A RARE STELE OF PARSHVANATHA TIRTHANKARA
Central India, 11th - 12th century. The sandstone carved in deep relief with Parshvanatha tirthankara seated in vajrasana on a Naga throne with hands in Dhyana mudra, with finely incised almond eyes, elongated earlobes, curled hair, flanked by Dharanendra and Padmavati.

Provenance: Old French Collection.
Condition: Excellent condition with weathering, wear, traces of use and losses as visible on the images on the catalogue and online at www.zacke.at.

Dimensions: Height 41 cm (with base) and 35 cm (just the statue)

Parshvanatha was the 23rd of 24 tirthankaras (propagators of dharma) of Jainism. He is one of the earliest tirthankaras who are acknowledged as historical figures. Parshvanatha’s biography is uncertain, with Jain sources placing him between the 9th and 8th centuries BCE. Parshvanatha was the spiritual successor of 22nd tirthankara Neminath and is popularly seen as a propagator and reviver of Jainism. He attained moksha on Mount Sammeta in the Ganges basin, an important Jain pilgrimage site. His iconography is notable for the serpent hood over his head, and his worship often includes Dharanendra and Padmavati (Jainism’s serpent god and goddess).