Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c6.422

c6.422

(4) The painting, measuring 2′ 10½″, in length, represents the temple of Śāntinātha. The golden image seated in padmāsana is attended by the devas, chaurī-bearers, etc., and worshipped by monks, laymen and laywomen, with folded hands. The maṇḍapa in front is decorated with square stone slabs inlaid with floral decorations. On the top left side of the śikhara is shown a Brahmin, as his sacred thread and pigtail indicate, playing on a trumpet (Fig. 179). On one side is a man holding a jhārī in the attitude of ascending, and on his other side is a woman holding an indistinguishable object in the right hand and a pair of cymbals in the left. Mr. Sarabhai recognises in the scene the Brahmin priest of the Jain temple, a pilgrim carrying milk and water, which he is expected to pour while ascending the hills, and a woman pilgrim playing on the cymbals in honour of the Jina. This custom of pouring water or milk, while ascending the hill of Śatruñjaya, is still followed by the Jain pilgrims. Just below, towards the right, is shown a forester extracting thorn from the foot of a standing woman, who wears a cholī and skirt, and holds a bow. An antelope stands nearby (Fig. 180).