Essay name: Paumacariya (critical study)
Author:
K. R. Chandra
Affiliation: Research institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa Vaishali
This is a critical 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, contrasting with the divine portrayal in Valmiki’s version.
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SOURCES, CONTRIBUTION AND INFLUENCE OF PCV. 243 (iv) Some elements of VR are presented in the PCV in a different
garb:-
Kumbhakarṇa is said to have acquired the Nidrāṇīvidyā (VR�
He is cursed to slumber).
loud cry
Daśānana was named Rāvana because he made a
(ravokao) on the Kailāśa mountain (VR-because he made the three
worlds to weep).
Hanumān, on his way to Lankā, fetches the waters from the sea
for extinguishing the conflagration to save some monks (60.6). (In the
VR Hanumān takes a jump across the sea).
(v) Some elements of VR have crept into the PCV sub-consciously
though contradictory in the latter work: -
Rāvana is depicted as a noble character but at the time of his
birth he is prophesied to be a ‘varakūrakammakārī' (VR—He is depicted
as he was prophesied to be a 'krūrakarmaṇa�).
(vi) At some places Vimalasūri's sub-conscious memory of VR
has left its impression on the PCV:-
Rāma does not entertain any doubt in the character of Sītā while
reuniting with her at Lanka, but still the celestial beings are mentioned
to be declaring that Sītā is pure (Sāhu tti sāhu devā bhaṇanti Sīyāe
nimmalam silam� 76.17-18). (In the VR Rāma entertains doubt. Devas
eulogise Rāma (6.117) and the deity of fire declares Sītā pure and
beyond reproach (6.118).
(vii) It is highly striking that both the works contain the same
details bearing not only upon the theme, but even upon the descriptions
falling between Rāma's entry into the Daṇḍakāraṇya and the
Candranakhā-episode in the PCV and Rāma's arrival at Pañcavaṭi
and the Surpanakhā-incidence in the VR. The PCV devotes three
cantos 41-43 while the VR four cantos 3.15-18. All the events and
descriptions are present in both the works, only with a small
difference in their order.
According to the PCV Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā enter the
Daṇḍakāraṇya. They take bath in the Karṇaravā river. Lakṣmaṇa
prepares various household articles with the bamboo plants (41.4).
Then after meeting Jaṭayu, they proceed further into the interior of
the forest. It follows a description of the flora and fauna. Then
comes the watersports of Rāma and Sītā in the Kroñcaravā river, which
follows a description of the rainy-season. They narrate various stories
among themselves. Then the winter-season is described (43.1-4). Then
follows the incidents of Sambūka and Candranakhā.
