A Brief Survey Of The Iconographic Data At Kumbharia
By Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari
Summary
1. Śāntinātha Temple (11th century) Inscriptions date it to 1053 CE (Samvat 1110). Outer walls show three Jina figures and Yakṣīs (Cakreśvarī and Ambikā). Doorways and pillars have numerous goddess figures (Sarasvatī, Vairotyā, Vajraśṛṅkhalā). Ceilings show Yakṣa–Yakṣī pairs (Sarvanubhūti and Ambikā), and the four main Jain goddesses. Cells contain Jina images flanked by goddesses and attendants. Some cells identify specific Jinas (like Śāntinātha) through inscriptions. One important carving shows the Samavasaraṇa (Jina’s divine preaching hall) dated 1209 CE. 2. Mahāvīra Temple (late 11th century) Similar layout with 16 cells. Jina images accompanied by Sarvanubhūti and Ambikā. Inscriptions date from 1083–1129 CE. Plaques near entrances depict the mothers of the 24 Jinas holding infants, with names inscribed below. 3. Pārśvanātha Temple (11th–12th century) Torana (ornamental arch) has goddess figures, some non-canonical. Pillars show goddesses with varied attributes. Notable images of Pārśvanātha with seven-hooded cobra canopy. Yakṣa and Yakṣī attendants here adapted with snake iconography to suit Pārśvanātha’s imagery. Inscriptions range from 1047 to 1202 CE. Cells depict Dikpalas and goddesses like Cakreśvarī, Vajraṅkuśā. 4. Neminātha Temple (12th century) Largest temple at the site. Outer walls with many four-armed goddess and Dikpala figures. Façade niches show goddesses with distinctive mounts (garuḍa, elephant, snake, lion, etc.). Includes narrative carvings of Jina life-events like Cyavana-kalyāṇaka (descent into mother’s womb). Also has carved plaques of Nandīśvara-dvīpa (cosmic Jain island) and other intricate narrative scenes. 5. Sambhavanātha Temple (13th century) Façade and basement niches filled with goddess images, including popular ones like Vajraṅkuśā, Cakreśvarī, Sarasvatī. Includes later (15th century) images of Pārśvanātha. Sanctum’s main Jina figure is later in date.
Conclusion
The temples described showcase the evolution of Jain architectural styles, from the 11th to the 13th centuries, with intricate sculptural ornamentation featuring Jina figures, goddesses, and attendant deities. The presence of inscriptions identifies specific Jinas and provides historical context, while the dynamic inclusion of narrative carvings offers insights into the religious and cultural significance of the period. The temples reflect a deep spiritual connection to Jain cosmology and divine reverence, with significant attention to artistic detail in temple architecture and iconography.