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

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Page 238
________________ 212 Jaina Rock-cut Caves in Western India Near her feet, to the right is a small, standing figure of a male. His right hand is raised up holding a sword, while the left hand is hanging down. He seems to be an attendant. Near her feet, on the left is her vāhana, a swan. Above her head are three seated Jinas in a row, each seated in padmāsana on a cushion. To the left of these Jinas, at a slightly lower level is a figure of a standing Jina (Plate 148). 9 to 12: Seated Jinas: 1.63m by 0.87m (each). The left sidewall is covered with figures of four seated Jinas (Plate 149). These are very similar in details and dimensions. Each of these figures is on a moulded base with a triangular plate decorated with different floral designs and within a pilastered niche. Each of the Jinas is seated in padmāsana on a thin cushion kept on the throne with a diamondshaped śrivatsa, dvivali grivā and round halo. The hair is shown in dots on the head, while three curls of hair fall on each shoulder. Above the head of the Jina overhangs the triple chhatra with kalasa top. The throne is similar to those of the previous icons. The pilaster of the niche has a high square base, short shaft with kani mouldings, triangular plate, cushion-shaped member and moulded capital. The pilaster is surmounted by a makara, turned opposite to the Jina. A chauri bearer is shown behind each pilaster, emerging from it as he is shown only till thighs. Each holds a chauri in the inner hand, which is raised up in the attitude of fanning the Jina and the outer hand hangs down. Above the triple chhatra of the Jina figure is a drum player, while flanking the chhatra is shown a garland bearer, in profile and moving towards the Jina. On the base of the pilaster is a yakṣa on the right and a yakşi on the left. These figures are small and unclear. All the yaksa figures are two-armed, corpulent and seated, while the vāhana is not shown in any case. The hands are on the knees, but the objects in the hands are not clear. The yakşa of the Jina near the back wall seems to be Gomukha as the bull face is clear. All the yaksis are also two-armed and seated in Vāmalalitāsana on a plain seat. All are two-armed. The hands are raised till the shoulders with indistinct objects in the hands, but none of the yaksis hold a child. Thus, these are definitely not Ambikās. It is difficult to determine the identity of these yakşa-yaksi. The yakşas could be Sarvānubhūti, except in one case, where Gomukha can be clearly identified. It is difficult to say whether different yaksis are depicted or only one yakşi is repeated. Though all the Jinas have hair on the shoulders, it is unlikely that all were meant to be Rsabhanathas. Moreover, the main icon of Chandraprabha also has hair on the shoulder. Thus, it appears to be a general norm to depict all the Jinas with hair on the shoulders. As all these Jinas are not Rşabhanāthas, it is unlikely that all yaksis are Chakresvaris. 13. Ambikā: 1.28m by 0.66m. The figure of Ambikā, measuring 0.71m by 0.54m, is seated in Vāmalalitasana on a cushion kept on the back of her vāhana, a lion. She is two-armed, holding a bunch of three mangoes in the right hand and supporting the child seated on her lap with the left hand. She wears similar ornaments as Sarasvati. But unlike Sarasvati, she wears round earrings in both the ears. Her hair is tied in loose bun on the side. To Ambika's left is shown her second child, standing and turned towards her. To Ambika's right is a standing figure of Brahmana, with a chhatra in his left hand and hair tied in a side bun. He wears an lower garment and an uttariya, taken on the arms. The lion is seated in profile with his

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