Jaina Antiquities at Anandapur (Keonjhar)

In front of the Pancha Bhavana at Anandapur a few Jaina relics are kept originally brought from Podasingidi^[1]. The sculptures include figures of Risabhanatha, Parsvanatha, Ambika and fragmentay image of a Tirthankara (Pl.LXIVC).

Risabhanatha:

Two Risabhanatha images kept at the place are of identical in representation except their minor variations. They are standing in kayotsarga posture along with chauri bearers and flying vidyadharas. The first figure has a circular halo while the other one has elliptical. Bull, the lanchana of the Tirthankara is only noticed in the first image but the latter image was identified as Risabhanatha based upon his jatabhara, a usual feature of the first Tirthankara commonly found in Odisha.

Parsvanatha:

The Tirthankara Parsvanatha is carved seated in dhyanamudra. A canopy of seven hooded snake is noticed over his head. The image has poor workmanship or probably an unfinished one. The chauri and garland bearers are in their respective position but in low relief.

Ambika:

Decked with rich ornaments like karna-kundalas, armlets, waist bands and yajnapavita etc, the Sasanadevi is seated in lalitasana with left leg pendant. She holds a baby in her left lap and a mango twig in the right hand which is missing now. The face of the deity is badly damaged. Her lanchana lion is depicted below her pedestal along with a devotee with folded hands. A tree is fashioned behind the deity over whom Tirthankara Neminatha seated in dhyanamudra and flanked by flying garland bearers.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

R. Mohapatra, op.cit, 1984.