Paumacariya (critical study)
by K. R. Chandra | 1970 | 238,015 words
This is an English study of the Paumacariya: the earliest Jain version of Rama's life story, written in Prakrit by Vimalasuri dating to the 4th century AD. In this text, Rama (referred to as Padma) is depicted with lotus-like eyes and a blooming face. The Paumacariya places emphasis on the human aspects of characters rooted in Jain values, contrast...
I.5. The story of Rama鈥檚 Teacher
[Full title: Section I: King Dasaratha, his wives and sons; (E) Rama鈥檚 Teacher]
According to the Paumacariya, Rama and his brothers receive education in various sciences and training in archery at Ayodhya under Airakucchi (25.26) of Kampilya nagara. His parents are named to be Bhargava 1. 2. 3. Rama-katha; by Dr. C. Bulke (First Edition)., p.279. The Brahmanical Padma Purana, which mentions four queens of Dasaratha tells us that Bharata and Satrughna are the sons of Surupa and Suvesa respectively (Vol. 2- 8. 733) But at another place Suvesa is said to be the daughter of the king of Kekayadesa. She demands kingdom for Bharata and the exile of Rama (p.739). The B. G. K. edition reads 'Sulaksma'. 4. Svayambhu is the first author among the Jainas to call Padma as Ramacanda. See also Mahaviracaritam 2. v. 20.1.3 ha deva candamuha Ramacanda' and 1. v. 26, 1 2. jaya jaya 'jagatpate Ramacandra'. 5. See the reason assigned in the Paumacariya
42 A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM and Airani. He himself was educated at Rajagrha under Vaivasvata (Vaivassaa). In the Valmiki Ramayana Vasistha is the family preceptor. Upadhyaya Sudhanvan is referred to as the teacher of archery (2.100.14). Visvamitra is said to have taught 'Bala' and 'Atibala' lores to Rama on the southern bank of the river Sarayu (1 22.11-12). He also trained him in the discharging of various missiles (1.27-28). In the Ramcharitmanas all the four brothers are referred to have first got educated at the house of an unnamed preceptor (1.204-205). Later on Visvamitra trained Rama (1.209). The Paumacariya (25.42-43) names the preceptor as Ehiruudhi or Ero (25.49) and his mother is called Isu, The Ramapurana of Bhattaraka Somasena. mentions them as Ehirudha and Isaka (p. 86).