Image: Solitary Jina Kalugumalai

Description: A solitary relief of an enthroned Jina. The carving measures approximately four feet in height and is incised deep within the rock. The Jina is presented on a lion throne with an elaborate throne-back consisting of a bolster and crossbar that terminates in a makara and vyāla design. Two flywhisk bearers emerge from behind the crossbar while two other male devotees flank the throne base. The Jina is crowned by a triple chattra and curls of foliage that form a broad canopy over the Tīrthaṅkara. Five tendrils of foliage contain a central female dancer accompanied by four male musicians. Two of the musicians play a long stringed instrument while the others hold a drum and pair of cymbals. The inclusion of these elements, along with the foliage and details of the throne, suggest a ninth or early tenth-century date.3 Carved above and to the sides of the Jina are celestial figures holding long-stemmed lotuses and/or making gestures of homage. Also across the top of the panel are riders on horseback and an elephant depicted as if emerging from the depths of the carving. Source for the description of the image:DEMARCATING SACRED SPACE: THE JINA IMAGES AT KALUGUMALAI
Title: Solitary Jina Kalugumalai
Credit: Own work
Author: Balajijagadesh
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0
Attribution Required?: Yes