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Srutadevata, it is Sarasvati who presides over these sacred Jaina scriptures or Jinavani. Like Sarasvati, Siddhayika also is invariably visualized, in both the Sevetambara and Digambara texts, as holding manuscript and Vina. She rides a lion which connects her with Mahavira whose cognizance is lion. However, in one of the Canarese Dhyana-slokas, she is provided with Hamsa as Vahana. In concurrence with textual injunctions, Siddhayika, in concrete manifestations, is variously represented with pustaka and Vina. Her figures, assignable between 9th and 14th century A. D., however, do not show Hamsa as her Vahana; instead she always rides a lion.
Department of History of Art, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).
Though mingled in a Complete intimacy so that all the world knows of it, the friendship of the little will last but little time, Connection with the firm unyieldtng men endures till the great one's path, who never swerve, is reached.
(Naladiyar, 204)
The lowest sort of men in friendsnip are like the Arecanut tree. The middle sort are like the cocoa-nut tree. Attachments to the chief of men--who are old friends--is like the Palmyra tree of rare worth : what was given that first day was given once for all.
(Naladiyar, 216)
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