Cover of a Jain Manuscript
Description
The cover of the manuscript are beautifully embroidered with the ashtamangalas (eight auspicious signs viz. Swastika (represents sun, prosperilty and good luck), Shrivasta (an auspicious sign), Nandhyavarta (complex swastika), Vardhamanaka (sharav- shallow earthen dish), Bhadrasana(a holy seat), Kalasha (holy-pitcher), Minyugala (fish-couple) and Darpana (mirror). There are some variations in ashtamangalas among different Jain traditions, which have a lot of importance in Jainism.
Every Jain is expected to draw these symbols with unbroken rice grains before the images of Tirthankaras. The ashtamangalas are also depicted on religious textiles, temple carvings and temple furniture.
Karl and Meherbai Khandalavala Collection.
Collection
Jain Art
Object Type
Manuscript covers
Material
Cotton cloth and threads
Schools/Culture/Period
Gujarat
Technique
Chain stitch embroidery on cloth
Date
19th Century CE
Location
Gujarat
Dimension
29 x 9.4 cms.