Jinamanjari 2000 09 No 22

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 14

upper cell. 23
DANAVULAPADU. Its original name was Kurumarri, which had a large Jaina establishment during ninth - tenth C.E. It was also known for the sallekhana rites performed by several faithful. Archaeological excavations of 1909 revealed two Jain temples, four nišadhis - tomb stones, two caumukha, one pedestal of Tinthankara, two feet images of Pārsva and an image of Padmăvati. 24
The temple was of stone and is comprised a garbhālaya, antarāla and an ardhamantapa - all raised three feet above the ground. According to an inscription of Nityavarśa Indra-III (913-922 C.E.), he caused a pānavatịa to be made for the snapanavidhi (ablution ceremony) of śāntinātha. 23 The pedestal is circular bearing the carvings of a frieze of carts drawn by bullocks and horses, recalling the motif at the Jaina stūpa at Mathurā and of the style of the Kadambas, who were great patrons. There is also a figure of veena with two resonating gourds, unlike the seven stringed instrument at Barhut.
The sarvatõbhadrika is an excellent piece of art comprising the lotus, the Jina in ardha-padmāsana, the circular prabha around the head, the triple umbrella above and the chowri bearers delineated on all the four sides. In concept and execution, it is marvellous. Other architectural forms are the nišadhis of the saints and the lay people. The special architectural feature of the site is found in the sculptures made in the round as against the relief sculptures at Ellora.
KOLLIPAKA is identified with modern Kulpak. It was a rich Jaina centre during the Rāstrakuta and the Western Cālukyas periods. It is recorded that a Jain temple called Ambaratilaka was commissioned by king Somesvara-III, son of Vikramāditya-VI, and it suffered destruction in the attacks of the Coļas. There are a large number of sculptures: notable ones are - the Bhadrasana of Adinātha with bull symbol and worshippers and lions carved on both the sides; and yaksiņi holding vajra, noose and fruit in three of her hands and the fourth in kataka mudra, identified with Padmavati. There is also a tall monolithic mānastambha in front of the Samanātha temple.
HANUMAKONDA. Epigraphical records inform that there was a Jaina establishment since Rāśtrakuta times, dating to ninth C.E. In its hey days, Mailama, the wife of Minister Beta of the Cālukya king Vikramāditya-VI, caused a Jain temple named Kadalalaya basadi, which has been replaced by the present Padmākshi temple. It consists of a brick sikara, over one of the huge boulders and a closed mantapa.
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