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. 293 intervenes (VR- Lakṣmaṇa warns Sugrīva that he will be killed by
Rāma. Tārā intervenes and pacifies Lakṣmaṇa). (2) Hanumān climbs
up the tree (having changed his form) and drops the ring before Sītā.
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Dynasties: (1) The origin of Ikṣvāku Vamsa is influenced by
the Adipurāṇa and TSP and its genealogical list is influenced by the
PCV and the TSP. (2) The origin of Vidyadhara Vaṃśa is influenced
by the PCS and its genealogical list is influenced by the PCV and
HVPJ. (3) The origin of Hari Vamsa is influenced by the HVPJ,
TSP and AP.
Intervening-Stories.
The following alterations are affected in the Ravana-Carita:-
(1) Indra designated his territory as 'Svarga' and the Vidyādharas
as Devas (It is an influence of the PCS and the VR). (2) Rāvana
assumed the form of Indra and raised the peak of Kailāśa with
his one lakh arms.
3. There is influence of the PCV also : -It does not mention that
Sudarsanacakra was seized by Rāvana from Nalakūbara.
4. There is influence of the PCS also :-Naming of Daśamukha in
his boyhood. Agreeing of by Indra's Lokapālas also to perform menial
services in Laikā. Fastening of Varuṇa's soldiers by Hanuman with
his ‘Langüla' charm.
Other Stories:-As regards other intervening stories which are
based on those of the PCR there are minor droppings, alterations,
modifications, and additions also. A few stories are altogether
omitted A few have different sources. Generally the influence of
other works is also there.
1. The following stories are omitted :-No. 10 (Sanatkumāra),
28, (Previous birth of Śrīkantha) & 63 (sons of Śrīṣeṇa), Story No. 61
and 62 are mixed, taking characters from the former and the theme
from the latter.
2. There is influence of the PCV :-Story No. 56 (previous birth
of Lavaṇa and Ankusa) and 60 (Atmaśreyas and the Mystic ring).
3. There is influence of the PCS :-Story No. 8 (Bharata and
Bahubali).
4. There is influence of the TSP :-Story No. 35 (previous birth
of Hanu) and 39 (previous birth of Mleccha Senāpāti).
5. There is influence of the Uttarapurāṇa:-Story No. 17 (Origin
of Animal Sacrifice). Story No. 16 (Origin of Brāhmaṇas) is modified
in the light of Uttarapurāṇa.
