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 Chaumukhas of Laterite Blocks at Nayagarh
The village Nayagarh which is not far away from the Brahmanidevi temple witnessed around 90 miniatures Jaina chaumukhas of laterite blocks of different dimensions amidst the paddy field (Pls.LIXC-LXC). It is located on the right side of the Umapada bypass road towards Jajpur Road. The chaumukhas are of triratha rekha temple design with a single rectangular or square niche in one of their raha-pagas. The chaumukhas have a rectangular or oval protrusion at the lower end and probably these are designed like so to insert into the ground. These are similar to the chaumukhas of laterite blocks found at the Brahmanidevi temple in shape and style. A great number of Jaina chaumukhas are found in a single spot enhancing the importance of the place. In dimension the smallest chaumukha measure 90x50cm while, the highest is 1.75x0.52m in height and width respectively including the lower protrusion and the niches measure variously viz., 24x15x4cm, 16x10x7cm and 14x8x 5cm etc.