Mahavira and his Teaching

Author(s): C C Shah, Rishabhdas Ranka, Dalsukh Malvania
Publisher: Bhagwan Mahavir 2500th Nirvan Mahotsava Samiti

Page 445

JINA IMAGES IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, KHAJURĀHO 417
outwards) corolla, blossom circlet, rosette and some floral motif arranged alternately and stellate cut outer band. The figure of the warrior surmounting the makara of the throne-frame-animals of each edge is absent. At the top back slab are sculptured four figures playing flute. The image may on both stylistic and iconographic grounds be dated to the late tenth or early eleventh century. The same date is warranted by the mention of word 'Ghanțāi' beneath the yaksa figure indicating that the figure was procured from the Ghanțāi temple.
Rşbhanātha, Seated: (Acc. No. 1667, 56" X 30", Fig. 2)
Jina with his forearms and legs now damaged is sitting in the dhyāna-mudrā on a lotus spread on a high and ornate cushion. Below the cushion, in the centre, is carved a bull, flanked by two standing figures of worshippers with folded hands. These pilasters near the bull, in the throne, are damaged. In a panel, on either side of bull figure are arranged the figures of Navagrahas. Starting from left (from observers viewpoint) the first figure represents twoarmed Sūrya, seated cross-legged and holding long-stalked lotuses in his both raised arms. Following six figures seated in lalita-pose show the abhaya-mudrā in their right arms, while their left hanging arms bear kamandalu, hanging below the folded knees. The eighth figure Rāhu, whose mere bust is shown, is surmounted by the figure of Ketu with its lower portion, below the waist, resembling a serpent, both the figures being much defaced. Dharmacakra with a beaded row carved in its front shows ribbons suspended from its sides. On the lowermost part of the pedestal is shown a beaded line, below which are delineated lotus petals.
The four armed yaksē at the left corner rides on garuda, (represented in human form) and carries a lotus (?) and a disc in her right and left upper arms, while her lower right and left arms bear respectively a fruit (?) and a ring. In the right recessed corner sits a four-armed bull-faced yakşa, much defaced, on a bhadrâsana. The two right arms of the pot-bellied yakşa are M.M.-53