Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c75.s2.26

v2.c75.s2.26

**Characteristics of Jain Images**—In the Jain pantheon, the Tīrthankaras have been given the highest position. They are the Devādidevas (cf. Hemachandra’s Abhidhāna-Cintāmaṇi) in comparision to other gods and goddesses (borrowed from Hinduism) who are only Devas or ordinary gods. Accordingly B. C. Bhattacharya rightly remarks: ‘In Iconography also, this idea of the relative superiority of the Jinas has manifested itself. In the earliest sculptures of Jainism, the Tīrthakaras prominently occupy about the whole relief of the stone.’