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The other Excavated Artefacts of Mathurā
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9) Āyāgapata from Bareli/Ahicchatra21 (J. 686 LM.) :
This Āyāgapata comprises with a grape creeper running on its four
sides. The centre part is empty beyond recognition. 10) Āyāgapata with symbols and Jina worship: (fig. 105, 48. 3426
MM.) This beautiful half portion of Āyāgapata which was almost square, is a very good example of auspicious symbols and Jina worship. It is divided into four parts with three hemispheres. In the inner most circle, Jina with uşnişa on head, is seated in meditation. He is flanked by two figures - on his right a male devotee standing with folded hands while on the left a female holding a flywhisk (cavara). There is a parasol above his head. The middle semicircle band has a pattern of two pairs of alligators facing their jaws which are made in such attitude that as if, they are holding lotus flowers to create a symmetrical design. The third semicircle band has three veneration symbols - triratna, caityavşksa and śrīvatsa established on the thrones to the left, right and upper side of the Āyāgapața. Between three symbols two divine couples are shown adoring them with folded hands and garlands. The toes of couples are joined to create a pleasing geometrical design. At two corners a yakṣa and a yakși are supporting the whole divine semicircles. On many āyāgapațas garlands and draperies are given importance to enhance the art value. Artists are given free hand to carve the empty space with flowers.
Some fragments of Āyāgapaļas: 11) Āyāgapata, accn. no. Q 3 MM. or 15.569:
This fragment is found in 1915 A.D. It shows a vine creeper on border with bunch of grapes. It has winged lions on pillars with elephant top. The inscription at back, written in square fashion, does not show any sign of being reused. In Jainism very often inscriptions
are written on back of images (J.25 LM., J.113LM.) 12)āyāgapata, accn. no. J.260 LM.:
This fragment of an Āyāgapața comprises with auspicious objects on its sides.
21 Rastogi, Lucknow Jaina Pratimaen...., pl. no. 4, fig. 3.
