Critical Study Of Paumacariyam

SR No.: 022643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: K R Chandra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa
Publication Year: 1970
Total Pages: 672
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Book_Devnagari
File Size: 18 MB

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COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RAMA-STORY
In the Anamakam Jātaka the nephew monkey sends many monkeys in search of the queen. They meet a wounded bird on a hill. informs them of the whereabouts of the Naga who had kidnapped the queen. Thereafter no messenger is sent but a direct attack is mentioned.
According to the Uttarapurana1, Aņumat goes to Laikā twice before the slaying of Vali. During the first mission Aņumat takes the finger-ring with him (68.293). There is no mention of his fight with Mahendrarāja or the meeting with king Gandharva and Lankasundari. Aņumat assumes the form of a wasp and then searches for Sītā in Lanka Sītā is said to be seated in the Nandanavana of Lanka (68.307). Aņumat secretly observes the arrival of Ravana and his attempt to coax Sītā. Mandodari intervenes and saves Sītā from being tortured by Ravana (68.340) as in the VR. Here Mandodari's natural love of a mother rises in her heart. She sympathises with Sītā, advises her to be firm and goes away (68.363). Aņumat then assumes the form of a monkey and hands over to Sītā the casket which he brings from Rama (68.365). Sītā takes out the ring, reads the letter and feels cheerful. She takes food on being requested by Anumat (68.374-5). Then Aņumat returns to Rāma and acquaints him with Sita's plight (68.376). On the advice of Angada, Rama sends again Aņumat to Lanka, this time as an envoy to find out the solution peacefully through the good offices of Vibhiṣana (68.392). Vibhiṣaṇa takes Aņumat to Ravana but their conference fails for Ravana gets annoyed and scorns Aņumat. Vibhīṣaṇa intervenes and sends back Aņumat to Rāma (68.434). It does not refer to sending of any confidential news by Sitā to Rama of her genuineness. Aņumat apprises Rama of the arrogance and the unwillingness of Ravana to give up Sītā. Then Rāma along with his army starts towards Lanka and halts in the Citrakutavana for the time being (68.439).
The Mahapurana agrees with the UP. It additionally mentions that at first Sītā does not believe that Aņumat is a genuine envoy of Rama. Aņumat then convinces Sītā of his genuineness by telling her a private incident of her life with Rāma. He tells her about the love quarrel she had with Rama and Rama's subsequent efforts in pleasing her. He refers to the applying of 'Tilaka' on her forehead by Rama (72.26-27). On being convinced she accepts the casket and the letter from Aņumat.
1. The UP and the MP refer to the lifting up of Kotisila by Laksmana but it is done after rescuing Sitä from Ravana and after the consecration of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa (See Sec. 9B).