Sculptures
Seated Jain Tirthankara, Solanki period
White marble
"At the heart of daily Jain religious observance is the veneration of the image of the jina, the conceptual basis of which is the pan-Indian ideal of the yogic ascetic. This ancient practice, celebrated in the Vedas, equates the acquisition of superior knowledge ("spiritual wisdom") with the pursuit of advanced forms of meditation, austerities, and withdrawal from the material comforts of a householder's life. Those who attain such a state are respected and revered. In Jainism twenty-four liberated souls are recognized as having attained this level and are worshiped as the twenty-four tirthankaras ("ford crossers")."
Svetambara Enthroned Jina,
Copper alloy inlaid with silver and copper
"The jina is represented as a supreme yoga and acharya, an illustrious religious teacher. Elevated on a stepped cushioned throne supported by lions and elephants, symbols of bravery and strength, this tirthankhara embodies the Jain virtue of spiritual wisdom. An openwork back plate (now missing) would have evoked the heavenly palace in which he resides, accompanied by celestial adorers. His principal attendants—a seated yaksha and yakshi—flank the throne, and kneeling deer listen to the teachings symbolized by the wheel (dharmachakra) at the center of the throne pedestal. This icon was once gilded—traces can still be detected—in keeping with the desire that it emit a sacred aura like that achieved by light reflecting off gold. Indian religions have long seen the ability to absorb and radiate light as indicative of divinity."
Paintings
Lustration of the Infant Jina Mahavira
Opaque watercolor on paper
"This painting typifies the finest achievement of the late fourteenth-century western Indian style. It is a masterful rendering of a popular subject, the bathing of Mahavira at birth. The jina's identity is indicated by the pair of kneeling buffalo, his cognitive symbol. The infant is seated on the lap of the presiding god Shakra (Indra), and two attendant gods (further manifestations of Shakra) hold lustration vessels aloft in anticipation of his first bath (a legend shared with early Buddhism). An innovation of this period is the introduction of fantastic rocks to indicate the celestial Mount Meru—the setting for this divine abhisheka—a mannerism absorbed from Iranian paintings of the period."
Painting of Samavasarana by Jitu Patel,
"Non-violence in Jain Art
Genuine compassion requires imagination, and this is why for the Jains, art is central. The seated Tirthankara image (murti) is one of the most common icons in Jainism. It is at once serene, peaceful and balanced.
Animals and nature play a central role in temple art. For Jains, all life is precious and worthy of the highest respect. Jains believe that there cannot be human peace at the expense of harming nature or animals. One of the most iconic Jain images is that of the Samavasarana, depicting the sermon given by a Tirthankara after attaining enlightenment. While Mahavira was sharing his knowledge, all kinds of species joined the congregation, and all could clearly see Mahavira and understand the message in their own language. This event is often depicted in Jain painting and sculpture."
Genuine compassion requires imagination, and this is why for the Jains, art is central. The seated Tirthankara image (murti) is one of the most common icons in Jainism. It is at once serene, peaceful and balanced.
Animals and nature play a central role in temple art. For Jains, all life is precious and worthy of the highest respect. Jains believe that there cannot be human peace at the expense of harming nature or animals. One of the most iconic Jain images is that of the Samavasarana, depicting the sermon given by a Tirthankara after attaining enlightenment. While Mahavira was sharing his knowledge, all kinds of species joined the congregation, and all could clearly see Mahavira and understand the message in their own language. This event is often depicted in Jain painting and sculpture."
Artifacts
Head of a Jain Tirthankara
Architectural Ensemble from a Jain Meeting Hall
Music
This website contains links to different types of Jain music and videos.
Here is a link to a list of Jain Hindi albums and songs.
Here is a link to a list of Jain Hindi albums and songs.