Single depiction of Candraprabha sculptures

[Full title: Images of Tīrthaṅkara Candraprabha (1): Single depiction of Candraprabha sculptures]

In this variety of sculptural specimen we have documented two images of this Tīrthaṅkara from Anai-Jambad, an important archaeological site in Purulia district. Among these two, one is iconographically very important and it measures 44 cm x 24 cm x 7cm. In this case the Jina seated in padmāsana (Pl.XXIV.F) with his hands in dhyāna-mudrā on a full blown mahambujapīṭha having a base comprising of five squat supports on which are carved indistinct objects. One of the few seated icons of Tīrthaṅkara so far discovered from Purulia district and the present one was found in damaged condition and subsequently restored. The crescent, i.e. the lāñchana of the Jina is depicted on the centre of the lotus seat. The back of the throne is cut roughly along the torso of the central figure and consists of vertical panels topped by horizontal mouldings relieved with short pilasters. On the either side of the Tīrthaṅkara, stand male caurī-bearers wearing short lower garments and plain jewellery. The Jain sits under a projected trilinear chatra slightly damaged at the front. He has elongated ear-lobes and his hair is arranged in schematic curls with as uṣṇiṣa. A semi-circular śiraścakra gracefully rimmed with rows of leaves and pear like beads surrounds his head. The prabhāvalī is generously decorated with floral scrolls and creepers. The śiraścakra is flanked on both sides by disembodied hands playing on drums and a vidyādhara holding long garlands and hovering in the clouds.

The remaining one is a miniature type and it measures 35 cm x 18 cm. This Jain image (Pl.XXV.A) is strikingly bare, devoid of embellishments, and almost certainly left unfinished. The mūla-nāyaka stands in kāyotsarga posture on a doublepetalled lotus seat placed on a tri-ratha pedestal under a multi-tiered chatra. At the centre of the pedestal the crescent, the lāñchana of Candraprabha is depict. The figure Tīrthaṅkara is carved on a recessed portion of the back–slab. He has elongated ears and his hair is arranged in stylized curls with an uṣṇiṣa. The back–slab reveals, male caūri-bearers flanking the Jina at the lower corners, and twin vidyādharas at the upper-all four carved on a raised background.