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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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
is mentioned as one of the sons of Sagara. Devendraganin, the commentator of the Uttaradhyayana mentions Bhagiratha as the son of Jahnu.
27. The previous births of Rakṣasa Mahārakṣa or the story of Pritinkara:
Following the enumeration of the kings of the Rākṣasa dynasty and the story of the previous birth of Bhagiratha, Maharakṣa is said to have developed aversion on having seen a bee die in the interior of a lotus. He paid homage to monk Śrutasagara and asked him about his previous birth. The monk narrated the story (5.227-235) illustrating the results of forming a 'nidana'. Having listened to this story
Mahārakṣa renounced the world.
Prītinkara, the son of Hitankara and Madhavi of Potanapura once eulogised the Jinas on having learnt that the king of that town had performed a great worship of the Jinas. Thereafter having been reborn as an Yakṣa, he saved a monk from a calamity in Aparavideha. Being again reborn as Udita, the son of Khecara Taḍitangada and Sriprabha in the Vijayardha, he saw the splendour of a celestial being proceeding to perform the worship of the Jinas and resolved (nidana) to do the same, He performed penances and was reborn as a celestial being in the Iśana Kalpa. From there he was reborn as Mahārakṣa.
The PCR (5.345-355) contains the same story. The PCS (5.5.16) does not refer to this previous birth story.
The RPS (ch.3) agrees with the PCV.
28. The previous birth of Vanara Śrikantha or the story of two merchant brothers:
The previous birth of Vanara Śrikantha is narrated following his installing as the first lord of Vanaradvipa. Once having got enlightened by the splendour of Indra and finding himself unable to reach the Nandiśvaradvipa, Śrīkantha enthroned his son, Vajrakantha and himself renounced the world. Vajrakantha then requested a monk to narrate the previous birth-story of his father. The monk related it (6.60-65) to him illustrating the fruits of saving other's life.
The wives of two merchant brothers caused dissention between the brothers. The younger one adhered to the wrong faith while the elder one observed the layman's vows. Once the younger one killed a man before the king. The elder saved him by giving some