Story Of Rama In Jain Literature

SR No.: 022775
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Saraswati Pustak Bhandar
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 278
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 27 MB

Page 35

Pauma-Cariya of Vimala Sari
when there were only three castes, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Sūdras. The origin of the Vidyadharas, a kind of demigods is related. Nami and Vipami due to Indra's favour founded their kingdom on the ranges of the Vaitādhya mountain. (Description of the region of the Vidyadharas.)
CANTO IV :
Canto IV relates the wanderings of Rşabha and his obtainment of perfect knowledge. The battle between Bharata and Bahubali is described; and the origin of the Brāhmaṇas13 during Rşabha's period is related. The capto at the close informs us of Rşabha's nirvāna. (The topics of the arrangement of the things in the world, Rşabha and the origin of Brāhmaṇas )
CANTO V:
Canto V speaks of the origin of four great families -- Iksvaku, Soma, Vidyadhara and Harivamsa; it parrates the story of Ajita, the second Jina with all manner of preliminary stories and of Sagara;14 it also describes the history of the Rakşasa dynasty of Lankā-dvipa. It is interesting to note the etymology of the word Rakşasa. 16 (The Topic of the Dynasty of the Räkşasas. ) CANTO VI :
Canto VI tells the story of the Vānara dynasty. On the Vānąradvipa there was the city of Kişkindhi. Srikantha, at the instance of the Lord of Lankā ruled over it. Srikantha found there troops of Vanaras whom he held in regard. The arches of gates, banners and the like were decorated with the paintings of Vānaras who were looked upon with veneration by the kings in the family of Srikantha. The Vidyādhas a race of Srikantha came to be called Vanaras owing to
13 vv. 115-17 of the previous canto speak of the origin of the three castes - Ksatriyas. Vaisyas
and Sūdras. It is said there that Rşabha was the author of the threefold order of castes according to their varying functions. And y. 79-84 of this canto speak of the Brāhmaṇas. Note why the Brāhmaṇas are so-called
मा हणसु पुत्त एए ज. उसभजिणेण वारिओ भरहो ।
तेण इमे सयल च्चिय वुच्चति च माहणा लोए ॥ As against this we are told in the Hindu scriptures (e. g., see Manusmộti Ch. I. v. 87 ff.) that the four castes are created from the mouth, arms, thighs and feet of the creator and that of them the Brāhmaṇas are the highest. The account given here, demonstrates the
profound antagonism of the Jains towards the Brahmanas. 14 The story of Sagara and his 60000 sons, told here, is very much different from the one
given in the Valmiki's Rāmāyana ( Book I. 38-44). 15 वखंति रक्खसा खलु दीवा पुण्णेण रक्खिया जेण ।
qui ft Aliut #gali FC 11 - V. 257