Indian Rajasthan Jain Buddhist Altar Shrine end of 19th century to early 20th century Description A cast-brass Jain altar shrine from Rajasthan, dating to the second half of the 19th century, depicting a Tirthankara seated in deep meditation beneath an ornate canopy. Around the arched back panel are seated representations of the other Tirthankaras, symbolizing the lineage of 24 enlightened beings who have revealed the path to liberation in different eras (not reincarnations of one another). Devotees and auspicious animals flank the central figure, while a spired stupa crowns the finial of the panel. In Jain philosophy, a Tirthankara (literally “Ford-Maker,” also called a Jina) is a liberated soul who has conquered attachment, aversion, and the cycle of birth and death, attaining Kevala Jñāna (omniscience). Each Tirthankara arises independently in the cosmic cycle to re-establish the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. Altars of this kind are devotional representations honoring a particular Tirthankara—most often Mahāvīra or Pārśvanātha—under the protective canopy, with the full lineage of 24 Tirthankaras symbolically surrounding him as exemplars of spiritual victory. as in Jainism the Tirthankaras once achive Moksha means they are liberated from rebirth in any form note : special thanks to AM expert in jain art to review my original description Provenance Belgium private collection acquired in india in 2007 Condition Minor casting imperfections, otherwise intact and very good. Areas of dark toning and patina. Weight: 1,725 kg lien video https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/0u0120q0f9hwt72xltjwo/ALIydgfIJM1ESc7utG3NTY0?rlkey=3hzzszd9b69blzel9w0odtak6&dl=0