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 images at Chandesvara Siva Temple, Chandigola

The site is located in the right side of village Kartara, at a short dista nce of 200m and preserves images of Risabhanatha and Ambika with Yaksha Gomedha which are under worship as Brahmanical deity in the Chandesvara Siva temple.

Risabhanatha:

The Risabhanatha (61cm in height) carved out of a sandstone is standing in kayotsarga posture over a lotus pedestal (Pls.XLIXA-XLIXC). He has a circular halo behind his head and above it a tri-linear chhatra is also marked. The mount bull is very small in size and located in between the lotus petal. Two spirited lions are also depicted at each corner of the bottom. Decked with highly costumes and ornaments the two chauri bearers are also present on either side at bottom. In the top portion of the image flying vidyadharas with garlands are found in each corner.

Ambika:

The Sasanadevi Ambika is invariably shown seated in the left of Yaksha Gomedha in lalitasana posture over a single petalled lotus pedestal. She holds a baby in her left lap and depicted with varadamudra in right hand. The Yaksha Gomedha also seated in lalitasana posture over a single petalled lotus pedestal. His right hand depicted in varadamudra and the left hand support the earth. The mango tree is depicted behind the two figures. A seated Tirthankara image in yogasana pose is found at the top of the tree. He seated over double petalled lotus pedestal and his lanchana bull, depicted in between the petals of lotus pedestal. The stone slab is a defaced one and the upper part is missing.

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