A BRASS JAIN ALTAR

Such altar pieces or chaturvimsatika, displaying twenty-four jinas usually show Rishabhanata as the central deity. Unfortunately, the condition of our work does not allow for any definite identification. Neither Bahubali with foliate creepers around his lower limbs nor Parsavanatha under a seven headed serpent or Rishabanatha, the first jina, can be identified for certain. However, the twenty four jinas of our altar piece stand in the classic Kayortsaga posture emphasizing their equality within the Jain pantheon.