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 Manikchauk (Balasore)
Two images of Santinatha and a chaumukha have been collected from Manikchauk displayed in Odisha State Museum. These sculptures are found on the bank of the river Subarnarekha where heap of ancient ruins and brick structures are also noticed[1].
Santinatha:
The image of Santinatha (17x10.5x5cm) is carved in kayotsarga posture over a double petalled lotus pedestal below which his lanchana deer is represented. Other usual features like chauri bearer, divine musicians, garland bearer, astagrahas are carved in their respective positions. The most important and peculiar feature of this image is a five hooded snake canopy over his head which generally found in case of the Tirthankara image of Suparsvanatha.
Chaumukha:
The chaumukha (40x10x10cm) has resemblance with that of found at Nilagiri and Ayodhya in execution. It is designed like a miniature pidha temple having five receding tiers. Tirthankaras like Risabhanatha, Mahavira, Santinatha and Chandraprabha standing in kayotsarga postures along with their lanchanas are carved in separate niches in each cardinal side of the chaumukha. Spirited lions are shown flanked just above the Tirthankara niches instead of their usual location at the bisama portion of the miniature shrine.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
R.P. Mohapatra, op.cit., p.107.