Aspects of Brahmanical Influence On Jaina Mythology

Author(s): Shaktidhar Jha
Publisher: Bharat Bharti Bhandar

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( viii ) tions I have endeavoured to explore all important sources and have tried to present the matter in its true perspective as far as possible
The work consists of nine chapters besides an introduce tion which deals with different aspects of Brāhmanical contribution to the growth and development of the Jaina Purānic lore The results of the investigation have been recorded in the proper contexts in every chapter Hence, no elaborate conclusion has been given in the sequel.
The first chapter presents a general survey of the Jaina puranas and Carlas with reference to their undebtedness to the great cpics-the Rāmāyana and the Mahābharata. The second chapter studies thc Brāhmanical definition of Purana, examines the Jaina definition and after a comparative appraisal shows how close the Jaina definition is to the Brābmanical one. The third chapter presents the Jaina accounts of the Manvantaras, critically examines the Soetambara and the Digambara versions in the context of the Brāhmanical description of the Mandantara ages and refers to points of similarity subsisting between the Brāhmanıcal and the Jaina accounts of the growth and development of human society The fourth chapter discusses different Jaina versions of the dynastic lists and genealogical accounts and compares them with the Brāhmanical presentation of the same The fifth chapter dwells on the Jaina representation of the origin of the Thşvāku race and its branches and discusses in detail the points of agreement and disagreement between different Jaina versions on the one hand and between thern and the Brahmanıcal accounts on the other. The sixth chapter contains the results of the critical examination of the Jaina accounts of the origin and pedigree of the Harz dynastythe Jaina counterpart of the Brāhmanical radu-Vamsa-na powerful branch of the Atla racc The Seventh chapter takes stock of the sects of the Jaina Purānakāras with special reference to the nomenclature of their narrative works Besides that, it also throws light on the extent of influence of the myths and legends of Brāhmanical origin on thc allusive section of the Jaina narratives as evidenced by their rcferences to some of the less known mythic figures and their associations The