Mahavira Rides in His Initiation Palanquin: Folio from a Kalpasutra Manuscript

15th century

Not on view

Mahavira rides through the streets in a palanquin resembling a portable celestial palace (vimana) prepared for him by Shakra and carried by four celebrants. Two female attendants cool him with fly-whisk fans (chauri), and poised on the pavilion roof are two celestial musicians (gandharvas) blowing conch-shell trumpets in celebration. The depiction fits well with descriptions of festival processions provided in the Kalpasutra. This event marks Mahavira's final journey to the neighboring forest, where he renounces all worldly attachments.

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Title: Mahavira Rides in His Initiation Palanquin: Folio from a Kalpasutra Manuscript
Date: 15th century
Culture: India (Gujarat)
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions: Overall: 4 3/8 x 10 5/8 in. (11.1 x 27 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1955
Object Number: 55.121.38.16
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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