Pārśvanātha, 23° Tīrthaṅkara - Antique - Rare Jain votive bronze depicting Pārśvanātha with devotional inscription at the base, 17th century. - 1650-1700 Mughal Empire (1526-1857) - Pārśvanātha

Rare votive bronze Jain depicting Pārśvanātha with devotional inscription at the base, 17th century, India.

Rare votive bronze in copper alloy depicting the Tīrthaṅkara Pārśvanātha, recognizable by the characteristic multi-headed nāga forming the protective canopy above the figure's head. The Tīrthaṅkara is depicted in yogic meditation, seated cross-legged with hands in dhyānamudrā, following an archaic and stylized iconographic model typical of religious productions from central India. On the back of the base, a short devotional inscription is engraved in an extremely simplified and popular form of Devanāgarī script: despite irregular handwriting and some areas of abrasion, the initial signs श्री (śrī) and the sequence पार (pār) are clearly recognizable, likely referencing Pārśvanātha explicitly. The formula, although not entirely legible, most probably corresponds to the abbreviated dedication श्री पार्श्व / śrī pārśva, or the slightly extended form श्री पार्श्वनाथ / śrī pārśvanātha, common in votive inscriptions related to Jain worship. The presence of the inscription confirms the original devotional function of the figure, likely intended for private use or small local shrines. The piece belongs to the craft tradition of central-western India, probably originating from tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh in the 17th century, where Jain repertoire was reinterpreted in simplified and spontaneous forms.
Object of particular archaic charm, it combines the symbolic power of the 23rd Tīrthaṅkara with the devout simplicity of local votive productions.
Transliteration (most probable epigraphic reconstruction)
Shri Parshva / Shri Parshvanatha
Translation
Venerable Pārśva / Homage to the Venerable Lord Pārśvanātha.

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