Some Aspects of Jainism in Eastern India

Author(s): Pranabananda Jash
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publisher's Pvt Ltd New Delhi

Page 111

Jainism in Eastern India
1972
The village Paresnath on the north bank of the river Kumārī in the district of Bankura, West Bengal, is named after the shrine of the twenty-third tirthankara, Parśvanatha. "The temple made of red sand stone, is now reduced to a mere plinth. On the plinth lies the image of Pārśvanatha, now in three fragments. The image (ht. 6'8") stands in kayotsarga pose on a viśva-padma under a sevenhooded canopy of a serpent, the latter's coil carved on the backslab. On other side of his legs is an attendant standing on a lotus with a kneeling devotee in front. On the back-slab are miniature figures, two in each row, of twenty-four tirthankaras, also standing in käyotsarga pose on lotuses placed on pedestals and relieved with their respective cognizances. On the two bottom corner-facets are a naga and nägi by the side of a lion. Over the serpent-hood is his kevala tree with a flying figure holding a gailand at the corners. Another image of Pärśvanatha, standing in kayotsarga pose on a lotus, has been found from the village of Kendua, on the bank of the river Kamsavati, in the district of Bankura. "The upper portion of the image, along with the head, is missing. On each side of the feet is a three hooded nägi, the left one holding a ghota; beyond them is a standing attendant holding a cauri. On either side of the stela are depicted tirthankaras, three in each row." 773 That the Jaina tīrthankara Pärśvanatha was greatly venerated by the followers of Jainism specially of this district is corroborated from the prevalence of stone images of this deity enshrined in the temples at Bahulara and Dharapat situated near Visnupur, and which are being worshipped in the name of Manasa, the snake goddess. The seven hooded serpent canopy manifesting over the head of the tirthankara has been wrongly taken by the local inhabitants as that of the nagacha tra of Manasā.74
A large number of Jaina images and Jaina shrines have been found in the district of Purulia bordering on the state of Bihar. The village Chatra was a centre of religious activitics for the Jainas and is well attested from the numerous findings of Jaina sculptures and architectural pieces including a Caumukhas. It is to be noted in this connection that the worship of Caumukhas or Caturmukhas are prevalent and popular among the Jainas of this part of India It seems probable that the representation of four different Jinas on the four sides is an advancement or development of the original and earlier conception of the Jaina tradition of Samavasarana, square or circular assemblies erected by gods for the
83