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 image in the District Museum, Puri
The Tirthankara stands in kayotsarga posture over a lotus pedestal and flanked by chauri bearers at the bottom (Pl.XCID). A beautiful arched torana depicted behind the Tirthankara and its two ends are decorated with makara-mukhas. Vidalas disgorging pearls from their mouth are also depicted on either side of the Tirthankara. Flying vidyadharas, trilinear chhatravali, cymbals and drums played with invisible hands of gandharvas are also envisaged in their respective positions. The place below the lotus pedestal is damaged and beyond description.