Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c7.11

c7.11

On the left side on the reverse (Figs. 196-197), is the representation of that part of the story when the disputant Āchāryas had decided to hold a discussion in the court of Siddharāja and accept his final verdict. In keeping with the spirit of the decision, both the Āchāryas started with their followers from Āśāpallī to Pāṭan. On the left is depicted the march of Devasūri, for whose successful ending the Śvetāmbara laymen had arranged good omens. On the extreme end is shown Devasūri, accompanied by two disciples, coming out of the hospice. He is preceded by three laymen. The Āchārya sees a chariot procession of a Jina image coming from the right. The chariot is dragged by laymen, and behind it follow the processionists carrying umbrellas and unfurling flags. In front of the chariot are the pipers and drummers and a dancing girl performing a lovely dance pose (Fig. 196). The action of the drummers, who are also dancing, is very artistically represented. Hilarious joy and action pervade the entire scene. The descriptive label in Sanskrit reads, ‘Śrī Devasūrayaḥ paṭṭānapratipra-chalitārathaśakunamabhinandayati’, ‘Śrī Devasūri starting from the town hails the good omen of the chariot procession.’