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STUDIES IN JAINA ART
besides, on these roads, Kütāgāras, Sabhāgrhas (Town-halls ), Preksa-gyhas (theaters). In the Kūțāgāras were beds for resting and excellent seats (furniture ) where Devas, Gandharvas, Siddhas, Kinnaras, Vidyadharas, and Nāgakumāras used to sport, dance or sing.
In the centre of each of these highways (possibly four highways, crossing each other, from the four gates ) were nine lofty Stupas (domes ) made of padmarāga gems, adorned on all sides with images of Siddhas and Arhats. The festoons and garlands of jewels (ratna-toraṇamālikā) adorned the central portion (of the outer wall) of these domes which were surmounted by umbrellas, and decorated with flags and mangala objects. Pious souls bathed the images installed here and worshipping, praising and circumambulating them, had their hearts filled with joy.
At some distance beyond these stūpas and the rows of mansions, was erected another rampart of the sphatika ( crystal) gems. Other details regarding gateways etc., being same as in the first rampart, need not be repeated. On the gateways of the first ramparts, Vyantara gods stood as doorkeepers, on those of the second, the Bhavanavāsis and of the third, the Kalpavāsi gods, holding mace and the like weapons. In the last rampart, on the sides of the four highways there were smaller double walls, making a total of 16 such walls, extending upto to the main-central pitha. On these walls was a Sri-mandapa, a one yojana in area, from which Yakşas scattered flowers over the audience in the Assembly. On account of the supernatural powers of the Jina, all gods, men and animals could obtain sufficient accomodation in the Sri-Maņdapa, even though it was only a yojan in area. In its centre was the first pithikā of Vaidurya gems, having on its sides sixteen flights of sixteen steps each. On these pithikäs were placed the aştamangalas and yakşas stood with dharmacakras on their shoulders. On this was erected a second pithikā of gold with banners in eight directions. The third pitha was made of various jewels, and of three tiers, with a dharmacakra, and a banner. On this last pitha Kubera erected a Gandhakuți ( pavilion) surpassing in beauty tbe heavenly vimānas, shining with numerous banners and pinnacles hanging pearl-festoons, and golden lattice-work. In this Gandhakuți (600 dhanus long, equally broad and a little more than 600 dhanus in height) was placed a lion-throne made of various jewels extremely elegant in appearance, lustrous and surpassing in beauty the mount Meru. On it sat the Lord on whom were scattered flowers by gods. Near the Lord was the Asoka tree, and above him were thc three white umbrellas. On his sides stood 64 Yakşas waving Aywhisks, behind him
1 Halls or buildings where people could hide themselves-according to the explanation offered by commentators.
2 Sri-Mandapa seems to be the same as Balanaka.
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