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

Page 120

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RAMA-STORY
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Sarama's sympathy for Sita (6.33-84); the efforts of Malyavat to set right Ravana (6.35-36); Rama's climbing on the Suvela to take a view of Lanka (6.37-39); the duel between Ravana and Sugrīva1 and the sending of Angada for sounding a final warning to Ravana (6.41). Thereafter a battle ensues between the Vanaras and the Rakṣasas. Herefrom the sequence of events as narrated in the VR does not agree with that of the PCV, but all of them have their counterparts in the PCV. First of all Indrajit having become invisible overpowers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa with his 'nagamaya saras' and captures them with the power of his māyā (6.44.33-38). Sugrīva and Bhāmandala are not seized here as in the PCV. Here Rāvana takes a flight in the Puspakavimāna and shows to Sītā wounded Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. Trijatā consoles Sītā. These episodes are not found in the PCV. Suddenly Garuda or Suparna appears there (6.50.36-41) and the serpent nooses of Rama and Lakṣmana loosen and they get cured by Garuda. Following that the Rākṣasa general Prahasta is killed by Nila (6.38.3f, 52-54), the chief of the Vanara army. Here Hasta is not mentioned, but preceding Prahasta's assassination Dhumrākṣa and Akampana as well as Vajradamṣṭra are said to have been killed by Hanumat and Angada respectively (6.51-56). So far Kumbhakarna (Bhanukarna) does not enter the battlefield. Then follows Ravana's duel with Sugriva, Hanumat, Aigada and Lakṣmaṇa, one after another. Here Lakṣmana is subdued by Ravaņa. Ultimately Rama routes Ravana out of the field (6.59). Then comes Kumbhakarna, first unwilling and abusing Ravana for his sinful act but being threatened by Ravana he has to accede. He captures Sugrīva (not Hanumat as in the PCV) and takes him away pressing him between his arms (6.67.66f). Sugrīva after some time gets released automatically. He tears off the ears and the nose of Kumbhakarna (6.67.84f). Angada and Hanumat are also, before the captivity of Sugrīva, mentioned to have fought with Kumbhakarna. Hanumat is said to have thought of helping Sugrīva to get released but he gave up the idea considering that his action might bring humiliation to his master i e. Sugrīva (6.57.79), who was himself brave enough to subdue Kumbhakarna. Ultimately Kumbhakarna is shot dead by Rama (6.67.171). In the PCV he is not killed.
The TR does not mention any espionage work against Rama after his crossing the sea and during his sojourn near Lanka. Before the beginning of the battle, Mandodari persuades Rāvana,
now for the
1. The Gaudiya and the N.W. versions of VR do not mention his duel (Bulcke, p. 377).