Mahapurana Part 4

Mahapurana Part 4: A Summary

This fourth volume of the Mahapurana, authored by Pushpadant and edited by P. L. Vaidya, presents the life stories of the 20th Jain Tirthankara, Munisuvratnath, and the 8th Narayan, Rama, along with his companions, Lakshmana (Vasudeva) and Ravana (Prativasudeva). The text covers chapters (Sandhis) 68 to 80, comprising 13 chapters.

Key Points and Narrative Structure:

• Context: The publication of this volume as the fourth part is to make Pushpadant's "Ramayana Kavya" independently available to readers. The 68th Sandhi introduces Munisuvratnath, as it was during his time that Rama, Lakshmana, and Ravana were born. The next volume, the fifth, will focus on the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminath, and the 9th Narayan, Krishna, along with his companions.
• Pushpadant's Motivation and Challenges: After completing the first part of the Mahapurana (covering the life of the first Tirthankara, Rishabhnath), Pushpadant felt disillusioned with the creative process. It was only through the earnest request of minister Bharat that he was persuaded to continue writing. He then described the lives of 20 Tirthankaras (from Ajitnath to Munisuvratnath) before embarking on the Ramayana narrative. During the creation of this Ramayana, Pushpadant felt a renewed sense of hope and enthusiasm due to the glorification of Baldev (Rama) and Vasudev (Lakshmana). However, he expresses his limitations, stating he lacks the materials and expertise of earlier poets like Svayambhu and Chaturmukh, who also composed Ramayanas. He humbly requests forgiveness from the learned assembly and begins his work.
• Jain Ramayana Narrative:
  • Previous Lives: The narrative begins with the previous lives of the characters. Rama and Lakshmana were friends in their third birth as Prince Chandraquel and Minister's son Vijaya. After committing misdeeds and being exiled, they became Jain monks and eventually reborn as gods in the Pranata heaven. Later, they were reborn as Rama and Lakshmana in the lineage of King Dasharatha.
  • Munisuvratnath's Role: The 20th Tirthankara, Munisuvratnath, is introduced. His teachings and influence are highlighted, especially in the context of the spiritual development of the characters.
  • The Ramayana Story: The Jain version of the Ramayana unfolds, featuring key events such as:
    • The marriage of Rama to Sita.
    • The abduction of Sita by Ravana.
    • The alliance of Rama with Sugriva and Hanuman.
    • The descriptions of the war, the death of Ravana by Lakshmana.
    • The subsequent events like Vibhishana's coronation and Rama's extensive conquests.
    • Rama and Lakshmana's eventual renunciation and attainment of liberation.
• Character Portrayals:
  • Dasharatha: Initially not a Jain, Dasharatha embraces Jainism after being advised by his minister Atisayamati. His role as father of Rama and Lakshmana is significant, though the specific incident of Manthara's request for exile is absent.
  • Janaka: Janaka's character is not fully developed but he is portrayed as the king of Mithila, who believes in animal sacrifice for heavenly merit. Unable to protect his own sacrificial ceremony, he invites Dasharatha.
  • Rama: According to Jain texts, Rama is the 60th Balabhadra and the son of Kaushalya. The text emphasizes his strength, beauty, and adherence to Jain principles. He defends the Vedic (animal sacrifice) rituals. After his victory over Ravana, he performs Jain rituals and then eventually renounces the world.
  • Ravana: Ravana is portrayed as a powerful king with significant spiritual and temporal power. His actions, like the abduction of Sita, are explained through his previous births and karmic consequences. His death is attributed to Lakshmana.
  • Laxmana: Lakshmana is described as Rama's younger brother, possessing great strength and valor. He plays a crucial role in the war and the eventual victory.
  • Sita: Sita is presented as the daughter of Ravana in a previous life, born as Manivati. She is portrayed as a devoted wife, upholding chastity and righteousness.
• Philosophical and Ethical Themes: The text integrates Jain philosophy, emphasizing karma, renunciation, non-violence (ahimsa), and the pursuit of liberation (moksha). It critiques practices like animal sacrifice and highlights the importance of ethical conduct.
• Literary Style: Pushpadant's writing is characterized by its rich vocabulary, intricate descriptions, and devotional tone. The narrative is interspersed with philosophical discourse, ethical teachings, and poetic embellishments, including detailed descriptions of nature, seasons, and emotions. The language is Apabhramsa, with scholarly annotations and Hindi translations provided.
• Critique and Context: The critical evaluation sections discuss the historical context of Jain literature in India, its relationship with the broader literary tradition, and the specific contributions of Pushpadant. It also touches upon the linguistic evolution from Prakrit to Apabhramsa and its influence on early Hindi literature.

This volume, therefore, offers a unique Jain perspective on the epic Ramayana, weaving together the lives of Tirthankaras and the narrative of Rama within the framework of Jain dharma and philosophy.