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Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India
Seated Parsvanatha between J23 and J24
This figure is carved on the rock face between these two caves. It measures 1.35m by 0.79m and is like other Jina figures on the site. But the numbers of chhatras above the head are only two. This seems to be an independent donation.
J24
This cave is similar to J19 and J20 in size, ground plan, iconographic programme and also the number of icons, but is unfinished. The shrine doorway and some of the icons at the back of the cave are only partially finished, though the shrine icon is completed. The cave has a verandah, a hall and a shrine (Fig. 37). But unlike J19 and J20, the shrine is preceded by an antechamber. On elevation, it has mattavarana, kakşāsanas and dwarf pillars and pilasters on kakşasanas. The kapota and śikhara on the façade are absent here. In the centre of the mattavāraṇa is a flight of four steps with a hastihasta leading to the cave. The mattavārana to the right of the steps is carved with elephant heads alternating with pilasters. The mattavarana to the left of steps is unfinished. The kaksāsanas are carved with the panels alternating with a pair of pilasters topped by a band carved with a floral design. The panels are unfinished in most cases. In some cases these are carved with figures.
The verandah is om by 1.6m. As in all caves, the bases of the pillars and pilasters on kaksāsanas jut out from below. These pillars and pilasters are similar to those on the kakşāsanas in J20, with a few variations. The parapet wall dividing the verandah from the hall, dwarf pillars and pilasters on this wall, steps with the hastihasta in the centre of the wall and the carvings on the parapet wall are as in the other caves. The pillars on the parapet wall are very decorative with beautiful pürnaghata (Plate 32). There is a lotus on the central and the right aisle ceiling. The left aisle ceiling is plain.
The hall is about 6.2m sq.m. There are four pillars in the centre with corresponding pilasters on the walls. The pillars are similar to the central four pillars in the hall of J18 and J20 with only minor differences. As in other caves, the floor between the pillars is raised, but here it is much higher. Between the pillars are stone beams on the ceiling and the floor. There is a lotus on the ceiling. On the side and the back walls are icons carved in niches. The central niche in each sidewall is deeper than the rest. While the deeper niches are about 1.8m deep, the rest of the niches are 0.9m deep. None of the niches have mouldings as in J19 and J20, though there are decorative nāsis above. The nāsi is rested on pilasters and there are either flowers or vimana model in between. The central, deeper niches have elephant heads in the front, but unlike J19 and J20, there are two steps to reach the niche.
The antechamber is 2.75m by 2m. It is slightly raised up. In front, it has a makara arch, rested on pilasters on sides. The makara arch is four curved with a knob on each joint.
There are no steps leading to the shrine, but only a hastihasta and a rectangular slab. The shrine doorway has five sakhas of which the second sakha is stambha śākha and the rest are plian. The stambha sakha is similar to that in J19, though here the base is not shown. On the fourth sakha, there are four compartments on each side and two compartments above the door. These are plain. The lintel is uncarved. On the uttaranga are three pieces of kapota with triangular plates. There are no door fittings.
The shrine is 2.75m by 2.3m with the main icon on the back wall.
