Jaina Monuments and Places First Class Importance

Author(s): T N Ramchandran
Publisher: Veer Shasan Sangh Calcutta

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JAINI MONUMENTS
luckily simple and elegant. There are the usual four pillars supporting the roof of the cave, two standing in the middle and the other two, those at the ends, being embedded on the side of the cave, so that a portion of each alone projects. The central pillars are square in section with the usual octagonal belt in the centre and support capitals which present horizontal flutings.
The capitals support the architrave, a long flat beam, which in lurn supports a projccting cornice. On either side of the cave is a niche in which is sealed the figure of a Jaina Tirthankara carved in high reliet, of almost lite size. The back wall is divided into symmetrical compartments by ornamental pilasters, in the centre of which a plain entrance into the inner cell is located. A pair of steps flanked by surul-āļis leads to the entrance of sufficicnt relief which opens into a cell, cubical in plan, with plain walls, and showing signs of having been once covered with paintings. On the side opposite to the entrance and facing the latter can be seen three seated figures in a row. These three, together with the two outsile on the side-niches, are seated in the "samparyanka' pose with the legs crossed and the palms placed on the lap, one over the other - a pose specially prescribed for the Jaina Tīrthuňkarus. It was Dr. Jouveau Dubreuil that started characterising this cave temple as Jaina. Though several other writers did not agree with him the fact remains that Mahendravarman built that cave temple for his Jaina subjects. The identification receives support from the following facts. The Jainas require often such caves for the performance of severe austerities such as the sallekhanī. The place of the dvärapālas in this cave is taken by two Tirtharkaras, both cross-legged and in the yogic pose. One of them has a curve over his head which may be taken to be the chhatra or more probably the disc of the moon (chandra-, kalā) (Plate 4). If the latter is possible, then the image may be taken to represent Chandraprabha, the 8th Tirthankara. The identity of the other Tirthankara on the other side of the entrance