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 364 of: Paumacariya (critical study)
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External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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SOCIAL CONCITIONS 16.30-34; 19.3-12). It was 335 It was a general desire of the sons that their
father should take rest and remain at ease while they themselves should
shoulder the works of greater responsibilities and risk.
Elder brother's responsibility:-On the death of the father, the
responsibility befell on the eldest brother. At the time the eldest brother
acquired the responsibility of a father and he looked after the well-
being of the whole family. Thus he became the head of the family.
According to the rule of primogeniture, the eldest son became the
king. It was the eldest son who was married first and thereafter
followed the marriages of the younger ones. The elder brother was
obeyed as the guardian (9.27-50; 38. 17). In accordance with Rama's
wishes after his return from exile Lakṣmaṇa accepted the rulership
of Ayodhya (85. 14-20).
Mutual affection between Brothers and Sisters:-Brothers had unbound
love for one another. Bharata did not like to trangress the right of his
elder brother, Rama to the throne of Ayodhya but he had to accept
the crown when Rāma completely refused to becme the king and
accepted voluntary exile (31.90-92; 82.44-53). It was Lakṣmaṇa's
unfettered affection for his elder brother that he accompanied Rāma
in exile and fought for him against Rāvaṇa. As a younger brother
Lakṣmaṇa considered it his duty to prevent Rāma from exiling Sītā
but his efforts did not prevail (94. 5-20). It was the affection of Rama
for Satrughna that Rāma installed the latter as the king of the city
of the latter's preference (86. I). Vibhīṣaṇa wanted good of his brother
Rāvana. Therefore. he often advised the latter to release Sītā but
Rāvaṇa's own misconduct brought about his own end (See 7. 15-35;
103. 10-15 also).
other.
Brothers and sisters bore deep affection for each
Brothers were prepared to take any risk for the safety and well-being
of their sisters. (54.46; 55. 47). It was out of regard for his sister that
Bhāmandala immediately ran to the assistance of Lavaṇa and Aṅkusa
fighting with Rāma (99. 35-44). Whenever a sister was kipnapped,
abducted or seduced, her brother took immediate measures for her
safety, security and well-being¹. In distress a brother hoped to get
shelter under his sister (77.90). Similarly a sister sought help from her
brother (64. 19-20). Sister's affection for her brother always remained
alive. Sītā knew that her brother was kidnapped but when she suddenly
heard of his presence she could not believe it and wept on remembering
the unfortunate incident (30.33-35). It was an occasion of great
1. 9. 10-19; 77.85-87.
