Paumchariu Part 4 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Paumchariu Part 4," based on the chapter titles and descriptions from the index:

Overview:

"Paumchariu Part 4," authored by Swayambhudev and edited by H.C. Bhayani, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith, is the fourth installment of a Jain retelling of the Ramayana narrative. This volume focuses heavily on the "Yuddha Kand" (War Chapter), detailing the escalating conflict between Rama's army and Ravana's forces, including major battles, diplomatic attempts, personal duels, and the eventual turning points of the war.

Key Events and Chapters:

The book is structured into several "Sandhi" (chapters or episodes), each detailing specific events:

Sanvaani Sandhi (Envoy Sandhi): This section begins with an assessment of the war situation. It describes the chaos in Ravana's army upon seeing Rama's forces, Vibhishana's attempts to reason with his brother Ravana (leading to Vibhishana being insulted), Indrajit's support for Ravana, and a proposal for peace. The chapter culminates in Vibhishana's departure from Ravana's side, his meeting with Rama, discussions in Rama's war council, and finally, a meeting between Rama and Vibhishana leading to a treaty.
Attavanvi Sandhi (Fifty-eighth Sandhi): Rama proposes sending an envoy to Ravana. The qualities and faults of potential envoys are discussed, and Angada is chosen. The chapter then details the messages from Rama, Lakshmana, Bhamandala, Hanuman, and Sugriva to Ravana. Angada's arrival in Ravana's court, his proposal for peace with the condition of Sita's return, Ravana's mockery of the envoy, Indrajit's provocative suggestions, and Angada's indignant return are described. The chapter concludes with Rama and Lakshmana preparing for further action.
Unasathvi Sandhi (Fifty-ninth Sandhi): This chapter describes Ravana's preparations for war, the mobilization of various warriors, their wives' reactions, dialogues between warriors and their wives, and the departure of the allied forces for battle. It depicts both armies assembling on the battlefield.
Sathvi Sandhi (Sixtieth Sandhi): Rama's army marches for war. The chapter introduces all the warriors on Rama's side and their preparations. It also names Ravana's warriors and describes their military formations and the departure of the armies. Several wrestling matches are mentioned, and the war commences. The chapter highlights the reactions of two celestial nymphs (Deva-balas) to the war.
Ikasathvi Sandhi (Sixty-first Sandhi): The chapter describes the military campaign and the clash between the two armies. It details individual duels and brave fighting. It also mentions Rama's army's initial defeat, the commentary from the celestial nymphs, Indrajit's battle with Nala and Nila, duels involving other prominent leaders, and the death of Hastaprahasta.
Basaathvi Sandhi (Sixty-second Sandhi): Rama welcomes the victorious Nala and Nila. The chapter describes inauspicious omens for Ravana. Ravana wanders in the city in disguise and talks with his major generals. He is pleased and encouraged by the warriors' loyalty to their king.
Basaathvi Sandhi (Sixty-second Sandhi - repeated or a continuation): This section appears to describe the preparations of both armies at sunrise. Ravana's army departs and clashes with the opposing forces. Duels between prominent warriors are described. Gods observe the battle from the sky. Major warriors from Rama's side suffer defeat. The chapter ends with the cessation of fighting at dusk and Rama's state of anxiety, with his soldiers and commanders offering him comfort.
Chausaathi Sandhi (Sixty-fourth Sandhi): The two armies clash again in the morning. The comparison of arrow-shooting with grammar is mentioned. The 'lion' that is Rama attacks the 'bull' (presumably Ravana's forces). Tumultuous battles ensue, with duels between other prominent warriors. Sugriva and Hanuman enter the fray, with Hanuman engaging in a fierce and stormy battle. Mali confronts Hanuman, leading to a chaotic battle where Hanuman is cornered.
Paisath Sandhi (Sixty-fifth Sandhi): This chapter describes Hanuman's enthusiasm and power, his widespread destruction, and his eventual liberation. Rama's commanders encircle Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna retaliates with magical weapons. Indrajit enters Pushpa (presumably Pushpaka Vimana or Lanka). Sugriva is captured. Bhamandala and Meghavahana clash, Bhamandala is cornered, and Rama remembers the Garudi (snake-charming) knowledge. The knowledge arrives with Sampamphama (possibly a character or a magical entity), and the Nagapasha (snake-garland) is shattered. Bhamandala and Sugriva return to their army, welcomed with shouts of victory.
Chhiyasath Sandhi (Sixty-sixth Sandhi): Upon sunrise, both armies prepare again. The chapter describes the armies and the dust caused by the soldiers. It details the injuries of the soldiers. Nala and Nila enter the battlefield and stabilize their side's situation. Ravana enters his home and has two conversations with Vibhishana. Vibhishana admonishes Ravana, leading to a conflict between the brothers, the use of various weapons and arts, and Ravana's use of the Shakti weapon. Lakshmana is wounded by the Shakti. Rama clashes with Ravana, and celestial damsels are delighted to witness this. The chapter ends with the battle concluding and lamentation over Lakshmana's injury.
