Jaina Iconography

SR No.: 011018
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B Bhattacharya
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1974
Total Pages: 247
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 110

Yaksas and Sāsana-Devatās
73
A survey of the North Indian Muscums and Jaina sites makes it possible for me to say that nowhere a separate image of this particular Yaksa has been found. In the sculptures of Supārsvanātha, however, we find him represented in his usual position.
As his name (Mātanga- elephant') suggests, his symbol ought to be appropriately an elephant. And his goad shows that he drives the animal. In his Digambara aspect, his Svastika symbol may be explained as directly concerned with the same emblem bclonging to his master Supārsvanātha. Vijara or Srāna taksa
He has, in the Digambara vcrsion, three eyes, and holds in his hands a fruit, rosary, axc and the l'aramudrā'; with some alterations the Svetāmbaras represent him with three cycs, a swan as his vehicle, two hands holding a disc and a club.? He is known to them by the name of Vijaya.
The sculptures of Candraprabha include, as a whole, a figure of this Yakşa. The symbolism as noticed above is followed by such figures. 3
Ajila
His symbol of a tortoise as a vehicle is admitted by both the sects. The attributes vary, however, with them. Thc Svetāmbara image will hold in his hands, a citrus, rosary, mongoose and a spear." The image as conceived by the Digambaras will bear
1. चन्द्रप्रभजिनेन्द्रस्य श्यामो यक्षस्त्रिलोचनः । फलाक्षसूत्रकं धत्ते परशुं च वरप्रदः ।
, (MSS, Jaina Siddhānta bhavana, Arrah). 2. dienafeenafarit HTET: 1 दधानो दक्षिणे चक्रं भुजे वामे तु मुद्गरम् ॥
Hemacandra's Trisastiśnlālāpurusucurita). 3. A clear figure of the Yaksa in the sculpture of Candraprabha, discovered
in the Gwalior Statc Arch. No. 84. 4. Tarat caferat: darf: FATEHT: 1
बिभ्राणो दक्षिणी बाहू मातुलिङ्गाक्षसूत्रिणौ ॥ वामौ तु नकुलकुन्तधारिणौ धारयन् भुजौ ।।
Smyddhināthacarita by Ilcmacandra.