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116
Jaina Monuments of Orissa
shoulders. Other conventional features like the halo, keva!a tree, umbrella, flying figures and heavenly music are all faintly traceable around the figure. It measures 0.76m x 0.37m x 0.16m.
The second figure of Rşabhanātha bearing No. 55 measures 0.79m x 0.37m x 0.17m. It also stands on a double petalled lotus pedestal flanked by the chauri bearers. The trilinear umbrella is visible at the top and lanchana, bull below pedestal. The figure appears to be left unfinished.
The image of Sāntinātha in standing pose bears No. 57. It measures 0.82m x 0.41m x 0.15m. The lañchana deer is seen below the pedestal in a mutilated condition. Among other features the chauri bearers, two standing Tirthankaras on either side, flying apsarās with garlands in hands, heavenly music played through drum and cymbals, keval tree, umbrella and the decorative eliptical halo are all found carved along with the figure. A portion of the slab containing the flying figure is damaged at the top but refixed. Head of the Tirthankara, fingers in both his hands, head of the chauri bearer to the right, umbrella, tree and the devotees below pedestal are severely damaged.
The next figure in the series bearing No. 93 is perhaps a seated image of Adinātha the first Jaina Tirthankara. The throne, on which the figure is carved in yogasana, is supported by two spirited lions and the symbol of Dharmachakra (wheel) is distinctly carved in the centre of the pedestal. Hairs on his head are arranged in jata, few strands of which fall on his long shoulders. The chaurī bearer in case of the right side is found in conventional pose. A portion from its left side containing the chauri bearer and the eliptical halo is damaged and missing. This appears to be an earlier image of the place. It measures 0.75m x 0.44m x 0.13m.
The third image of Rşabhanātha bearing No. 155 cf this museum measures 0.52m x 0.27m x 0.11m and damaged in two parts. It is carved in kāyotsarga pose with symbol bull, devotees, chauri bearers, oval halso, musical instruments played in hands and the umbrella. Its pedestal is designed in double petalled lotus form.
The most lavishly decorated Jaina figure of Rşabhanātha bearing No. 176 has recently been acquired for the Khiching Museum from village Begunia Bindha, a place adjacent to Khiching. It measures some 0.73m x 0.37m x 0.11m and carved in yogāsana pose on lotus pedestal supported by spirited lions. Chauri bearers in conventional pose are noticed on either sides. Flying figures with garlands in hands, umbrella decorated with series of beaded chains and the representation of kirttimukha on the top of the umbrella, a rare feature in Jaina sculptures are all found depicted along with the image.
Another damaged bust of a Tirthanakara bearing No. 180 is found kept in the store of the Museum awaiting display in the gallery. This figure along side of it is carved with two other Tirthankara figures and a flying damsel. The circular halo behind head and the umbrella are the two other available features of this much damaged figure.
