Critical Study Of Paumacariyam

Author(s): K R Chandra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa

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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
SECTION II AUTHOR OF PAUMACARIAM, HIS SECT AND DATE
A. Author and his works :
The author of Paumacariyaṁ mentions in the Prasasti appended to the work that his name is Vimala (sūri). He is a disciple of Vijaya and a grand disciple of Acārya Rahu. He belongs to the Nailavamsa (PCV, 118. 118). He mentions thrice in the PCV that he is the author of it (PCV, 1.31, 90; 118. 118). No other work composed by him has so far come to light. It is Uddyotanasūri who for the first time mentions Vimalasäri. In his Kuvalayamala (p. 3, 11. 27-29) he pays tributes to Vimalasūri and refers to him as 'Harivaṁsuppattikārayam padhamam' and 'Harivamsam ceya Vimalapayaṁ.' It indicates that he had composed a work, namely, Harivamsa also (see JSI, p. 113). B. Sect of Vimalasäri:
Vimalasuri, the author of Paumacariyan does not mention any particular sect to which he belonged. Evidences available in the work do not prove his bias for any particular sect because some elements support the Digambara tradition, some the Svetāmbara tra. dition and some deviate from both the traditions. Therefore, it is difficult to put our author into any sectarian group.
Here we make a survey of various types of elements.
[1] The elements which agree with the Digambara or Svetāmbara tradition or are in conformity with some Digambara or Svetāmbara works can be arranged as follows:
Digambara Tradition:
1. There is mentioned in the PCV, 3.67 that Dhanada (Kubera) starts showering gems (rayanavutthi) fifteen months before the birth of the first Tirthařkara. According to the Svetām bara tradition it so happens only on the day of the birth of a Tirtharikara.
2. Lord Mahavira's soul is said to have descended directly into the womb of Trišala (PCV, 2.22).
3. The style of enumerating parentage, birth-places and naksatras associated with the Tirtharkaras (PCV, 20. 27-50) is like that of the TP (4.526ff) and not like that of Avaśyakaniryukti, 323-391.
4. The description of the Atisayas (PCV, 2.31-37; 4.34; 75.25-26) associated with the Tirtharkaras is generally on the line of the TP (4.896-914).