Studies in Jain Literature

Author(s): V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre

Page 49

ORIGIN OF THE STORY OF RAMA IN JAIN LITERATURE
has raised clearly point to the fact that he has in mind Valmiki's Rāmāyaṇa. The questions or doubts that presume some versions of Rāmāyaṇa and the corresponding passages from the Ramayana of Valmiki which give rise to these doubts are set forth as follows :
(a) How the great Rākṣasas, though very strong, were killed by the Vanarasmonkeys? 2. 105
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How that mighty hero of the Rākṣasas, viz. Rāvaṇa, was defeated by the Vanaras, who are 'tiryak'-lower animals ? 3.9
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa does represent the Vanaras as lower animals, e.g., Yuddhakaṇḍa Book VI (Canto 4, vv. 63-67) speaks of their 'Kilakila' cries and lashing of their tails, and Sundarakāṇḍa Book V (Canto 53, vv. 5-8) speaks of the tail of Hanumat-the Vanara hero; and Book V (Canto 10, v.55) clearly brings out that he belonged to the monkeyrace: "He struck on the ground his tail, kissed his own tail, rejoiced, jumped about, sang, ran about, went up the pillars and fell down, thus showing in many ways that he belonged to the monkey race".
Rāvana's defeat was due to the valour of Vanara chiefs and Vanara army no less than to the valour of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. This is evident from the description of single combats and battles as given in the Yuddhakāṇḍa. It tells us that Sugrīva killed three of the biggest giants of Rāvana's side viz., Kumbha, Virūpākṣa and Mahodara. Hanumat brought down Ravana's son, Akṣa, and among the most important Rākṣasas he killed were Devantaka, Triśiras and Nikumbha. Nala, Nīla, Angada and other great heroes have also many exploits to their credit. In fact, excepting Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa and Vibhīṣaṇa with his four counsellors, the whole of the army led by them against the Rākṣasas consisted of lower animals who ultimately caused the downfall of Rāvana.
(b) It is reported in the popular scriptures that all the Rākṣasas led by Rāvana used to eat and drink meat, blood and marrow.
Sundarakāṇḍa (V. Canto 5, v. 11 f) tells us of Hanūmat's visit to Rāvana's Banquet hall where he found various kinds of birds' and beasts' flesh kept ready for Ravana's consumption, and cups of wine. In the Aranyakāṇḍa (III. Canto 2 vv. 12-13), the Rākṣasa Virādha himself tells us that he used to seize a saint to make meal of him and that his lips would quaff the blood of Rama and Lakṣmaṇa. In Aranyakāṇḍa (III. Canto 19, vv. 19-20) we are told of Surpanakha's desire to drink the blood of Rama, Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā. Aranyakāṇḍa (iii. Canto 38, v.3) speaks of Mārīca as one given to eating the flesh