Book Title: Jinamanjari 2000 09 No 22
Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

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________________ Bhāva Jina. Images of those who have attained samosarana like Mahāvira. The practical problem of the execution of the Jina images with individual details are taken into consideration in respect of symbols, foretelling birth events, parentage in the historical tradition, yaksa attendees and the lancana itself. In the iconographic norms, the Jina images in padmāsana were confined to four out of the twenty-four. The vastu texts have identified those four with Rşabha, Nemi, Pārśva and Mahāvira as they all had their enlightenment in the padmāsana position contemplated thoroughly in the spiritual and meditational activities. The padmāsana posture is described as sitting on a seat of lotus petals with right leg being placed on the left thigh and the left on the right and the eyes are fully closed or half closed but fixed on the nose tip. Some texts prescribe that the palms should also be shown placed one over the other below the navel. There is also the srivatsa symbol placed on the chest. The padmāsana Jina images usually present problem in the identification of the pre-Common era, except for the labels written in Brāmhi characters, and in the later period, the concept of the lanchanas became very prominent.. The kāyotsarga posture in meditative yogic style as referred in the Jaina vastu texts as a raised up erect body. This posture is also known as Khadgāsana. The Jinas being yogic as well as teachers of living the religion reflect the observance of penance and the practical aspect of their teaching. Thus the kayotsarga posture fully reflects the precisely standing erect figure with the feet two inches away or four fingers width between the toes, and lesser width of the heels. The straightened hands are nearer to the body but not to touch it, as pictured in the Gwalior Fort of The Jinas. Iconographic Norms: Symbols and Anthropomorphic Elements The identification of the Jina images are the symbols that are called lanchanas in the Jaina terminology are twenty-four in number in respect to each of the Jinas, and they are also accompanied by the other elements in the anthropomorphic features of the yakșa elements. Beginning with the first Jina Rşabha and ending with the last are represented by the lanchanas. They are, in the respective order from the first to the twenty-fourth: bull, elephants, horse, kraucha, lotus, swastika, crescent moon, alligator, srivatsa, rhinoceros, buffalo, yaraha, sneya (hawk), vajra (diamond), deer, goat, nandyavarta (a kind of fish), kalsa, kumbha (pot), blue lotus, conch, hooded snake and lion. The Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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