History of Indian and Eastern Architecture v2.c24.11

v2.c24.11

The Tîrthankaras are each recognisable by a cognizance or *chihna*, usually placed below the image; and they are sometimes represented as of different colours or complexions: thus the first five are of yellow or golden colour, as are also the 7th, 10th and 11th, 13th to 18th, 21st and 24th; the 6th and 12th are red; the 8th and 9th, white or fair; the 19th and 23rd are blue; and the 20th and 22nd, black. Each has his own sacred tree, and is attended by a male and female Yaksha or spirit, usually represented on the right and left ends of the *âsana* or throne of the image, whilst a third attendant is carved on the centre of it. The Tîrthankaras with their distinctive signs, etc., are given in the following table:—