The brass sculpture, whose date and findspot are unknown, depicts either the 6th Jina Padmaprabhu or the 12th Jina Vasupujya in the kayotsarga (body abandonment) posture. The exact identity is uncertain because the identifying emblem, or *lakshana*, on the base is missing. For Padmaprabhu, the *lakshana* is the red lotus (padma), and for Vasupujya, it is the buffalo.

Both Jinas are traditionally depicted in red, and this sculpture retains traces of red pigment on its back, suggesting it was originally fully painted in this color.

The Jina is portrayed in a state of serene stillness, standing upright with pendant arms and empty hands. The *kayotsarga* pose is a meditative posture of complete abandonment that emphasizes transcendence over the physical self. The figure's nudity links the artifact to the Digambara sect of Jainism, which mandates the renunciation of all possessions, including clothing, to prevent vanity.

The sculpture showcases complex craftsmanship and metalwork, featuring details such as inlaid silver for the eyes and eyebrows and copper on the lips.

 

**Info about the Jinas:::**

**Padmaprabhu**

His name and *lakshana* (padma, or lotus) come from the belief that before his birth, his mother wished to sleep on a bed of red lotuses.

**Vasupujya**

He is a highly revered Tirthankara in the Jain tradition and is believed to have lived in Bhagalpur (modern-day Bihar), where he attained **keval-gyan** (omniscience) under a parijata tree and liberation on Mount Champapuri.

Born to King Vasupujya and Queen Jaya Devi of the Ikshvaku dynasty, he rejected the material world early in life, refused the crown, and took *diksha* (renunciation). He is said to have achieved omniscience in just one year through intense meditation and then preached, converting over a million people.

 

Available at: [https://heritage.lums.edu.pk/jain-collection/a-carved-balcony-from-the-gujranwala-jain-mandir.php](https://heritage.lums.edu.pk/jain-collection/a-carved-balcony-from-the-gujranwala-jain-mandir.php)

Padmaprabhu or Vasupujya, the 6th or the 12th Jina in Kayotsarga (body abandonment posture) - from Studying Lahore Museum's Jain Collection - by LUMS associate professor, Nadhra Shahbaz Khan Part 5