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 197

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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYA became impotent. Ahalyā was also cursed by Gautama to remain invisible for one thousand years and to return to her original form when Rama visited the place. At 7. 30. 17€ it is said that Indra becomes gloomy on being defeated by Meghavāhana (Indrajit). Then Pitāmaha (Prajapati) reminds Indra of his previous sin and narrates the above story and further adds that he himself had created Ahalyā very beautiful to look at. Indra had thought that she would become his wife, but she was married to Gautama. At this Indra became angry and committed adultery with her. Then Gautama cursed him to the effect that he would be subdued and humiliated in the battle by his enemy. The present defeat was the result of his ‘duşkịt'.
33. The previous birth of Srisaila or Hanu, or the story of
Damayanta:
When Añjana was banished by his mother-in-law, she entered a forest along with her companion Vasantamāla. There she paid homage to a muni meditating near a cave. Vasantamālā enquired of the monk about the cause of Añjanā's plight and the previous life of the unfortunate child who was still in the womb of Añjanā. Then the monk narrated the following story (17, 43-58) thereby explaining the fruits of observing penances.
Damayanta, the son of Priyanandin and Jayā of Mandarapura, on account of offering some gifts to a monk, passed through the birth of a celestial being and then was reborn as Simhacandra being the son of Priyangulakşmi and Harivāhana of Varapura. On account of his devotion to the religion, he passed through the life of a celestial being and was reborn as a son of Kanakodari and king Sukantha of Vijayārdha. He reigned Arunapura and in due course renounced the world under Muni Lakşmidhara during the tirtha of Vimalanātha. He observed penances and after passing through a celestial life, he was reborn as a child in the womb of Añjanāsundari.
The PCR (17. 141-164) names Varapura as Mrgāúkanagara and Harivāhana as Haricandra. The TSP (IV. p. 172) agrees with the PCR and the RPS (ch. 9) agrees with the PCR, but it names Priyangulakşmi as Priyalakşmi.
34. The previous birth of Añjanāsundari or the story of
Kanakodari : After narrating the preceding story the monk related the following story (17. 59-70) illustrating the consequences of desecrating a Jina. idol.