Mahavira's Samavasarana: Folio from a Kalpasutra Manuscript
Mahavira is installed at the center of his congregation platform, or samavasarana, preaching to the universe. Upon his attaining perfect knowledge and thus becoming a perfected being (siddha), an elevated preaching space of three walls (of gold, silver, and jewels) was created for the jina. At the center is a platform with four lion thrones beneath a tree, each facing a jeweled gate; Mahavira faces east and the other three thrones are occupied by sculptures of him.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mahavira's Samavasarana: 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: 55.121.38.18
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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