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鈥檚 version.
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388
A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYA峁�
Mustard seeds were thrown in the four quarters to offset the
effect of evil spirits for the protection of the new-born children (97.10).
For the same purpose a string of the nails of tigers was worn by the
children (97.10). Jaina worship was performed to avert the conseque
nces of a bad augury (93.6). Deities were invoked for the safety of
life (63.1).
It was a general belief that some deities spread epidemic (63.68)
and it could subside by the mere arrival of pious monks (89.40) in
the affected area. The poisonous effect of a snake-bite could be nullified
by touching the feet of a pious monk possessing some supernatural
powers (77.93). Bath water of a woman born with some divine
qualities could cure diseases (63.29-31). Fever could be cured
by the mere sprinkling of water by a chaste woman (22. 67). It is stated
that the effects of snake bite, evil spirits and diseases (gahabh奴yora-
gapis膩yav膩h墨o n膩sei 48. 85) could be cured by a medicinal bracelet
(vejjaka岣峚ya). The (mantras) chants were also used as a means of
treating the ailing persons (22. 64; 81. 12; 110. 27).
It was believed that one possessed some superhuman power on
account of the penances performed in his previous life (64.31, 49).
Deeds of the past life were considered to be responsible for the
consequences of the present life and even the deities could not undo
them (45.35).
D. Lucky Physical Characteristics
In the PCV (2. 15-18) some lucky physical characteristics of king
艢re峁噄ka are given. It was believed that great men possessed these
characteristics. R膩va峁嘺 is also said to have 32 such characteristics
(batt墨sasulakkha峁嘺samaggo PCV, 11. 105-6). Further the residents of
Bhogabh奴mis are mentioned to be possessing 64 auspicions physical
characteristics (Causatthilakkha峁嘺dhara PCV, 102.130). The JP (Su.
29) also corroborates it. In the F墨v膩j墨v膩bhigama (Su. 111, 147) one can
find details about these characteristics.
SECTION 7. SUPERNATURAL ELEMENTS.
The people of ancient India had great faith in the existence
and efficacy of supernatural elements. They are dealt with in this
section.
The PCV furnishes ample information as regards the faith of
people in supernatural element. It is through these elements that
righteousness and moral virtues are glorified by providing attraction
for heavenly existence, pleasure, happiness and extraordinary physical
