Unpublished Medieval Image Of Bhagwan Arnatha From Bhagalpur

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The article introduces Bhagavan Aranatha, the 18th Jain Tirthankara, who is not widely recognized in Jain art studies. It details his biographical information: born in Hastinapur, his father was a Kshatriya prince of the Lunar Dynasty, and his mother was Mitrasena. Like some other Tirthankaras, Aranatha was a Chakravarti (universal emperor) before becoming a Tirthankara. His associated sacred tree is the Mango (Chuta), he had a golden complexion, and was 20 dhanus (a unit of measurement) in height. His chief disciples were Kumbha and Rishabhadatta, and his attendants were the Yaksa named Karkanda and the Yakshini Dharini Devi. His emblem is a Swastika or fish, representing eight auspicious symbols. He attained Nirvana on Mount Sammeda (Parsvanatha Hill, Bihar) at the age of 84,000 years.

The article then delves into the historical presence of Bhagavan Aranatha, tracing it back to the Kushana period. A significant Mathura Image Inscription mentions the dedication of a Nandyavarta (Aranatha's emblem) at a devanirmite (god-made) stupa. This stupa was built by gods, with the efforts of a female devotee named Dina, at the request of Monk Vrodhanasti. Jaina literature from the 8th century AD also refers to this devanirmite stupa at Mathura, which was visited by the great Jain saint Jinabhadragani in the 6th century AD. The inscription, dated to the 49th year (circa 127 AD), confirms the popularity of Bhagavan Aranatha during the Kushana period, as the stupa was dedicated to him. The text explains that Aranatha received his name because his mother, Queen Mitrasena, dreamt of a "wheel of jewels" while he was in her womb.

A crucial point highlighted is that despite Bihar being considered a sacred land in Jainism, no sculpture of Bhagavan Aranatha had previously been discovered from this region. However, the author, Ajoy Sinha, working on Jainism in Eastern Bihar, recently identified a unique sculpture of Bhagavan Aranatha in Bhagalpur. Bhagalpur, historically known as Champa, is a significant Jain site, being the place where Bhagavan Vasupujya attained his Panchakalyanakas (five auspicious events) and home to an ancient Jain temple of Bhagavan Parsvanatha.

The discovered image of Bhagavan Aranatha is located in the Digambara Jain Temple in Bhagalpur. It is carved from white marble, measuring 10x6 inches. The inscription on the image records its donation by Govindlal Rajil in Samvat 1533 (circa 1476 AD). The Jina is depicted seated in the Padmasana posture, in a yogic mudra. Features indicative of his Jinahood include curly hair in the Ushnisha style, long ears, half-closed eyes, and the Srivatsa mark on his chest. Notably, the emblem depicted on the pedestal is a fish, which differs from the traditionally associated Nandyavarta.

The article concludes by asserting that the discovered image of Bhagavan Aranatha in the Bhagalpur Temple is of considerable archaeological importance, especially given the lack of such discoveries from Bihar.