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Survey of Jaina Monuments of Orissa
Cave No.9 - Mahāvīra-Gumphā
In the manner of the preceding caves this was also originally designed for the purpose of a dormitory with an inner chamber and a verandah in fornt. The roof of the cell has been designed flat and floor raised at the back as evident from the markings on the side walls. The floor was dug up subsequently and replaced with masonry works. The original front wall along with the door openings were demolished and now replaced with concrete works. The pilasters are available in their original positions. A wire fencing prevents common visitors entering into the caves. The two side walls of the verandah are provided with a shelf each.
Ranged along the three sides of the chamber are the reliefs of twenty-four robeless Tirthankaras. Pārsvanātha instead of being placed before Mahāvira occupies a rough central place on the back wall. Eight of the Tirtharkaras are carved in standing and the rest in sitting posture. Of the standing ones, Rşabhanātha, the first Tirthankara is the largest in the group. The masonry altar near the back wall of the cell contains three chlorite figures of Rşabhanātha in standing posture of much better workmanship. The head of the smallest of the three has now been mutilated.
On the top of this cave is an oblong masonry structure of later date with its roof and crowning elements fashioned after a temple of the pidha order.
Cave No. 10
Continuing to go round the slope of the hill are traces of several caves in a group which were destroyed in course of ruthless excavation, leaving the remnants visible at great heights.
Three reliefs, two of Rşabhanātha and one of Amra, the Sāsanadevi of Neminātha are carved on the backwall of this cave at a higher level (Fig. 52). Except these carvings and a portion of the partition wall nothing more is visible at present. The two Rşabhanātha figures are standing in kayotsarga pose on double petalled lotus pedestals below which their liñchanas are visible. They are flanked by asțagrahas, chauri bearers, flying figures with garlands and invisible hands playing on cymbals and drums. The trilinear umbrella and the kevala tree are also noticed above the matted locks of hair on their heads. They have eliptical haloes behind their heads. The figure of Amra, standing under the mango tree is partially available. Her Tirthankara, Neminātha is seen seated in yogasana above the tree. Near her right palm stands a boy.
Cave No.11--Lalátendukeśari-Gumphā
The two rooms and the common verandah in front of this cave are all destroyed, leaving portions of the walls above clinging to the rock. The pillars, partition walls and the floor together with the rock beneath have been quarried away. The ceiling of the two chambers are designed flat :
