Collected Research Papers in Prakrit and Jainology Vol 02

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: University of Pune

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Dasaratha Jātaka presents the story of Rāma Pandita in nutshell. This story, written in Pāli, contains some queer Buddhist elements unlike Brahmanic or Jaina versions.
Thus the observations and remarks in this research paper are based on the Rāmakathās of (i) Vimalasūri, Ravişena, Svayambhū and Hemacandra, (ii) Gunabhadra and Āsādhara, (iii) Šīlānka and (iv) Dasaratha Jātaka.
The Method followed in the Paper
In the first place, the basic similarities in all Jaina versions are pointed out. The searchlight is thrown on the typical Jaina elements.
In the second part, the striking differences among these Jaina versions are noted in the light of some important points.
In the last part, conclusive remarks are presented on the basis of the abovementioned observations.
(A) Common Jaina Elements in all Jaina Versions of Rāmakatha (1) Tradition of 63 Salākāpuruṣas
All the authors of Jaina Rāmakathā claim that Rāmakathā was handed down to them right from Lord Mahāvīra through succession. Jaina tradition has created a format of 63 illustrated human heroes, of course in spiritual perspective. These are designations and all of them occur in
ANI
each Avasarpiņi and Utsarpiņi of the time wheel (Kälacakra). Rāma or Padma is the 8" Baladeva
(Balabhadra or Balarāma), Laksamana is the 8th Vasudeva (or Nārāyana) and Rāvana is the 8th
Prati Vāsudeva of the present Avasarpiņi.' Hanumāna is enumerated as among the 24 Kāmadevas but not included in the 63 Salākāpurusas in the Jaina Purāņa perennis. According to this format, all Jaina authors agree that Laksmana killed Rāvana. Both of them were born as infernal beings immediately after their birth as human beings. After a long span of time, after having gone through many cycles of birth and death, they will attain Liberation. Padma and Hanumana had attained Nirvāṇa while Sītā had attained heaven.
(2) Polygamy
In the format of Salākāpurusas, Baladevas and Väsudevas necessarily possess thousands of wives. All Jaina authors have depicted that Rāma, Laksmana and Rāvana possessed thousands of wives. In Vālmīki Rāmāyana, very few males are monogamists. The citations like THR 441: 24: (Vālmīki Rā. 2.8.12) may have inspired Jaina authors to picturise Rāma as polygamist. “The vow of complete celibacy' is greatly honoured in Jaina monachism but still Hanumāna is Kāmadeva and householder, he possesses many wives.
(3) Vānaras and Rākşasas
The Jaina authors have depicted Vānaras and Rākşasas as Vidyādharas or Khecaras, a variety of sub-human beings possessing various lores like Ākāśagamana etc. Vimalasūri has given
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