from pitchers held in their hands are some of the additional features of the image of Mahāvīra-Gumphā.
The figures of Rohiņi as found in the left wall of the Bārabhuji-Gumphā of Khandagiri and of Suai depict Ajitanātha figures in meditative pose on the top of their heads. They represent even in the seated condition, elephant as lāñchana, lotus pedestal, chauri bearers, trilinear umbrella, flying figures with garlands and the kevala tree (Saptaparna). The chaumukha of Badasai also represents Ajitanātha along with its lañchana in one of the side niches.
The origin of his symbolism and his name can be traced to the Jaina books. The Jina's mother saw an elephant in her several dreams. An elephant in India is always connected with kingly power. After his birth, all his father's enemies were conquered (jita) hence his name the invincible one.15
3. Sambhavanatha
Images of Sambhavanātha are represented in the Navamuni (Fig. 35), Bārabhuji and Mahavira caves (Fig. 38) of Khandagiri hill in yogasana posture. Horse, as the conventional lañchana of the Tirthankara is noticed at least in the pedestal of two such figures, the other one being damaged. They are all provided with lotus pedestals one of which is supported by a pair of lions. Sala, the kevala tree, attributed to the Tirthankara is available with the figure of Bārabhuji-Gumphā. Chauri-bearers and trilinear umbrella are common to all these figures whereas cymbals played in palms of invisible Gandharvas are not represented in case of the image in Mahāvīra-Gumphā only. Flying figures holding garlands and oval halo behind head are noticed at least with two of those sculptures of the place. A five folded arch and a pitcher are the two additional features of the figure of Mahāvīra-Gumphā.
15. B.C. Bhattacharya, The Jaina Iconography, p. 53.
