Parsvanatha

Description

This sculpture of the twenty-third Jaina tirthankara Parsvanatha uses iconography normally associated with him- shielded and covered by a multi-headed serpent. The serpentine association with Parsvanatha also works as an identifier with him- being stamped or carved beneath his legs normally. He is also often depicted with the Jaina snake deities- Dharnendra and Padmavati. This arched slab portrays Parsvanatha stood under a five-hooded serpent, whose coils merge into the background. Parsvanatha is shown standing in the kayotsarga posture, with his hair arranged in spirals and his earlobes extended. Indicating his exalted status as a proselytiser of Jainism and a reviver of the faith between Neminatha and Mahavira, one also sees the srivatsa mark on his bare chest, above his right nipple. Cakras are also visible near Parsvanatha's feet. Due to wear and tear over time, the sharpness in detail has not been preserved. Yet carving details and patterns on the relief background are somewhat distinguishable- for instance, the conch shell (sankha) over his left shoulder.