Sarasath Sandhi (Sixty-seventh Sandhi): Seeing the state of his army, Rama laments. The description of a ascetic demoness is given. Rama praises Lakshmana. The unfortunate Sita Devi learns of Lakshmana's injury. A demoness attempts to lure Sita back to Ravana's side. Ravana searches for his soldiers after the evening battle, expresses sympathy and remorse for his dead commanders. Rama comforts his soldiers and prepares for the destruction of the enemy, devising a strategy. The 'Pamyuha' formation is described. The state of the injured Lakshmana is depicted.
Adsath Sandhi (Sixty-eighth Sandhi): This chapter details Rama's sorrowful lamentation over Lakshmana's absence. The arrival of King Pratibandra is described, along with his introduction of Vishalya. The message is conveyed that Lakshmana can be freed from the Shakti's effect by Vishalya's bath water. Vishalya's narrative and her past life's events are recounted. Bharat asks the great sage about it. The description of 'Anangsara' (who will become Vishalya in a future birth) is given.
Unasathari Sandhi (Sixty-ninth Sandhi): Rama appoints commanders to bring Vishalya. The departure of a group of commanders and their journey are described, including the sea, mountains, and rivers (Mahanadi, Narmada). Their entry into the Vindhyachal region, passing through Ujjain, and entering Malwa. The description of Malwa, their entry into Ayodhya, and its description. The meeting of the commander Bhamandala with Bharat. Bharat's reaction to Lakshmana's injury and his lamentation. Aprajita's cry and Vishalya's request. The description of Vishalya and her arrival at the war camp. Due to her radiance, the Shakti leaves Lakshmana's body. Lakshmana is healed by Vishalya's fragrant balm. A new stir in Rama's army. Upon regaining consciousness, Lakshmana sees Vishalya, her portrait, and their marriage.
Sattari Sandhi (Seventieth Sandhi): The impact of the banyan tree metaphor is described. Ravana becomes furious upon hearing that Lakshmana is alive. Mandodari tries to pacify her husband. The ministers praise Mandodari, but Ravana reacts negatively. Ravana proposes a treaty to Rama through a messenger. Rama rejects Ravana's proposal. The messenger describes Rama's army. The messenger's return and Lakshmana's sharp reprimand to him, along with proud words. The arrival of spring. The celebration of Nandishwar puja. Religious ceremonies in Lanka.
Ekahattari Sandhi (Seventy-first Sandhi): Ravana enters the Shantinath Jin Mandir. The natural beauty of Nandishwar mountain and various sports are described. The cleanliness and purification of the house, magnificent Jin puja, and the description of the Shantinath Jinialaya. Ravana's worship of the Bahurupini Vidya before the Abhishek of Jinendra. Praising Shantinath Prabhu and chanting hymns. Worship of the Bahurupini Vidya. Rama, Sugriva, and Hanuman try to obstruct him, but Ravana remains firm.
Bahettari Sandhi (Seventy-second Sandhi): Angada and Angada enter Lanka. The description of Lanka and Ravana's palace. Their entry into the Shantinath Mandir. Their entry into Ravana's inner chambers. Bowing to Lord Jin. Ravana creating obstacles. The magical display of Ravana's inner palace. Ravana's firmness and the accomplishment of the Bahurupini Vidya. Ravana's praise of Lord Shantinath. His departure with the Bahurupini Vidya. Ravana's anger upon seeing the state of the inner chambers. Ravana's departure from there along with the ceremony. The description of the journey to the inner chambers. Ravana's entry into his home.
Tihahtari Sandhi (Seventy-third Sandhi): Ravana's daily routine: oil massage, bathing, visiting Lord Jin, worship, coming and eating, resting, and sitting on the Trivruta-bhushan to go near Sita Devi. The display of Bahurupini Vidya. Ravana's temptation of Mahasati Sita Devi, Sita's rebuke, Ravana's disappointment and return to his inner chambers.
Chauhattari Sandhi (Seventy-fourth Sandhi): Description of sunrise and dawn. Pratap arrives at the court and sits. He remembers the insult of his son and brother. Ravana enters his medicinal hall. Various inauspicious omens occur. Upon the request of the elders, Mandodari again tries to persuade Ravana. Ravana's proud words. Mandodari's harsh criticism of Ravana. Preparations for war and departure for battle. Description of the war battlefield. Lakshmana draws his bow. Various commanders take up their weapons. Military formations of the armies. Clashes between different groups and warriors. Description of the elephant corps. Heavy casualties on both sides. The spread of battle dust. Mada's engagement with the elephant corps. Description of the battle. Warriors striking each other.

Overall Theme:

This part of "Paumchariu" focuses on the intense and prolonged war between Rama and Ravana. It highlights the strategic and tactical aspects of warfare, the bravery and loyalty of warriors, the emotional toll of battle, and the personal struggles of the characters, particularly Rama's grief and determination after Lakshmana's injury. It also emphasizes the divine intervention and the underlying moral and spiritual principles guiding the actions of the characters, particularly within the Jain context. The narrative is rich in descriptions of battles, duels, and the prowess of various characters, portraying the war as a pivotal event in the larger epic.