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

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Jaina Art of Orissa
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having a canopy of five hocded snake and the semi Naga and Nagi devotees below pedestal are shown with canopies of three hooded snakes. In exceptional cases the pedestal of Pārsvanātha figures contain miniature representation of a coiled snake.
Trilinear umbrella forms another significant item in the right pratihāryas of the Jainas. This umbrella in three folds is usually shown over the head of the Tirthankaras. In some cases, they are very much decorated and in others they are shown in out line only. In most of the Tirthankara figures of Mahāvīra-Gumpha at Khandagiri, the umbrella is designed in the pattern of pidha deul. In earlier phases neither the staff to which the folds are attached nor the knob over it are traced. In most of the Tirthankara figures of Kachela in Koraput district the staffs are decorated in ribbed designs and the conical knobs shown in sections. The outer face of the umbrella folds in some cases are arranged in lotus petals fronted by rows of beads, in its outer edges. The Rşabhanātha image of Beguniabindha now kept in the Khiching Museum displays a series of beaded chains in looped design over the projected parts of the trilinear umbrella. In case of some bronze figures, streamers are attached to the edge of the lower fold of the trilinear umbrella. The umbrella over the head of Tirthankara image of Beguniabindha referred to above is supplemented by a Kirttimukha from the mouth of which several chains of pearls are falling.
Flying Gandharvas holding garlands in hands, a feature not only envisaged on either top corners of Jaina Tirthankaras but also forms a part of most of the sculptures in Buddhist and Brahmanic pantheon. In Jaina icons in stone they are depicted hovering in the sky either one or in pairs on each side. These figures are entirely absent with the Tirthankara figures of Navamuni-Gumphā in Khandagiri hill (Fig. 35). The garlands in their hands are mostly finished in a rolled fashion without any indication to the details of particular flowers tagged in to it.
In addition to the floral ovation, hands of invisible Gandharvas and Kinnaras also seen beating pairs of cymbals or a drum to produce heavenly music (divyadhuni) on either side of the sacred umbrella. In rare cases however full figures of these heavenly damsels and semi divine figures are depicted playing with various musical instruments including blowing of conch-shells. These Gandharvas are often represented on elephants displaying flywhisks in hands on either side of the Tirthankara at the top. In several Tirthankara image of Koraput district, a tubular drum ribbed in outer sides is usually kept at the centre of slab at the top. Occasionally figures of both the palms are shown distinctly attached to the cymbals or the drum.
Halo or Prabhämandala of beautiful radiance forming one of the items under the eight pratiharyas has also been depicted behind the head of most of the Tirthankaras and Sasanadewi figures of Orissa except however the figures in the Navamuni-Gumphā of Khandagiri hill (Fig. 35). They are normally attached to the Gods, Goddesses and those attained the status of Godhood through their noble and benevolent deeds. In earlier form they were entirely plain and eliptical in shape. Occasionally these plain haloes were given a beaded border. In the next stage they appear to be circular in design either