Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c75.s2.27
Vāstu-śāstra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c75.s2.27
- Language
- English
v2.c75.s2.27
Jain iconography has a distinct bearing on its temple-iconography. ‘The images in a Jain temple are arranged in order of precedence. There is one *Mūlanāyaka*, he may be either Ṛṣabhanātha, Supārśvanātha, Pārśvanātha or Mahāvīra surrounded by other Jinas, who hold a less dignified position according as the temple-cult is associated with him. This predominance of a particular Jina is due to the situation of the temple in a place sanctified by him. For instance in the temple at Sarnath believed by the Jainas to be the birth-place of Śreyāmsanātha, we find his image in the position of a Mūlanāyaka.