The images of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev at Khajuraho Temples have been carved elaborately in different forms. There are all together four images of the Lord, three in seated posture and one in standing pose. The images are adorned with figures of Yakshas and Yakshis and other goddesses with their vahana. The four images have been described in details below:
Seated Image of Rishabh Dev
The first image of the lord Rishabh Dev is seated in dhyana mudra on a lotus spread on a high and ornate cushion. A bull has been carved that is flanked by two standing figures of worshippers. It is 42"x 25" in height. In a panel, on either side of bull figure are arranged the figures of Navagrahas. The image of a Yaksha is four armed and rides on garuda carrying a lotus and a disc in her right and left upper arms. With her lower right and left arms she holds a fruit and a ring. An image of a Yaksha is carved in the right hand side. The two right arms are broken and with the remaining upper and lower left arms he holds aims a parasu and a fruit. The hair of the Lord is done in the jata-juta style with three straight locks of hair falling on each shoulder. The image can be assigned to the first half of the 11th century A.D.
The second seated image of the Lord on lotus can be seen in Khajuraho Temples. The image can be dated to the latter half of the 11th century. The seat is spread on an ornate cushion. The image of the vahana of the Lord, lion is in damaged state. The dharmachakra here is flanked by two devotees. The image of a two armed yakshi is seen in the left corner. It shows the abhaya mudra, and a lotus respectively in her right and left arms. On the other side a two armed yaksha is also visible. He is seen holding a skull cup in his right hand, while the other hand shows a mongoose skin purse. Images of Jinas is standing pose have also been carved. At each edge a female figure adorned with jewellery and dhammilla are seen. With one hand she carries flywhisk turned downwards, and the other hand resting on thigh. Jina`s hair is done in schematic curls with a top knot.
The third seated image of Rishabh Dev in Khajuraho Temples is sheltered in the old open air Archaeological Museum. The image is flanked by Yakshis like Chakreswari and Ambika, in front of the pedestal. The image is 50`x 27" in height and is made of buff coloured sandstone. On the basis of both of style and iconography it belongs to the mid 12th century A.D. Here the Lord is seated cross legged in deep meditation. Two small figures of worshippers are visible on either side. Two four armed seated goddesses are also carved on the sides of the dharmachakras. On each side a four armed female figure sitting in lalita pose is carved above these figures. The image of Rishabh Dev is flanked by male figure on either side. The hair of the Jina, arranged in small ringlets shows three lateral strands.
Standing Image of Rishabh Dev, Khajuraho
The image of Rishabh Dev dates back to the late tenth or early eleventh century A.D. It is seen standing on a lotus placed over a covering cloth. It is flanked by images of Yaksha and Yakshi, Sarvanubhati and Chakreswari. A bull has also been carved here. The Yakshas and the Yakshi are four armed here. Besides these there are images of seated and standing Jinas. Elephants bearing vases also adorn the image of the Lord. The image of Lord Parshvanatha in standing pose surmounted by a three hooded cobra is also visible here. The hair of the Lord is done is ringlets and looks appealing.
