Temples & Legends of Bengal
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Temples & Legends Of India

THE TEMPLES IN PURULIA

A large number of images were seen at Pakbira left half buried. One of the images is 5 cubits high and is that of Bahubalji. A Bahubalji image in this part of the country shows the great influence that Jainism had on the area once. These images are rare in Northern India. The image of Bahubalji is now well besmeared with oil and vermilion owing to its worship by the Hindus as Bhaironath.

A number of images lying scattered include Parsvanath, Mahavir, Padmavati and Rishadev. The images are apparently ancient and some of the carvings are superb. An opinion may be hazarded that some of the images are 2,000 years old. Apparently Pakbira was a very important place of Jain culture at one time. Several smaller villages near Pakbira, although with separate names, are grouped under the name of Pakbira.

A visit to these smaller villages shows that
many of the pillars or doorjambs with exquisite carvings were lifted from the temples and used in private houses. In
the neighboring village of Pankha there are four images which are founded damaged. One of them is that of Shri Rishabhdev with 24 Tirthankaras on the sides. There is another rare specimen at this village.

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