Book Title: Jaina Rock Cut Caves In Western India Part 01
Author(s): Viraj Shah
Publisher: Agam Kala Prakashan

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Page 172
________________ 146 Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India There is a niche in the back wall of the main cell. The height of the ceiling, though not uniform, is around 2.23m. The floor and ceiling of the cave are quite smooth. The cells in the back wall and sidewall are plain; while on the back wall and the sidewall of the main cell are carved the Jaina icons. Sculptures On the back wall of the main cell is carved the figure of seated Rşabhanatha, while on the left sidewall are icons of Ambikā and Sarvānubhuti. Interestingly, Ambikā is on the proper right and Sarvānubhūti is on left, which is unusual because generally yaksa is depicted on the right and a yakşi on the left. 1. Seated Rşabhanātha: 1.7m by 1.17m The panel covers almost the entire length of the back wall. The Jina figure, which measures 0.69m by 0.72m, is seated in a sort of ardhapadmasana. The right foot which is usually depicted on the left thigh, is shown kept on the left foot below it. He is not shown seated directly on the lion throne but a space of about 0.05m is left between his legs and throne. His hands, as in the case of all seated Jinas, are in the dhyāna mudra. His head is shown plain without an usniņa, while srivatsa is not depicted. His ears are long, touching the shoulders. Behind the ears, a few strands of hair fall on the shoulders, a characteristic feature of the first tirthankara, Rşabhanatha. Behind the head, he has an oval halo, while above the head is a triple chhatra with a kalasa on the top. His facial features are just marked out with flat nose and the lips and the eyes not carved properly. The lion throne is usual type with wheel and lions and a plain throne back with a vyala head emitting creepers on sides. Among the attendants of Jina are garland bearers and chauri bearers. Flanking the Jina is a standing figure of chauri bearer with chauri in the right hand and left hand held on the hip. The garland bearers are shown as flying figures, hovering near Jina's head. Each holds a garland in both hands, with face turned towards the Jina. All these figures are fully decked. There is another smaller pair of chauri bearers, shown as flying figures flanking the triple chhatra of the Jina. There is a small, seated figure of a devotee near the left knee of the Jina. He is shown facing the Jina. Only one of his hands is seen in which he holds a sort of a stalk or cloth (Plate 95). 2. Ambika: 1.57m by Im. The figure of Ambikā, which measures 0.69m by 0.67m, is seated in mahārajalilasana on a lion. In her right hand is held a bunch of mangoes. This hand, which is usually kept at the chest level, is here kept near right foot. In the left hand she holds the child seated in her lap. She wears earrings, necklace and an lower garment and has a large bun shown on the left side of her head (Fig. 44b). Her are facial features are not carved clearly. Above her head is a tree, carved in a very low relief on the wall and carrying figures of a monkey, two parrots and some mangoes. Her vahana lion is shown seated in profile and roaring, as his mouth is open with a tooth visible. To her left is a standing figure, most probably an attendant. In his right hand he holds a șruk. while the object in the left hand is broken but looks like a fruit. To

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