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...
3. The birth of Narada
[Full title: Informative stories; (A) Caritas of Eminent persons; (2) The birth of Narada]
When Ravana reaches Rajagrha on the occasion of the performance of a sacrifice by king Marutta, Narada also happens to arrive at that place. Hearing the name of Narada, Srenika enquires about Narada, then Gautama narrates the story (9.49-68). A Brahmin named Brahmaruci leading the life of an anchorite lived in a forest with his wife Kurmi. Once some monks on having observed that Kurmi was pregnant, criticised the anchorite for his attachment to his wife and gave a discourse on the fruits of perverse
142 A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM conduct. Brahmaruci then accepted monkhood. In course of time Kurmi gave birth to a son and after abandoning him in a forest, she became a nun. That neglected child was nourished, educated and trained by some celestial beings. He was also granted the supernatural power of faring into the sky. Once having observed her mother living the life of a nun, he accepted the vows of right conduct. Later on he came to be known as Devarsi. He used to wander from place to place as he liked. The Paumacariya (11. 116-158), the Trishashti Shalaka Purusha-caritra (IV. p. 151) and the Ramapurana of Bhattaraka Somasena. (p. 46) agree with the Paumacariya According to the Bhagavatapurana (1.5-6), Narada was born of Brahma. He was a slave son in his previous birth. He served the followers of Vedas and Yogins and wanted to meet Hari.