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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
various preceptors. This fact is widely observed in the Caritas of illustrious persons of the Jaina faith, composed by various Jaina authors. The 'nāmāvalis' were the memory verses which served as an aid to teachers in their expounding the narratives handed over to the successive pupils by the oral tradition.
So far as the present evidences go Vimalasuri seems to have composed his epic on the basis of 'nāmāvalis' and the details he traditionally inherited from his preceptor.
B. Influenc of VR and PCV's Counter Influence on the VR.
1. Vimalasuri's Acquaintance with the VR:
Vimalasuri emphasises the point how he was inspired to compose Paumacariyam. His inspiration is expressed through king Śrenika. He entertains some doubts in the story popular in the 'loyasattha' i. e. lokasastra (PCV, 2.105-107). He feels that the popular Ramayana which contains many inconsistencies is composed by liars (PCV, 2.116-117). He approaches Gautama, the first Gapadhara of lord Mahāvīra and requests him to narrate the true story of Padma (PCV, 3.3). The unbelievable elements incorporated in the popular Ramayana are mentioned by the author. Thoy are (PCV, 2.105-117; 3.8-13) as follows:
A. Rama killed a golden deer. B. Rāma stealthily assassinated Vali for the cause of Sugrīva and Sutārā. C The Vanaras were monkeys. D. The monkeys built a bridge. E. The monkeys fought and killed the Rākṣasa warriors though the latter were far superior in valour. F. The celestial Indra was imprisoned and was taken over to Lanka. G. The Rakṣasas used to take flesh and wine. H. Kumbhakarna, brother of Ravana slumbered continuously for six months. He never woke before that period, even if, elephants trampled over his body or ears were filled with (boiling) oil measuring many pots or drums were beaten sounding very loudly. On being tormented by severe hunger, he used to swallow elephants, buffaloes, human beings and the Suras (Devas).
The earliest work which contains all these inconsistencies as alleged by our author, is the Valmiki Ramayana. The following portions of the VR contain the respective inconsistencies:
(A) 3.42-44 (B) 4.8-26 (C) 5.10.54; 5.33; 6.4.63-67 (D) 6.23. (E) 6.40, 43-44, 52-56, 59, 69-70, 77, 82, 93, 96-99 (F) 7.29
