Jaina Antiquities in Nilagiri (Balasore)

Nilagiri, the headquarters of the ex-state of the same name has now formed a Sub-division of Balasore district. It is well known for its gadajata fort as well as important center of Jagannatha cult. Dhabhasila is a small village located about 4km away from Nilagiri on the way to Mitrapur. The village has a number of small shrines of Brahmanical faith namely Mandalshri (Pl.XIIA), Boulei, Kushumei and Gadachandi. But the small Mandalishri RCC shrine contains a Jaina chaumukha (Pl.XIIB). The chaumukha (27x9cm) has similar representation as like one displayed in Ayodhya museum except rampart lions at the bisama portion of the miniature shrine. The Tirthankaras (8x4cm) are carved in the niches of the rahapagas are Risabhanatha, Parsvanatha, Chandraprabha and the rear one is not visible as it is attached to the wall of the shrine. Their respective lanchanas are clearly depicted below their pedestal. The remaining twenty Tirthankaras are depicted five on each side within a circular design above the Tirthankaras are badly defaced. A thick coat of vermilion is seen on the frontal part of the chaumukha