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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
Jaina Art Through the Ages in the Vadodara Museum (Sayajibaug)
R. D. Parmart
The Vadodara Muscun Possesses very rich collection on Jaina Art. Akota Jain bronze-images are world famous, which arc on display in the museum.
P.Banerjce writes, "The Jainas claim a high antiquity for their religion and believe in 24 Jinas or Tirthankara Rishabha is the first and Vardhmäna Mahavira is the last of these Tirthankaras. A Jaina, according to Jain belief is one who has gained omniscience, not by the help of a teacher nor by the revelation of the Vedas, but by his own power. Whatever may be the historicity of the carlier Tirtharkaras, there is no doubt that last two, i.c. Parscanatha and Vardhamana Mahavira were historical persons. Pārsvanātha flourished in the 3th century B.C.and is considered by some to be the real founder of Jainism. He cnjoyed upon his followers four vows; not to injure life, to speak the truth, not to steal and not to own property
To these Mahāvira added one i.c. the vow of Chastity or Cclibacy.
Pārsvanātha allowed his followers to wear clothes while Mahavira advocated completc nudity.
Mahavira was born in a Kshatriya family of North Bihar in about 599 B.C. He passed away at the age of 72 in about 527 B.C. At the age of thiry he became a monk and gained omoiscience through austerities and ineditation lasting for twelve years. He spent his last thirty years in preaching his religion and organising his order of ascetics,
The history of the Jaina art is long and varicd, constituting an important phase of Indian art
Following 73 exhibits displayed in the Industrial Art Section and Archaeological Section of the Vadodara Museum. Are made out of bronze, brass stonc, papier, papermachc, palm-lcaf, cloth etc.
The following images are on display in the Vadodara Muscum. Triurthi of Pārshvanatha
4. Yakshi C. mid 7th century AD.
C. 800 A.D. Ambika
Tirthankara C. 6th century A.D.
C.8th century A.D. Sarasvati
6. Yakshi C. carly 7th century A.D.
C. 8th century A.D.
*Curator. Muscum Art Picture Gallery, Vadodara.
ulas. Eluriais - 241521.-a.a., 2001. 4€
For Private and Personal Use Only
