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 Tirthankara image at Lord Jagannatha Temple, Puri

An image of Jaina Tirthankara (Pl.XCIC) is noticed in a small niche at the entrance (Beharanadwara) of the left wall of jagamohana of Lord Jagannatha temple[1]. He is carved standing in kayotsarga posture over a double petalled lotus pedestal whose lanchana is covered with the plasters. Chauri bearers bedecked lavishly ornaments stands in tribhanga posture in front of miniature pidha temple on the either side of the Tirthankara at the bottom. The Tirthankara has curly hairs with an usnisa at the top. A torana decorated with flower and diamond motif is noticed behind the Tirthankara. A circular prabhavali edged with lotus flower design noticed behind his head and a trilinear chhatravali over the head. Flying vidyadharas with garland in hand and drums/cymbals played with divine hands are shown on either side of the Tirthankara at the top. Champaka flowers are also noticed on either side of the halo. The image is carved out of a chlorite stone.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

R.P Mohapatra, op.cit., 1984, pp.83-84.

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