Jaina Stupa At Mathura Art And Icons

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

Page 96

Mathurā School of Jaina Art
denotes the word 'Munisuvrata', earlier deciphered as nandyāvarta also indicates the presence of 20th Tīrthankara. Besides, images with the name Sambhava (EI. Vol. X, no.5. fig. 1, Saka year - 48), Sānti (L.L. 27) and a covīsī of Rsabhadeva37 also strengthens the covīsī concept from earlier period. The covīsī image with mülnāyaka Rsabha has a simple nimbus surrounded by other 23 Jinas (Here all are seated in padmāsana) where mūlnāyaka is seated under a caitya tree on a cushion (fig. 11). His hair is combed, two of the locks on shoulders as identity of Rsabhanatha. The pedestal comprises lions at corners having a vertical wheel at centre with a ribbon passed through. The inscription is faint and only the word “Pratimā" is readable. It is discovered in 1889-90 and suggested to be of c. 5th century A.D. by V. Smith. However it seems to be of little early period from the cushion seat and vertical wheel. The images of 24 Tīrthankaras with their associated deities in Khandagiri cave is assigned to early medieval period. The Tīrthankara after getting Kevaljñāna, preaches to all mankind sitting in samavasarana, is called Arhat, therefore he is shown with cavaradhāris, aşta-mahāprātihārya, dharmacakra, caturvidha sangha and yakşa-yaksi. After nirvāņa, he becomes Siddha. Siddha is without body i.e. aśarīrī, reached to Siddha sthāna or Siddhasilā where there is infinite bliss and no rebirth. They are Kevaljñāni Jivas. Siddha is displayed without any yaksa-yaksi and cavaradhāri. Their colour is red while Arhat is white. Thus Arihanta image is worshipped like a king having all attributes while Siddha is adored without any prātihāryas, but only with emitting sunrays or lotus buds in nimbus. In Jaina shrines both type of images are adored by devotees. The images from kankālī-Tīlā range from 2nd century B.C. to 11th century A.D. The epigraphic records reveal that they were installed at - 1. Arhatāyana - A shrine of Arhats. 2. Ranga mandapa - The hall adjacent to garbhagrha where images of
jinas and deities are established. The same word is still in used for the adjacent structure to main garbha grha. The Sarasvati image. J 24 LM. was setup in rangamandapa according to its inscription.
37 I) Accn. no. LM J. 57.
II) Smith, Jain stūpa.., pp. 52, Pl no. XCIV.