Eastern Group of Temples
Adinath Temple
Dedicated to the Jain saint, Adinath, the temple is lavishly embellished with
sculpted figures, including yakshis. The three Hindu temples of the group are
the Brahma, containing a four faced lingam, the Vamana, which is adorned on
its outer walls with carving of apsaras in a variety of sensuous attitudes;
and the javari, with a richly-carved gateway and exterior sculptures.
The sanctum of the temple is quite simple and the Vedika (alter) seems to have
been built at some later stage. The roof has been built with a Padmashila (lotus
like stone giving much beauty to the sanctum.
To the sculpture of this temple, the craftsmen have been marvelously successful
in imparting expression to various emotions in stone. On the southern wall,
there is a figure of a women, who has received a letter with sad news. The letter
received is clearly visible in one f her hands and the grief caused by the message
finds expression in her face and the other hand. On the outer wall of the temple,
near about the starting point of Parikrama (circumambulation) in themiddle row
of figures, there exists a remarkable Apsara image of a female dancer.
The smartness of her body and te restlessness of her feet, the vigorous, dynamic
movement all have been so aptly carved out. The figure is so attractive that
one is reminded of the famous dancer Nilanjana in the court of Lord Adinath.
Among these charming figures of Apsaras, the figures of Shashan devis, Yakshines
and Vidyadevis at their appropriate places add much charm, meaning and symbolism.
Of these Apsara figures, the one looking into the mirror and applying collyrium
in the eyes and the other that of a mother kissing her child are remarkable
for their exquisite finish and artistic merits. Nayikas, Kaminis, Bhaminis,
the various categories of women are depicted in a very dignified and graceful
manner and their workmanship is very good.
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