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 PAUMACARİYAN
According to the VR Sumantra escorts Rāma, Sīta and Laks. maņa in a chariot (2.40.12). They reach the river Tamasā (2.46), leave behind the citizens who voluntarily accompanied them, cross the rivers Tamasā (2.46.28), Vedaśruti (2.49-50), Gomats and Syandika, reach Srangaberapura and cross the river Ganges in a boat with the help of Guha, a Nişāda chief leaving behind Sumantra (2.52). Rāma asks Lakşmaņa to go back to Ayodhyā but the latter does not. Then they reach Prayāga situated on the confluence of the Ganges and the Jamuna (2.54.5) and pay homage to Muni Bharadvāja. They further proceed to the Citrakūta hill (2.56.12). There they pay homage to Valmiki and sojourn in a hut (2.56.23).
Now Sumantra reaches Ayodhyā and reports himself to Dasaratha. Daśaratha desperately dies in sorrow of separation (2.64.77). Then Bharata is brought to Ayodhyā from his maternal uncle's home (2.70). He rebukes his mother Kaikeyi and performs the last rites of his dead father (2. 77). He rejects the offer of kingship and goes to the Citrakūta hill along with his mothers and the royal paraphernalia to bring back Rāma (2. 83. 6). He informs Rāma of the death of their father, blames Kaikeys and requests Rāma to return and accept the throne. Kaikeyi is quite silent. She does not tell anything. Rāma remains true to the words of his father (2. 105. 39). Jābāli and Vasistha try to persuade Rāma but in vain. On a request from Bharata, Rämna gives away his sandals to the former (2. 112. 12). Bharata then returns to Ayodhyā. He shifts his capital to Nandigrāma and awaits the safe return of Rāma (2. 115, 17).
The TR follows the VR with some alterations and innovations. At Ssangaberapura, Sumantra requests Rāma to return to Ayodhyā, because Dasaratha wanted (2. 95) him to do so. Finding him unwilling, Sumantra again requests him to send back Sita (2. 96). Rāma advises Sītā to return, but she does not. Then follows the arrival of a Tāpasa and his homage to Rāma (2. 110). Tulasīdāsa further refers to the appearance of gods in the disguise of the Kolas and Kirātas and the construction of two cottages by them for the sojourn of Rāma (2. 133). Bharata on advice from Vašiştha places before Rāma three alternatives viz. Rama and Lakşmaņa along with Sita should return to Ayodhyā and Bharata and Satrughna should go to the forest or Lakşmaņa and Satrughna should return to Ayodhyā and Bharata will go along with Rāma or Rāma along with Sītā should go to Ayodhyā and the remaining three brothers should go to the forest (2. 268-269). Janaka also comes there on that occasion (2.273). A divine element of bearing fruits by the trees is also referred to (2.278). Rāma is ready