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 47

Pauma Cariya of Vimala Süri
29
Dasapura, and laid waste his territory for no other fault than his ardent and unflin. ching devotion to Jainism. 1 Rāma plays the part of the Defender of Faith (Jainism) in this episode, since he sends Lakşmana to rescue Vajrakarna and succeeds in bringing about reconciliation between the haughty and intolerant Simhodara and the pious Jain layman, Vajrakama. Lakşmana is offered in marriage many princesses by Simhodara and other kings; but he promises to marry them only aster regaining the kingdom of Rama. Then Rāma and party resume their journey at dawn, leaving behind in grief the people of Daśapura. They arrive at Kūpavarda and take shelter in a garden outside it. (Episode of Vajrakarņa. )
CANTO XXXIV :
Lakşmana goes to lake to fetch water for Sită. Prince Kalyanamálin (really, Princess Kalyānamalini ) sees him and falls in love with him. Kalyanamālin tells the party her tale and wl y she has to prove in man's attire. She entreats Rama to secure the release of Vālik bilya, her father, from the tonds of Rudrabhūti, the chief of the Kāgonanda Mlecchas. Lakşmana promises her to secure her father's release before long. After a three days' stay there, Rāma resumes his journey. They come to the Narmada. Crossing that river they get to a Vindhya-forest. They behold a Mleccha army and defeat it. The Mlecchas run to their chief, Rudrabhūti, who comes to the battlefield himself, but vanquished by Lakşmana, he sues for mercy. Rāma intercedes for the release of Valikhilya. Rudrabhūti, accordingly releases and conducts him to Rāma. Valikhilya praises Rama for his kindness. Rāma then resumes his journey. (Episode of Vālikhilya.)
CANTO XXXV :
Rama and party come to a dreary tract of land through which flows the river Tapti. Next day they come to the residence of Kapila in Arunagrama. He turns out Rāma. He is pupished by Laksmana but saved by Rāma. Rāma resumes his journey. Being drenched by rain-water they take shelter under a Nyagrodha tree. Půtana, a Yaksa chief, creates Ramapuil for Rāma and party. Kapila sees Ramapuri; he is told of Rama's charity. He goes there and adopts Jainism. Returning home he tells bis wife of his conversion. His wife has, however, already adopted Jainism. Kapila and his wife go to Rāmapuri. At the sight of Lakşmaņa Kapila takes fright and tries to run away, but is called back by him. Kapila pays his homage to Rama and party and expresses his regret for having once ill-treated them. Rāma consoles and honours Kapila. He attains to good fortune by the grace of Rama. Kapila in the end accepts asceticism. (Episode of Kapila. )
41 He accepts the duties of a Jain householder and resolves not to salute any one excepting
(the Jinas and) Jain monks (v. 49). This resolve of Vajrakarna strongly reminds us of a similar resolve made by Valin.