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 in Martasol (Balasore)
Santinatha:
An image of Santinatha (52 x27x9cm) is also brought to Odisha State Museum from Martasol in Jaleswar area of Balasore. The image has similar representation like that of one found from Manikchauk except the depiction of five hooded snake canopy. The snake canopy is replaced by Mahamanasi, the Sasanadevi of the Tirthankara. She is found depicted sitting in dhyanamudra over lotus pedestal and flanked by two elephants at the top pouring sacred water. She displays varadamudra in one hand and lotus on the other. A makara-torana supported by gaja-simhas with rows of pearls falling from their mouths adds the beauty and grace to the entire composition.
Both Martasol and Manikchauk are situated on the bank of river Subarnarekha. Ancient ruins in the form of brick structures, earthen potsherds reported on bank which need close examination for its association with Jaina religious structure.