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The gradual development of Deities in Jaina Pantheon
119
a Brahmanical family, but only in royal race. It always had been the duty of the reigning Indra to see this tradition. In order to fulfil his duty Indra directed Haringameși-deva, the divine commander of infantry, to exchange Mahāvīra's embryo from Devānandā to the royal queen Trisalā of the Ksatriya race who was also carrying a baby. During the operations the two ladies and their attendants were given a sleep. The deity Negameşa returned to Indra and reported that the work assigned to him was completed.34 As per the katha in Antagada-dasao, Krsna expressed his wish35 to the deity that he wanted one younger brother.
The text Neminātha-caritra also comprises with the story of this deity. Here the story is connected with the life of Aristanemi and Krsna.
4.9 Images of Naigameșa from Mathurā:
There are sixteen images of Negameşa obtained from Kankālī Tīlā and surrounding areas in Mathurā. Out of these 14 are in Mathurā museum, one of in Lucknow museum while the remaining one36 is at 'The Russek Collection' which is out of India. The deity is not shown carrying any weapon, the reason might be that he is associated with children as seen in literature and sculptures. 1. On a frieze of Garbhaharana, (fig. 14, 15), Hiranyagameși (very
often known by this name in Jaina canon) or Negameşa is shown seated on lion throne37 after transferring the embryos. One can see the sweets offered to him as a mark of honour. Out of three standing women, one carries a flywhisk, second is in blessing while third carries a baby in her left arm and keeping her right palm open for blessings. While transferring the embryos, at a moment, there must be two children (embryos) outside the womb, the unborn Mahāvīra is carved with Pratilekhanā taking support of Negameşa-deva, while other baby is held by mother Devānandā. The words “Bhagava.. Nemesa” (LL No. 101) depicted on the frieze below the deity's seat is of archaic character representing a legend from Kalpasūtra
34 1) Kalpasutra subodhika tika,sūtra -27, pp. 91-95. Sthananga, 5.1; Bhagavatī Aradhana, 5.4:
II) V. S. Agrawal, 'A note on God Naigmeşa..': Vijayendrasūri, op. cit. pp 108. 35 I) Ed. N. V. Vaidya, //Icchami nam Devanuppiya sahoyaram kaniyasam bhauyam viinnam//
- Anatagada-dasao, pp 11. II) Vijayendrasūri, op. cit., pp. 119. 36 Thames and Hudson, op. cit.' The Jaina Art from India - The Peaceful Liberators'
sculpture no. 54. 37 V. Smith, Jaina Stūpa at Mathurā.. pl - XVIII, obverse and reverse.
