Paumchariu Part 2

The provided text is an excerpt from the Paumacariu (also spelled Paumachariu or Paumacaru), a Jain epic poem in Apabhramsa, composed by Kaviraja Svayambhudeva. This specific volume, Paumchariu Part 2, is a critical edition with an elaborate introduction, index verborum, and appendices, edited by Dr. Harivallabh C. Bhayani and published by Singhi Jain Shastra Shiksha Pith, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bombay, in V.E. 2009 (1953 AD).

Summary of the Content:

This second part of the Paumacariu covers the Ayodhya Kanda and the Sundara Kanda of the Jain version of the Ramayana. The text begins with a detailed preface and general editor'Forword, highlighting the significance of the work and the contributions of the Singhi Jain Series.

Key Events and Themes Covered:

The summary provided within the text itself (titled "A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE NARRATIVE IN SANDHIS XXI-LVI") outlines the major events from the Ayodhya Kanda and the Sundara Kanda:

Ayodhya Kanda (Sandhis XXI-XXXIV):

• Birth and Marriage of Rama and Lakshmana: The narrative starts with the prediction of Ravana's death at the hands of Dasaratha's sons. Vibhishana's attempt to assassinate Dasaratha and Janaka, and their escape.
• Dasaratha's Boons to Kaikayi: Kaikayi reserves two boons for future use.
• Birth of Princes: Ramachandra, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are born to Dasaratha's queens. Janaka and Videha's children, Bhanmandala and Sita, are also introduced.
• Bhanmandala's Abduction and Upbringing: Bhanmandala is abducted by a god and raised by the Vidyadhara king Chandragati.
• Rama and Lakshmana's Rescue Mission: They defend Mithila from barbarian hordes.
• Rama's Marriage to Sita: Sita is betrothed to Rama.
• Bhanmandala's Love for Sita: Narada inadvertently shows Sita's portrait to Bhanmandala, leading to his infatuation.
• Dasaratha's Renunciation and Bharata's Coronation: Dasaratha, contemplating mortality, decides to renounce the world and crowns Rama.
• Kaikayi's Jealousy and Rama's Exile: Kaikayi demands the kingdom for Bharata, leading to Rama's voluntary exile to the forest with Lakshmana and Sita.
• Bharata's Unwillingness and Sita's Role: Bharata is reluctant to accept the throne, and Sita accompanies Rama into exile.
• Encounters and Episodes: The narrative unfolds through various episodes, including:
  • Rama and Lakshmana facing attacks from barbarians.
  • The story of Vajrakarna and Simhodara.
  • The episode of Kalyanamala, who is disguised as a man.
  • The encounter with Rudrabhuti and Kapila.
  • The episode of Vanamala, and her marriage to Lakshmana.
  • The conflict with Anantavirya, King of Nandavarta.
  • The episode of Jitabaghma and the test of the Saktis.
  • The encounters with Kulabhushana and Deshabhushana, detailing their past lives and divine interventions.
  • Kulabhushana's sermon and predictions.
  • Rama's life as a forester.
  • The episode of Jatayu and his previous lives.
  • Lakshmana acquiring the magic sword Surahasa and rejecting Chandranakha.
  • Chandranakha's report to Khara and Dushana, and the subsequent battle.
  • Ravana's abduction of Sita, aided by a magic power.
  • Jatayu's attack on Ravana and his subsequent death.
  • Rama's search for Sita, his sorrow, and consolations from sages.
  • Lakshmana's role in defeating Khara and Dushana.
  • Ravana's unsuccessful attempts to win Sita's heart, including Mandodari's intervention.
  • Vibhisana's sympathy for Sita and the circumscription of Lanka with a magic fortress.

Sundara Kanda (Sandhis XLIII-LVI):

• Defeat of Sham Sugriva: Sugriva is defeated in a fight for Tara's sake and seeks help from Rama and Lakshmana.
• Hanumat's Identification and Victory: Hanumat is identified as the capable person for the mission to Lanka, and after being won over by Rama, he consents to go as a messenger.
• Hanumat's Journey and Victories:
  • Hanumat defeats Mahendra, his mother's father.
  • He encounters the daughters of King Dadhimukha.
  • He destroys Ashali and Vajrayudha and marries Lankasundari.
  • Hanumat meets Vibhisana and then finds Sita in Lanka, delivering Rama's ring.
  • He devastates the royal park and kills Ravana's son Akshaya Kumara.
  • Indrajit captures Hanumat, who then delivers a sermon to Ravana.
• Hanumat's Escape and Return: Hanumat breaks free from bonds, destroys Ravana's palace, and returns to Kishkindha, delivering Sita's message and crest jewel to Rama.
• Rama's March to Lanka: Rama prepares to march to Lanka, accompanied by his army. They cross the ocean and encounter resistance from Setu and Samudra, who are eventually defeated and join Rama's side. They reach Mount Suvela, and the army encamps at Hamsadvipa.

Metrical Analysis:

The text also includes a detailed "Metres Employed in the Paumacariu Sandhis 21-56" section, which categorizes and lists the various metres used in the Ayodhya Kanda and Sundara Kanda, further contributing to the critical nature of this edition.

Overall Significance:

This volume of the Paumacariu is a crucial resource for understanding the Jain version of the Ramayana, offering a unique perspective on the familiar epic narrative from a religious and philosophical standpoint. The critical edition by Dr. H. C. Bhayani ensures scholarly rigor in presenting the Apabhramsa text. The Singhi Jain Series, established in memory of Seth Sri Dalchandji Singhi, plays a vital role in preserving and disseminating Jain literature. The preface also pays tribute to the patrons and editors, emphasizing the dedication to promoting Jain knowledge.