Harinaigamasin with Trishala

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara took the form of a foetus in the womb of Brahmani Devananada, wife of Rishabhadatta. She saw the fourteen auspicious dreams. However Sakra (Lord Indra of heaven) by his powers knew that Mahavira has descended on earth. In all periods ‘’tirthankaras’’ are born only in families of the ruling Kshatriya caste, so Sakra decides that he must have the embryo from Devananda’s womb exchanged for that in the womb of Trishala. He instructs Harinaigamasin, commander of his infantry to make the exchange which he carries out. Harinaigamasin is depicted with a human body and head of an antelope.