Story Of Rama In Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Saraswati Pustak Bhandar

Page 45

Pauma-Cariya of Vimala Suri
27
Sità only if he strings the Vajrāvarta bow and not otherwise. Being a captive Janaka agreed to the proposal. The Vajrāvarta bow was then brought to Mithi'ā and preparations for the Svayamvara of Sitā were made. The Vidyadhara and other kings were present on that occasion. All the kings tried to string the bow but in vain; Ráma, however, strung the bow with great ease; and won Sitā. Lakşmana too bent the bow. The Vidya dharas offered eighteen maidens in marriage to him. Bharata was very sorry at Rāma's valour. Kanaka, Jagaka's brother arranged a svayamvara of his daughter Subhadrā, at the instance of Daśaratha. Subhadrā chose Bharata as her lord. Then the weddings of Rāma and Sita, of Bharata and Subhadrā were celebrated in great pomp. (Acquisition of the gem-like bow by Rāma and Laksmana.)
CANTO XXIX :
Performing the ablution (abhişeka) of Jina idols, Daśaratha sends the sacred water to his wives. The principal queen, however, does not receive it, feels slighted, intends to hang herself. Dasaratha surprises her by his visit. She tells him her grievance. Just then the chamberlain brings the sacred water and pours it on the head of the queen. She is pac fied. The king demands an explanation of the chamberlain who excuses himself on the ground of oldage. That comes to the king as a warning that he too is ripe to say farewell to worldly things.98 Once a monk called Sarvabhūtasarana arrives there. Daśaratha listens to his religious discourse. (Dasaratha's disgust with worldly life and Arrival of the monk called Sarvabhūtasarana.)
CANTO XXX :
Bhamandala who is deeply in love with Silā starts for Säketa; on the way he sees the Vidarbha town, recollects his past birth and knows that Sitā is his sister. He then explains the whole mystery to Candragati, who gets disgusted with sansara, becomes a monk at the hands of the monk Sarvabhūtasarana. Next day Daśaratha goes to the park to pay homage to the monk. From him he learns the whole story of Bhamandala.38 To the rejoicing of all they all embrace each other. Dasaratha informs Janaka who comes there with his retinue. The parents' joy knows no bounds when they meet their long lost son. (Reunion of Bhāmandala with his parents.)
CANTO XXXI :
Sarvabhūtasarana narrates various past births of Daśaratha. Hearing the account of his previous lives Dasaratha decides to enter the ascetic order. He orders his ministers to make preparations for Rāma's abhişeka. Bharata is enlightened at Dasaratha's resolution to become monk. Kaikeyi but feels very sorry. She is about to lose
38 Similar motifs responsible for causing 'vairāgya in a person are frequently met with in Jain
literature. 39 Psycolog cally it is quite possible that a brother who is, from the very beginning, brought
up separately might fall in love with his own sister - being unaware of the circumstance that the girl whom he loves is his own sister !