________________
The gradual development of Deities in Jaina Pantheon
121
flanked with some divinity beyond recognition (might be Ganesa and Kuberā). Her Uşnişa is like Āryāvatī. Another image (J.23 LM. fig. 46) of a deity dated 52 Śaka year shows only her feet wearing thick anklets and a pedestal with an inscription that seems to be Laksmī. She is seated in a same posture like Sarasvatī. Both the inscriptions have similar words. The inscription of above stated image commences with śrivatsa, presenting her to be Laksmī. In spite of some similarity they are different chiefly in wearing ornaments, Sarasvatī image is without any ornaments while Laksmī is wearing thick anklets. The deity is included in 14 or 16 dreams of Tīrthankara's mother.
4.12 Ambikā:
In Jainism Ambikā is recognised as the yakṣī of Ariştanemi available either with two or four hands having the symbol of a bunch of mangoes and vehicle lion (fig. 137). In southern India she is known as Kusumāņdi. The Pratisthā- sāroddhāra, describes her with two hands and riding on lions. //Dwibhujā Simhasamārudha āmradevi haritaprabhāll (Pratișthā-sāroddhāra, manuscript from Ārā,Bihar) An image of Ambikā39 (fig. 36) obtained from Kankālī Tīlā is of medieval period. The deity is in lalitāsana seated on lotus cushion supported by her vehicle lion having beautiful round nimbus. A child is seated in her left lap and second child is standing on her right side, though the deity
nd both children are defaced. To the extreme right of her a Ganesa is seated holding a bowl of sweets to which he applies his trunk. On the left of her, next to lion, a Kuberā is seated, recognised by his purse and a bowl. Both have oblong haloes. The chief deity Ambikā is attended by two flywhisk holders on either side. A Tīrthankara Neminātha is shown on her head flanking Krisna and Balarāma as observed in Mathurā art school. The family group is adored by flying Indras standing on lotus. On the panel beneath, eight mother deities are carved (four on each side) with the children in hands.
4.13 Cakreśvarī:
An image40 (fig. 37) of Cakreśvarī - the yakṣī of first Tīrthankara Rşabhadeva, is obtained from Kankālī Tīlā. She is standing on a cushion supported by a Garuda, flanked with cavardharis. Her ten arms, though
39 Accn. no. D. 7 MM. 10th A.D. 40 Accn no. D. 6 MM. 10th A.D.
