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diagonally across the thighs and feet. The full-bloom lotus on which the image stands is too small in comparison to the large size of the deity, and this looks somewhat odd. However, the pointed nose, closely-tight lips expressing a negative attitude to mundane affairs, long large closed eyes, bow-like eyebrows, long ears, curling hair with a knot at the centre, broad shoulders, and above all the transcendental calmness in the face at once draw the attention of the spectator. The surface of the figure was richly polished and this gave the sculpture a supple grace and plasticity which aptly commensurate with the living emblem of ahimsā.
Mr. J. D. Beglar identified this Jaina image with Tirthankara Padmaprabha taking into consideration the lotus on which the image stands as its cognizance. Mr. David. J. McCutchion also shared this view. But Mr. A. C. Banerjee (Journal of Bihar and Orissa Research Society, Vol. XXVIII, p. 43) identified this image with Sreyānsanatha, the eleventh Tirthankara whose lāñchana is rhinoceros. The emblem of the Jina is actually carved just below the lotus, in the centre of the lower pedestal which does not, of course, look like a rhino. Again, the image cannot be of Padmaprabha as the lāñchana of Padmaprabha is a lotus-bud, padma or kamala, and not a full-bloom lotus which is a common attribute to all Jaina images. The symbol in the lower pedestal which, though looks like a design cannot be a mere decorative motif because a forlorn little design in such a position does not add to the overall beauty of the sculpture. This must have some symbolical implication. Hence, the final identification of the image may be shelved till the identification of the symbol itself. It is necessary to mention here that at the right hand corner of the lower pedestal there was an inscription two last letters of which are still discernible.
Zena
On two sides of the principal image or mulā-nayaka two attendant Yaksas bedecked in rich jewellery are standing in tribhnga pose with fly-whisks in their hands and dressed in the lower portion.
This Jaina Tirthankara is famous as 'Kal Bhairava' among the villagers of the area, and is regularly worshipped by the brähmaņas of
2 Notes on the Temples of Purulia', David J. McCutchion, District Census Hand
book, 1961, Purulia, W. Bengal.
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