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 PAUMACARIYAN Rāma, the efforts of Mālyavān to set right Rāvana, the duel between Sugrīva and Rāvana and killing of imaginary Sítā. 6. In the battle Prahasta becomes the first casualty, thereafter Sugrīva is captured by the enemy as in the PCV. 7. No bringing of any mountain peak by Hanumān. 8. The order of the incidents which took place with Sītā in Larikā before the arrival of Hanumān agrees with that of the PCV. 9. Rāvana-carita is narrated in the beginning as in the PCV.
There are very few points of resemblance. The Ramopakhyāna does not contain the Uttarakända of Rāma-story i.e. the banishment of Sītā and Lava-Aukusa-Carita whereas the PCV contains them therefore, the Rāmopākhyāna cannot be considered as the source of PCV's Rāma-kathā. However, the points Nos. 6, 8 & specially 9 reveal that the planning of the PCV is influenced by it.
D. What do the Peculiarities of Paumacariyam Reveal ?
Vimalasuri was, as discussed in the preceding pages, not only. well-acquainted with the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa but was also influenced by it. A comparision of Rāma-story of both the works has revealed that the Paumacariyam has many differences with the Valmiki Rāmāyaṇa as regards the details. How we shall systematically arrange those differences and try to find out whether the differences have been willfuly affected by Vimalasūri to mould the Rama-story in a way different from that of Vālmīki Rāmāyana or he had backing of some other tradition.
The differences reveal the following peculiarities in the PCV :
There is largely absence of (1) Worderful elements; (2) Divine elements; (3) Exaggerations and (4) Unbelievable things. (5) The story sounds realistic. (6) Under various circumstances the characters have been elevated and (7) there is total absence of Brahmanical atmosphere. (8) The story moves in the Jaina atmosphere; and (9) there are some other elements fitting in with the story of Vimalasūri's plan and pattern.
1. Absence of Wonderful Elements :
No golden deer. No magnifying of his body by Hanumat. No talking with the Maināka mountain. No reference to Hanumat's assuming the form like a cat. No attempt of Hanumat to grab the sun.