Jaina Antiquities in Bolangir District

The district of Bolangir lies between 20º09'N to 21º05' N latitude and 82º41' E to 83º42'E longitude. It is bounded on the north by district of Bargarh, on the south by Kalahandi, on the east by the districts of Kandhamal, Boudh, Debagarh and Sonapur on the west by the district Nuapada. The river Mahanadi and its tributaries such as Tel and Suktel are the principal rivers of the district^[1].

Parsvanatha image in Harishankara Temple Complex: Harishankara, situated on the southern side of the Gandhamardana hill well known for its famous Siva temple i.e Harishankara and natural surroundings (Pl.XVIA). The temple was built by Durlabha Devi, queen of Vijjal Dev-II of the Chauhan dynasty, can be assigned to the circa 15^th century CE^[2]. The temple name itself suggests it as a center of religious synthesis between Vaishnavism and Saivism. But, a half buried image of Parsvanatha (Pl.XVIB) is also found in the Harishankar temple complex. As per the data inscribed in a stone slab near the image, the image is brought here from Ranipur-Jharial area in the 1837 CE by one British officer. The image is now badly defaced and repairing has been done with the application of cement and sand. The image is seems to be a standing figure of Parsvanatha in kayotsarga posture. A seven hooded serpent hood is seen over his head. Besides, no more iconographical feature is obtained from the image.