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 84

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RĂMA-STORY
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crown-prince. Then Rāma voluntarily went away to some hermitage to perform penance in favour of his younger brother. According to the Seri Rāma when Rāma heard the news of Bharata's coronation, he voluntarily left for the forest along with Lakşmaņa and Sita. According to some other version of Seri Rāma when Kaikeyi tells Rāma about her demand for the coronation of Bharata, Rāma leaves for the forest to lead the life of a Rși (Bulcke, p. 321).
The Simhalese Rāmakathā states that Rama alone goes to the forest and lives there for seven years to escape the inauspicious effect (condition) of the Saturn of his life. According to the Western Account No. 1 Rama retires to the forest for 12 years to expiate the sin of killing Tădakā. According to the Account No. 12 Rāma departed to the forest for performing penance at the age of 15 along with Lakşmaņa and Sita. According to No. 14 Rāma was cursed by a Brahmin, hence he accepted the request of Kaikeyi and voluntarily left for the forest (Bulcke, p.321).
C. Kaikeyi's attempt to call back Rāma :
According to the PCV, Rāma along with Sitã and Lakşmaņa proceeds towards (avaradisarn vaccantā) the west from Ayodhyā, enters the Pāriyātra (Pariyatta) forest, crosses the river Gam bhīrā and sojourns there. Some warriors who had accompanied him of their own accord go back to Ayodhyā and report the news to Bharata. Thereupon Dasaratha crowns Bharata and he himself becomes a monk (32.7.27). Now Aparajitā and Sumitrā get distressed due to the separation from their husband and sons. Kaikeyi is unable to bear the sight of the grief of her co-wives. She sends Bharata and herself follows him to call back Rāma. After meeting Rāma, she admits her fault, weakness and lack of sagacity and begs his pardon. She further requests Rāma to occupy the throne, because Bharata is merely a novice (Rajjam kerehi niyaya, Bharaho viya sikkhanio te; Mahilā sahāvacavala, adihapehi sahāvamailla; Tam me khamahi puttaya, jam padikūlar kaya tujjha 32.50.51). But Rāma does not swerve from his promise like a true Kșatriya. He anoints Bharata there in the forest and resumes his journey towards the south. Bharata returns home and reigns over the land. He waits for the day when Rāma would return and he (Bharata) would be able to shake off the burden of the kingdom and become a monk (32.96). On the other side Rāma traversing the forest comes across some hermitages of the recluses (33 3). From there he proceeds to the Citrakūta hill and sojourns there for four months (33.11).