Samavasarana of a Jina
In Jainism, Samavasarana refers to the divine preaching hall erected by heavenly beings after the Tirthankara attains enlightenment. It is said to have a height of 30,000 stairs and could be interpreted as a representative of the Jain stupa, an object of worship.
Atop this, the enlightened one gives a discourse preaching the path to liberation to all laymen and women, Gods and Goddesses, and animals, who gather as equals. The Tirthankara's speech is heard by all humans and animals in their own language. While the Tirthankara sits facing east, his physical body is miraculously manifested in the other three directions, so as to be visible to all seated around him. To represent this state, Chaturmukhi or 4 sided idols were made.
This bronze pyramidal representation of the Samavasarana is erected on a square pedestal. On the top of three circular tiers are installed the 4 Jinas symbolizing his visibility in all directions. Above that is the form of the stupa. An inscription on the eaves gives the date as VS 1534 which would be equivalent to 1477 AD.
Period:
Dated VS 1534 = 1477 AD
Measurement:
33.5 cm(H) x 21 cm(W) x 21 cm(D)
Accession Number:
LDII.00464
Category:
Bronze
Provenance or region:
Gujarat