Jaina Stupa At Mathura Art And Icons

Author(s): Renuka J Porwal
Publisher: Prachya Vidyapith

Page 88

Mathurā School of Jaina Art
82
3. Nandyāvartaḥ:
This auspicious symbol has some more detail than svastika. It is a combination of two words Nandi and Āvarta. This is the lāñchana of eighteenth Tīrthankara Aranātha. Dr. Pandey H. defined nandyāvarta29 asNandi Janako Āvarto Yatraḥ/
Its nine hands symbolise for nine types of prosperity (Navanidhi). 4. Vardhamānaka :
It is a container having sandalwood (candana) powder to sprinkle on the head of disciple or devotee by Acāryas as a mark of blessings and prosperity. As per ‘Amara kośa' it is 'Sarāva', and a box having this material called 'sarāva - samputa’. The practice of sprinkling candana powder from vardhamānaka is still used by Ācāryas in Svetāmbara tradition. The carving of such vardhamanaka is seen on
many Āyāgapațas with other symbols. 5. Bhadrāsana:
It is a sacred seat specially made for royal personality from where he cares for the welfare of people as per Jaina and other canons. (Bhadrāya lokahitāya āsanam Bhadrāsanam) It is defined in Amarakośa as the seat, where the emperor is sitting i.e. 'Nrpāsanaṁ yattad bhadrāsanaṁ siṁhāsanaṁ tat.' Śri Hemcandrācārya also explains the same as the place where
emperor is sitting- 'Bhadrāsanaṁ Nrpāsanam'30. 6. A Pitcher or Pūrņa Kumbha:
This symbol denotes the fullness of life and immorality of soul. It has a capacity to conceive good fortune in its innermost part known as Garbha. It is considered auspicious in all religious and social ceremonies because of its sacredness. On the occasion of Samudra-manthana, Dhanvantari holds the Amrta kalaśa.
In Lalitavistara, a Pūrna kumbha is considered as an auspicious symbol.
29 Pandey, Jain Vārmaya...., pp. 18. 30 Hemcandrācārya, Abhidhāna-Cintamani, 3.380.