Critical Study Of Paumacariyam

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

Page 60

SUMMARY .
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the purpose of visiting the Jina shrines. The general leaves her behind in the forest as he was ordered to do. Sítā screams there in agony and terror. Vajrajangha, the king of Pondariyapura, happens to pass by that way and listens to the pitiable cry of Sīta. He approaches her, consoles her, escorts her to his capital and looks after her as a brother.
97-100. In course of time Sítā gives birth to two sons, Lavana and Arkusa (Aņaigalavana and Mayana ikusa). They receive education under Kșullaka Siddhartha (Siddhattho nāma cellao). Lavaņa marries Saśicūlā, the daughter of Vajrajaigha while Aukusa marries Kanakamalā, the daughter of king Pșthu of Pịthvīpura after defeating him in the battle. Then they conquer various countries and return to Pondariyapura. Thereafter learning from Närada about their mother's miserable fate and getting it corroborated from their mother they attack Sāketa despite Sīta's opposition. In the ensuing battle the weapons of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa become ineffective against Lavana and Arkusa, hence the formers get depressed. At this Siddhārtha and Nārada intervene and acquaint them with the parentage of Lavaņa and Aukusa. Rāma along with Lakşmaņa greets his sons and returns to Sāketapurī along with them.
101-105. Rāma at the request of Sugrīva, Vibhīşaņa and Hanu, agrees to accept Sītā provided she convinces the public of her chastity, Sita is then brought to Sāketa. She rebukes Rāma for his cruel behaviour. Ráma expresses his helplessness and arranges for a fireordeal in which Sītā emerges successful. Rāma implores her to forgive him and to live with him. Sītā consoles Rama but does not like to get re-entangled into the worldly miseries. She renounces the world and becomes a nun. Kștantavadana also renounces the world. In course of time Sītā is born as a Prati-Indra of the Acyuta, a celestial region.
106-108. Gautama narrates the svayamvara-ceremony of Mandakint and Candramukhi. They select Lavana and Aïkusa as their spouses respectively. At this eight sons of Lakşmaņa feel depressed and consequently renounce the world. Then follows the demise of Bhāmandala, the initiation of Hanu and his wives and the emancipation of Hanu.
109-118. Gautama continues to narrate that once two curious celestial beings descend at Saketa for testing the deep mutual affection of Rāma and Lakşmapa. They conjure up a situation as if the ladies of the harem are bewailing the death of Rama. At this Lakşmana receives great shock and dies instantly. This incident inspires Lavaņa and Ankuśa to renounce the world. Rāma being overpowered with