Jinamanjari 2000 09 No 22

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

Page 15

On the surrounding boulders are the figures of Pārsva in standing and sitting positions, with a seven hooded serpent over the head.
VEMULAVADA. It was the capital of the Cālukyas of Vemulavada and a well known Jain centre from the eight to twelfth C.E. The kings, like their overlords Rāśtrakutas, patronized Jainism through commissioning of temples and literary compositions. The first poet of Kannada literature, Pampa and his brother Jinavallabha, and the famous saint scholar Somadevasuri were in their court. Baddena commissioned the Subhadhama Jinālaya dedicated to Pārsva for Somadevasuri. In the present, the temple cannot be located but the Pārśva image with five hooded serpent above the head can still be seen in the compound of the Rajarajesvari Hindu temple.
Vemulavada was also rich with a large number of Jaina images such as Vardhamāna, Pārsva, Gommata with architectural creeper finesse in slender form, etc. - all belonging to the Rāstrakuta and the Călukya periods. The cauvisa Jinas are examples of fine workmanship, modelled in the shape of temple with two stories above the ground floor and in the centre on each floor are seated Jinas flanked by chowrie bearers and triple umbrella above.
CHIPPAGIRI The Jaina king Kalacuri Bijjala (1162-1167 C.E.) over threw the Western Cālukyas with the full and complete support from another Jain minister named Rechaņa of the Vaji vamsa of Lakkundi.20 He passed his last days at this place. A beautiful Jain temple was commissioned by Bijjala, and it has stepped pyramidal sikara and four faceted amalaka. In its front is arthasikara resembling the Jaina caitya facade at Ellora. Below it, there is a Jina in ardhapadmāsama. In the lintel are gajalaxmi and seated Jina. the door jambs of the astarāla bear purņakunchas below and the Jina above.
GOLLATHAGUDI. Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light a Jaina temple at a depth of 3.5 meters. It is dedicated to Mahāvira and consists of an ardhamantapa and mukhamantapa in front. There are also four cardinal shrines. Besides, a frieze of beautifully carved stone makara toranas is found. Close to the north of this stands a unique brick temple analogous to the Bhitargaon temple by the Gupta kings.
KULCHARAM. A colossal Pārśva image is found. It is in sitting position with a label inscription below. It states that it was