Jaina Monuments of Andhra

Author(s): G Jawaharlal
Publisher: Sharada Publishing House Delhi

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Jaina Monuments of Andhra
the hill of Lord Sangamesvara) (Fig-21). Now-a-days it is being considered as one of the Saiva Kshetras of Srikakulam district. A close study revealed that the principal deity in the cave shrine of Sangamayyakonda is not of Sangamesvara i.e. Siva but of Lord Jina.? (Fig-22) The caves at Ramatirtham and Kollivalasa have been erroneously recorded as Hindu caves instead of as Jain.
Generally, the Jain caves in Andhra are bare devoid of any carvings or less ornamented. Similarly, the cave of Sangamayya-konda is bare and does not bear architectural or sculptural motifs on the walls. But, at the entrance, the cave has a mukhamandapa surmounted by a sikhara over it.30 This Mukhamandapa and the Nandi image belong to a later period (Fig-23). On the top of the hill, are two Jain sculptures besides Nandi image. Since the Pedestals of the Jain sculpture have Simha lanchanas thay may be safely identified as belonging to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.31 Out of the two Jain Sculptures, one is left unfinished while the other is exquisitely carved with full details (Fig-24). Both represent Yogic aspect. A few yards further inside in the cave lies a huge Tirthankara image, carved in black-granite stone. It is depicted in Kayotsarga pose (i.e. standing firm and stiff). At the foot of the Tirthankara, lies a Siva linga. Obviously it is a later addition. It could be thus surmised that the cave-shrine of Sangamayya-konda was originally a Jain centre and later on it was appropriated by the Saivites By keeping a Nandi image and Siva Linga in its front, it was converted as Saiva Kshetra. The occurrence of inscriptions of the Eastern Chalukyas and the Eastern Ganga rulers particularly of Anantavarmadeva (A.D. 1178) indicate that these two dynasties have encouraged Jainism in these parts. The Saivities might have occupied the cave only after 12th century A.D. Till now, the Jain caves at Ramatirtham (Vizianagaram district) only are known to us in these parts. The newly discovered Jain caves on Sangamayya-konda becomes indeed an addition.
Adoni
The territory of Western Andhra also bore the influence of Jainism. The hill establishment of Adoni in Kurnool district thrived under the