Jaina Monuments Of Orissa

SR No.: 022826
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R P Mohapatra
Publisher: D K Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 384
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 120

Jaina Monuments of Orissa
4. Pārsvanātha (Fig. 84)
The second figure of Pārsavanātha of the group is carved standing on a lotus pedestal. A canopy of seven hooded snake covers the head and coils of the snake gathered behind the Tirthankara. Kevala tree, umbrella, flying figures with garlands in hands represent the upper part of the slab. Chauri bearers are in standing posture on either sides. A number of female devotees seen below the pedestal with offerings. The figure is in good state of preservation and displays remarkable artistic designs. It measures 0.88m X 0.48m.
5. Pārsvanātha
The third figure of Pārsvanātha is found seated in yogasana pose on a lotus pedestal. A canopy of seven hooded snake found above the head of the Tīrthankara with coils gathered at the back. A toraņa attached with heads of makaras is seen behind the figure. Three figures of Amra (Ambikā) are kept on a pedestal within the shrine and worshipped as Ramachandis. Local people considering them to be affiliated with Sākta cult offer animal sacrifices on Dasharā day (during Durgā Pujā festivals). They are :
1. Ambikā
The first figure of Ambikā of the series is seated in lalitāsana pose on a lotus pedestal below which her lanchana the lion is visible. She displays varada mudrā in her right hand and holds a baby cn the left lap. Two female attendants are standing on her sides with flywhisk and noose in hands in addition to the devotees in kneeling posture. An eliptical halo is depicted behind her head. A mango tree studded with leaves seen providing shade to the deity. Above her head is found Tirthankara Neminātha along with the chauri bearers, lañchana (wheel), oval halo, umbrella and kevala tree. On the two top corners of the stone there are to be seen the palms of the hands playing on cymbals (karatāla) and drum (mardala).
2. Ambikā (Fig. 85)
The second figure of Ambika almost corresponds to the figure noted above with the exception that she displays a mango twig instead of the varada mudra in her right hand and flying figures with garlands in hands on either sides at the top.
3. Ambika and Gomedha (Fig 86)
The third sculpture of the group displays the figures of Gomedha Yaksa and Ambika Yaksini seated on a common pedestal with their Tirthankara Neminatha, Ambikā is seated in lalitäsana with right hand in varada mudrā and left holding the baby on the lap. Similarly Gomedha Yaksa represent varada mudra in his right hand and left placed over his folded thigh on the pedestal. The mango tree provides shade to both the figures being laden with leaves. A series of devotees in kneeling posture are found