Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c6.421

c6.421

After this, beyond the yellow line, a new episode begins. Here are represented monks, nuns and laymen ascending the hill, on the left. On the right may be seen a tiger. The scene immediately following is separated from the former by an yellow line. Here is represented the congregation of pilgrims gathered at the foothills of Śatruñjaya (Fig. 178). On the left is painted the Samavasaraṇa of Pārśvanātha, perhaps meant for the edification of the pilgrims. Even to this day in Gujarāt, such scenes are shown at the religious festivals. In the panel, there is a tank around which are grouped a number of scenes. This tank may be identified with the Lalitasarovara built by Vastupāla-Tejapāla on the foothills of Śatruñjaya. Nearby is a golden image of a Tīrthamkara within a pavilion, and near it, on a bullock chariot, there is another image. Such images are carried in procession on religious occasions, even to this day, in Gujarāt. Near the chariot is seated a man taking flowers from a flower-stand, while a servant is ready to pour water over the flowers to wash them clean, as they were to be offered to the Jinas. Near the servant is seen a Jina image with a man standing with folded hands. In another scene are shown the conveyances and a man enjoying a dance, in which a woman is dancing and two men are playing on the drums and the shahnāī. Probably, these dancers and musicians are pilgrims, giving performance in honour of their gods. In another group is shown a Jain monk preaching to his disciples. The painting ends in a beautiful toraṇa, with its capitals decorated with the friezes of dancing figures.