Jaina images at Sitalesvara Temple, Sitalesvara

The Sitalesvara temple is located in the village Sitalesvara. The site is about one and half km distance from the city bus stand near Sitalesvara M. E. School. The temple is located in a deserted place and now in a stage of ruin condition. Two Jaina images, namely Santinatha and Risabhanatha (Pls.XLIVA-XLIVC) along with a number of Saivite, Vaishnavite sculptures and architectural fragments are found.

Risabhanatha:

The Risabhanatha image is found attached to the inner wall of the sanctum of the temple. Seated in dhyanamudra over a lotus pedestal below which his mount bull is delicately carved. Chhatravali flanked by flying garland bearers are seen at the top while two chauri bearers are also found on either side of the image.

Santinatha:

The Santinatha image (69cm in height) is found on niche of the outer wall of the temple. The image is white washed with lime and his face his partially defaced. He is seated over a lotus pedestal in dhyanamudra below which his lanchana deer is clearly depicted in the central portion of the pedestal while two spirited lion are also carved on each corner of the pedestal. The image of Santinatha with broad chest, elongated ear lobes, curled knot, in hair with a bulge at the centre, exhibits the yogamudra with his right palm placed on the left against the abdomen. Besides these, a circular halo and a tri-linear chhatra are marked behind his head. Nandi vriksha, the tree associated with his kevala knowledge is depicted in running creepers on the sides of the circular arch above head. Two chauri bearers are also noticed at the bottom standing over separate lotus pedestal on either side of the image. They have also separate elliptical halo behind their head. The most peculiar feature of the image is the placement of astagrahas which are placed in between flying vidyadharas and chauri bearer, four on each side in two rows.