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The other Excavated Artefacts of Mathurā
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2) Famous Āyāgapața of Loņaśobhikāl3 (fig. 41) :
This Ayāgapata was first recognised by Bhagawanalal Indraji Bhatt, who published its rough sketch in a journal with translation of its epigraph. Unfortunately he died in 1888 without mentioning its exact location in Mathurā. A photograph of the same is published in the book 14 where the Āyāgapata was shown with Śālabhañjikā on each side. Later on it was searched by Pandit Radha Krisna in the well of a small Linga shrine, Mukund Kuva (well) outside the Holi gate in April 190815 with Śālabhañjikās (J 63 and J 64 MM) flanked the same. This Āyāgapața covers a carving of a complete stūpa with all details, setup by Vasu, the daughter of Loņaśobhikā. Here the inscription is engraved between the two vedikās. The stūpa is surrounded by a railing while the entrance has beautiful ornamental toraṇa over the flights of the steps. The stūpa dome is flanked by two pillars, one on the right carrying a wheel, while the other has a lion on the top. It has three pairs of worshippers on either side. The first pair of adorants represent Jaina munis showing their ability of flying, as they are shown with legs kept upward. They carry a piece of cloth and alms bowl in left hand, while right hand is raised to forehead for saluting the stūpa. The second pair with bird tail and claws recognised as suparnas also known as harpiis in art. The right one carries a bunch of flower and a spray to sprinkle perfume while left one holds a garland. Two Sālabhañjikās are shown leaning in a graceful attitude against the stūpa dome. On each side of the staircase is a niche with a standing figure, whose identity could not be ascertained. The left figure seems to be the protecting deity (may be Kuberā?) as referred in Vvidha-tīrtha-kalpa. At the right side a standing male seems to be a Kșetrapāla with his vehicle dog. The figure is much damaged beyond recognition but likely to be a standing dog with folded front legs and back knees. One very ancient image (prior to Kuşāna period) of Ksetrapāla with Jina on the head
13 Q 2 MM., (ht- 2 ft 4 inch, width 1ft 9.75 in.) : Smith, Jain Stūpa at Mutra-pl. CIII:
Shah, Studies in Jaina Ar, pl. V, fig. 14 B: Luders, Ind. Ant. V. 33 pp 152: Vogel's La
Sculpture de Mathurā, p. 93. pl. vb., Coomarswami, HIIA, pp 72, pl. 19. 14 Smith, Jain Stūpa.. of Mathurā.., 2nd edi. Pl. CIII. 15 I) Ibid, pp. 61. Pl. CIII. II) 'A legend of the Jaina Stūpa at Mathurā' Sitzungaborahte dar Kala Akademia dar
Wissonschin, hand CXXXVII.
