Jaina Rock Cut Caves In Western India Part 01

Author(s): Viraj Shah
Publisher: Agam Kala Prakashan

Page 71

Description and Chronology of Caves
2. Seated Parsvanatha: 2.02m by 2.6m.
Parsvanatha, on the back wall of the central shrine of the main excavation is almost gone. Only some part of the stomach and the right leg can be seen. Otherwise, only the outlines can be made out (Plate 16). The figure measures 1.2m by 1.4m and is seated on the throne. Like the right shrine, the asana is difficult to determine. Above the head is a seven-hooded snake, which is clearly visible. Each hood has a crown on the head.
The throne is 1.26m long, 0.74m wide and 0.52m high. It is highly damaged, but seems to be like the one described above.
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Flanking the figure of Parsvanatha are chauri bearers, as described above. Here these are better preserved. They stand in abhanga, instead of tribhanga. They are not turned towards Parsvanatha, but face the front. Each has chauri held in the same way as in the right shrine and wears a crown, necklace, earrings and wristlets (Fig. 8d) A part of the lower garment can be seen on the waist in the form of a band.
3. Seated Parsvanatha: 2.02m by 2.28m.
Parsvanatha, on the back wall of the left shrine of the main mandapa, is better preserved. Only part of the body and legs are damaged. The figure measures 1.28m by 1.2m and is seated on a throne. Above the head is a seven-hooded snake. There is a round halo behind the head, but his asana cannot be made out.
The throne is 1.56m long, 0.62m wide and 0.56m high. It is similar to the previous ones, but better preserved. The wheel, which is set edgewise, is clear.
The chauri bearers are as in the central shrine. Each figure measures 1.57m by
0.54m.
4. Seated Parsvanatha: 2.03m by 1.35m (excluding chauri bearers).
The icon in the shrine of the left excavation is highly damaged. Only the two serpent hoods above the head, traces of a wheel on the throne and part of the head of a chauri bearer on the left, remain. But the extant portion of the image suggests that it must have been like the previous ones. Moreover, there are few features not depicted in earlier icons. Above the hoods is a single chhatra. In each corner of the ceiling, above the image, are carved two flying figures. These are very eroded, but seem to be a couple on each side. Each figure on the right holds a garland. The first figure on the left also holds a garland, while the other has hands in añjali mudra.
5. Seated Jina: 2.03m by 1.35m (excluding chauri bearers)
The image in the shrine of the right excavation is also very destroyed. Only the outlines of a Jina and throne can be seen. As no trace of snake-hood remains, it is possible that this figure was of a Jina, other than Parsvanatha.
The throne is 1.35m long, 0.5m wide and 0.5m high. It is similar to the thrones in the rest of the shrines.
Flanking the doorway of the central shrine in the main excavation are two figures of standing Jinas, almost reaching the ceiling.
6. & 7. Standing Jina: 2m by 0.59m.