The Story in Stone of the Great Renunciation of Neminatha

Summary

This article analyses a sculptural narrative from the marble Jain temple of Mount Abu depicting the great renunciation of the Jain Tirthankara Neminatha (Aristanemi). The story recounts how the prince Aristanemi, on his way to marry Princess Rajimati, sees animals kept for slaughter and is moved by compassion. He questions the purpose of the animals, learns that they will be killed for the wedding feast, and decides to renounce worldly life. The sculptural panel portrays his wedding procession, his moment of compassion, his return of ornaments to the charioteer, and his journey to Mount Raivataka. There he plucks out his hair in five handfuls and becomes an ascetic. The article describes the temple ceiling divided into seven horizontal sections, each illustrating a part of the story. Section I shows dancers and musicians; Section II a battle between Krishna and Jarasandha; Section III the wedding procession; Section IV various scenes including the arrival of Aristanemi, animals tied for slaughter, and the marriage pavilion; Sections V–VII depict scenes of charity, the renunciation ceremony and ascetic practice. The author notes that the sculptor captures emotions through contrasts between the meek animals and the proud elephants, and between the bustling procession and the serene ascetic. The article emphasises that the sculptor’s narrative closely follows the canonical Jain account, with only minor deviations, and highlights the high artistic quality of the relief.