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.
Page 352 of: Paumacariya (critical study)
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SOCIAL CONDITIONS 323 Baṭuka Kapila was a typical orthodox Brahmin. He used to bring
fruits and sticks of wood (samiha) to perform daily scrifical rites.
The sacred fire remained kindled in his house (aggihottagharam). He
would daily go to the forest, bring the darbha
bring the darbha
grass, holding a
Kamandalu in his hand¹. He would not allow improper persons to
enter his house to avoid impurification of his residence (35.5.27).
Two Vipra brothers, Indhana and Pallava are said to be
devoted to the duty of accepting alms and offering gifts 'bhikkādāṇu-
jjayā' (58. 5).
Kṣirakadamba is mentioned to be a teachar who taught the
Aranyaka sastras (11. 8-9). Airakucchi was the teacher of the sons of
Dasaratha (25. 18-24).
Purohitas formed a distinct class among the Brahmins because
of their duty, of officiating at sacrifices. They are referred to be
descending to the hells on account of officiating at animal-sacrifices
(purohiyā homakaraṇujjuttā 14. 16). Many Brahmins are mentioned
to be vouchsafing and liberally taking part in the cermony of an
animal sacrifice which was being performed by king Marutta
(11. 47).
Vimuci wandered from place to place for receiving alms (dakk-
hiṇākankhī 30. 63). Giribhūti and Gobhūti were favoured with gifts
by a queen (55. 36).
The above mentioned Batuka Kapila is a typical example of a
greedy Brahmin (Ch. 37).
Occupations and position :-The primary means of their livelihood
were (bhikkhā) begging-alms, receiving presents from kings and other
persons when they officiated at sacrificial ceremonies. They also
worked as counsellors to the kings. Hemaṅka was bestowed with gifts on
account of his intelligent advice to the king (saṃpāvio ya riddhi
apegadāṇābhimaṇeṇa� 77.80). Dasaratha offered valuable presents
to the teacher of his sons and honoured him greatly (sammāṇadāṇa-
vibhaveṇa 25.36). Bhārgava on account of his learning held a position of
respect among the kings and became abundantly rich (dhaṇariddhisaṃp-
autto savvanarināṇa aipujjo 77.83). They also held the eniviable
position of royal priests (5.31;26.6;82.37;41.45;5.105). The learned
Brahmins used to hold debates on religion with their opponents
1. Manu lays down that a Brahmin snātaka should always keep with him
a bamboo-staff, a Kamaṇḍalu of water, sacred thread, Vedas, golden
earrings, a girdle and a deer-skin (4. 36; 2. 64),
