Jainism in Odisha (Orissa)
by Ashis Ranjan Sahoo | 2015 | 106,639 words
This essay studies the presence of Jainism in Odisha or Orissa by documenting the Art, Architecture and Iconography of Jaina images, relics, structures and establishments from different districts. In Odisha, archaeological evidences show how Jainism flourished during the 1st century BCE during the reign of emperor Kharavela, stating that Jainism wa...
Jaina Antiquities at Nageswari Gramadevati Shrine, Nuadhana
Three number of Jaina images are kept inside the Nageswari Gramadevati shrine amidst a large number of broken sculptures of Buddhist and Brahmanical pantheons. They are discussed as follows-
Risabhanatha:
The fragmented black chlorite stone image Risabhanatha (28x14x10cm) stands in kayotsarga posture over a double petal lotus pedestal below which his lanchana bull and a kneeling devotee are depicted (Pl.XLD). The lower dexter of the Tirthankara shows the well dressed chauri bearers in dvibhanga posture over a double petalled lotus pedestal below which a crouching lion is shown. The upper portion of the image including the head and the left half portion of the image including the head and the left half portion of the Tirthankara image is missing.
Besides, the remnant of another image of Risabhanatha (10x10x05cm) that stands over a double petalled lotus pedestal is also found. The image is carved out of black chlorite stone and his lanchana bull is engraved just below the lotus pedestal. He is flanked by chauri bearers on either side at the bottom. The image is badly damaged and beyond descriptions due to the application of oil and chuha by local priests.
Chaumukha:
It is a fragmented chaumukha and the lower half of which is missing. Only the head of the Tirthankaras are found on the four cardinal directions of the chaumukha. The upper portion of the chaumukha is represented as a miniature pidha design temple with triratha on plan. It super imposed by a circular beki, amlaka, khapuri and full blown lotus at the top. It is fashioned out of black chlorite stone and the height of the remaining portion is 24 cm.