Jinamanjari 2000 09 No 22

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

Page 31

Speaking of the different levels, walls and steps, she said, "This bird's eye view-like compression of an elevation [is] ....the summit of Mount Meru...."!4 Alex Wayman conjectures that the āyāgapața of fig. 1 shows a Jina seated atop the mythical Mt. Meru with the aștamangala high in the atmosphere around him."
SVETAMBARA SAMAVASARANA
Step-well
- 3rd Rampart :
2nd Ranipart
- 13t Rampart
Assembly Region
Road
Vehicle Regiony
Animal Regioni
Reating Unis
NORTH
>
☺
Fig.6. Svetambara samavasarana plan. Drawing by Thomas A. Norton
Samavasaraña depictions, both Digambara and Svetāmbara, often show a two-dimensional 'ground plan' of the fuller, three-dimensional version. If the āyāgapațas which have meditating Jinas at their centre are taken as 'mountain' forms, then each of the surrounding circular or square bands can be 'read' as levels below the central figure. Counting the 'top' pedestal as being the one on which sits the Jina there are generally two other 'lower' (outer) levels indicated. 16 Three levels have been seen in connection with both the Svetāmbara and Digambara versions of
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