Mahavira

Height 83 cm., Breadth 45 cm.
Locality Not Known.
Circa 12th Century AD.

     This beautiful statue of the Tirthankara is depicted seated in the Padmasana Dhyana pose. The figure of Mahavira is depicted seated on a rectangular base with a decorated backrest. Behind the figure are two Chamara bearers one on each side. The backrest has a Prabha with foliage issuing from the mouths of two Makaras. The arch appears to emanate from the mouths of the two Makaras (crocodies) that are carved at each end of the backrest. The Mukkudai is depicted amidst the floral designs and creepers carved on the Pedestal.

     A triangular Srivatsa (a triangle, sometimes inverted) symbol found on the right chest is a unique feature of this sculpture. On stylistic grounds, this sculpture may be assigned to Circa 11th Century AD.

Mahavira

Height 97cm., Breadth 55cm.
Sakkiramallur, North Arcot District, Tamilnadu.
Circa 10th Century AD.

     Mahavira is shown in seated Padmasana Dhyana pose with two Yaksha attendants. They bear chamaras in their hand in the usual pattern. The Mukkudai is shown over the head. Three figures of lions are carved on the front face of the pedestal. Floral designs on the backdrop serve as embellishment. In the Tiruparithikundram Jain temple in Jina Kancheepuram, there is a sculpture of Mahavira in front of the sanctum sanctorum, which resembles the museum sculptures.

Tirthankara

Height 69 cm., Breadth 45 cm.
Keelanarma, North Arcot District, Tamilnadu.
Circa 13th Century AD.

     The Tirthankara is depicted in seated Padmasana Dhyana pose. He is attended by two Yakshas. There are floral designs in bas relief on the back drop. There is no cognisance symbol carved on the pedestal beneath the figure as is normal practice. The Museum Curator, who recorded this sculpture in the Accession Register felt this figure to be that of Pushpadanta, the ninth Tirthankara whose cognisance is Makara. The face of the sculpture is damaged on its right side. The extra-ordinarily long ear lobes are a striking feature.