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 Sculptures at Balunkesvara Temple, Barala

The temple is located at the middle of the village Barala of Sakhigopala tehsil. It can be approached by a motarable road from Pattanayikia chowk on Bhubaneswar-Puri Road (State Highway No.206) and is about 3km east of the highway. This is a living temple, enshrining a patalaphuta siva-linga [lingam] within a circular yonipitha and has a rekha vimana, pidha jagamohana and natamandapa of impecunious Kalingan order[1]. Originally the Bhois of Khordha built the temple, but now it is under the care of Endowment Department, Government of Odisha. Besides, some Vaisnavite and Jaina images (Pls.XCB-XCIB) are also found.

Risabhanatha:

Three images of Risabhanatha are preserved in separate small pidha temples attached to the inner wall of the temple compound. All the Tirthankara images are quite analogous in representation except the depiction of pedestal. They are carved standing in kayotsarga postures over double petalled lotus pedestals. Astagrahas, four on each side, flying garland bearer and cymbals/drums played with hands are depicted vertically one above the other on either side of the Tirthankaras. They have jatabhara hairstyle usually found in Odishan context and have also oval halo behind their heads surmounted with chhatravalis. In case of the first Tirthankara image, the lanchana bull is carved at the center of pedestal and a foliated creeper flank on either side of the bull where as in the second image the lanchana bull is flanked by kneeling devotees with folded hands. The pedestal part of the third image is partially buried but shows kneeling devotee as well as flower buds. Full blown lotus also depicted on either side of the Tirthankara image.

Ambika:

A small image of Ambika is found attached on the inner wall of the jagamohana of the main temple. She is carved seated in lalitasana over a double petalled lotus pedestal and holds a baby in her left lap and a mango twig in the right hand. The image is partially defaced. The branches of a tree are clearly depicted behinds the head of the Sasanadevi and kneeling devotees with folded hand at the pedestal.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Web supplement: www.ignca.nic.in, Archaeological Sites, Odisha Chapter, Sl. No.: OR/PRI-26, visited on 24/04/2014, 10.00pm.

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