Paumchariyam Part 02

Based on the provided pages from the Jain text "Paumchariyam Part 02" by Munishri Parshvaratnavijay, here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Overall Scope and Context:

This volume, "Paumchariyam Part 02," is the second part of a larger work titled "Paumchariyam" (also known as Padmacharitra or Ramcharitra) in Jain literature. It is presented with a Sanskrit commentary (chhaya) and has been researched, edited, and photographed by Muni Parshvaratnavijay. The publisher is Acharya Omkar Suri Aradhana Bhavan in Surat. The text is a Jain retelling of the epic story of Rama.

Key Aspects and Information Presented in the Provided Pages:

• Title and Authorship: The title is "Paumchariyam" (पउमचरियं), with the Sanskrit translation "Padmacharitra" (पद्मचरित्रम्) provided. The work is attributed to Acharya Vimal Suri, and the current edition is by Muni Parshvaratnavijay, with previous editors including Dr. Herman Jacobi and Muni Punyavijayji.

• Publisher and Context: Published by Acharya Omkar Suri Aradhana Bhavan, Surat, as part of the Acharya Shri Omkar Suri Gyanmandir Granthavali (Volume 66). The dedication is to HH Acharya Bhagwant Shri Jayaghosh Surishwarji Maharaj.

• Purpose and Sponsorship: The publication of Volume 2 of "Paumchariyam" is entirely funded by the Rander Road Jain Sangh, Adajanpatia, Surat, from their knowledge-based funds.

• Editorial Notes and Scholarly Discussion:

  • Origin and Importance: "Paumchariyam" is highlighted as a unique and ancient Jain text in Prakrit, being the oldest Jain Ramayana.
  • Scholarly History: The text was first edited by German scholar Herman Jacobi and published in 1914. Later, Munishri Punyavijay M. re-edited it, with a Hindi translation by Shantilal Vora published by Prakrit Granth Parishad in 1962 and 1968. A reprint was done in 2005.
  • Dating and Authorship Debates: The provided pages engage in a detailed discussion about the time period and sectarian affiliation (Śvetāmbara, Digambara, Yāpanīya) of the original author, Acharya Vimal Suri. While Vimal Suri provides specific details about his lineage and the time of composition (530 years after Mahavira's nirvana), modern scholars have differing opinions. The text references external sources like the Kuvalayamala (778 CE) and scholarly works by V.M. Kulkarni and Dr. K.R. Chandra.
  • Evidence for Śvetāmbara Affiliation: Several points are raised as evidence that the author and original text were Śvetāmbara, including:
    • The mention of "Jineśvara's teachings emanating from the mouth" and the compilation by Ganadharas (contrasting with Digambara beliefs about direct divine speech).
    • The use of the word "Śeyambara" (Śvetāmbara) multiple times.
    • Discrepancies in descriptions (like the height of Kulakaras) compared to Digambara texts like Tiloyapaṇṇatti, suggesting later interpolations by those with Digambara leanings.
    • The acceptance of female liberation (Kaikeyi's moksha).
    • The number of Devlokas (12, compared to Digambara 16).
    • The use of the term "Dharmalabha" (vs. Digambara "Dharmavriddhi").
    • The language being Mahārāṣṭrī Prākṛt, common in Śvetāmbara literature but not as much in Digambara literature (which primarily uses Śaurasenī).
  • Linguistic Analysis: The text includes an essay by Shantilal Ch. Upadhyay discussing "Jain Mahārāṣṭrī" language, its characteristics, and differences from classical Mahārāṣṭrī, noting the influence of Jain Ardhamāgadhī. It also cites Dr. Herman Jacobi's observations on the grammatical inconsistencies and archaic nature of the language, suggesting it predates fully codified Prakrit grammar. The essay provides examples of these linguistic variations.

• Content of Volume 2: The provided pages include a detailed table of contents (ग्रंथानुक्रमः [द्वितीय विभाग]) listing numerous chapters (Uddeshas or Parvans) covering various events and teachings from the life of Rama and related figures. These include:

  • Anjana's exile and birth of Hanuman.
  • Ravan's battles.
  • Descriptions of Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, Baladevas, Vasudevas, Prativāsudevas, their previous lives, lineages, and lifespans.
  • The origin of the Harivamsha.
  • The lives of Munisuvrata, Vajrabahu, and Kirtidhar.
  • The birth of King Janaka and Dasharatha.
  • Stories related to various sages and their teachings (e.g., Kapila's story on abstaining from meat).
  • The story of the curse on Kshema's daughter and the subsequent events.
  • The marriage of Kekayi and securing a boon.
  • The renunciations and paths to liberation.
  • The description of different eras (Sukhamā, Duṣamā, etc.).

• Specific Narrative Examples (from the scanned pages):

  • Chapter 17: Anjana's Exile and Hanuman's Birth: Depicts Anjana's unjust exile, her suffering, her meeting with a sage, her previous births, and ultimately the birth of Hanuman.
  • Chapter 18: Pawananjay and Anjana's Reunion: Describes Pawananjay's search for Anjana after her exile and their eventual reunion.
  • Chapter 19: Varuṇa's Defeat and Ravana's Reign: Details the war between Ravana and Varuna and Ravana's subsequent rule.
  • Chapter 20: Tirthankaras, Chakravartis, and their Histories: This chapter is extensive, providing details about the lives, previous births, gurus, cities, parents, birth stars, lifespan, and professions of various Tirthankaras, along with the stories of 12 Chakravartis and the cyclical nature of time in the Śarpiṇī and Avaparpīṇī periods.
  • Chapter 21: Mahatmya of Munisuvrata, Vajrabahu, and Kirtidhar: Focuses on the lives and spiritual accomplishments of these figures.
  • Chapter 22: The Greatness of Sukosala Muni and the Birth of Dasharatha: Covers Sukosala's asceticism and the lineage leading to Dasharatha.
  • Chapter 23: Vibhishana's Words: Includes a dialogue involving Narada, Dasharatha, and Vibhishana regarding a prophecy and the need for secrecy.
  • Chapter 24: The Marriage of Kekayi and Securing the Boon: Details the events surrounding Kekayi's marriage and the boon she received.
  • Chapter 25: The Four Brothers: Describes the birth and upbringing of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
  • Chapter 26: The Birth of Sita and Bhamandal: Recounts the previous lives and the circumstances surrounding the birth of Sita and her relationship with Bhamandal.
  • Chapter 27: The Defeat of the Mlecchas by Rama: Describes Rama's victory over the Mleccha forces.
  • Chapter 28: Obtaining the Bow and the Jewel: Details how Rama and Lakshmana obtained divine weapons.
  • Chapter 29: Dasharatha's Renunciation: Narrates Dasharatha's detachment from worldly pleasures and his turn towards spiritual pursuit.
  • Chapter 30: The Union of Bhamandal: Focuses on the events leading to Bhamandal's union.
  • Chapter 31: Dasharatha's Decision to Renounce: Describes Dasharatha's increasing detachment and eventual decision to become an ascetic.
  • Chapter 32: Dasharatha's Renunciation, Rama's Departure, and Bharata's Reign: Covers Dasharatha's renunciation, Rama's departure to the forest, and Bharata's ascension to the throne.
  • Chapter 33: The Story of Vajrakarna: Details a narrative, likely involving virtues and vices, highlighted by the story of Vajrakarna.
  • Chapter 34: Stories of Simhodara, Rudrabhuti, and Valikhilya: Presents narratives about these characters.
  • Chapter 35: The Story of Kapila: Focuses on Kapila's life, his encounter with a sage, and a discussion about karma and rebirth, particularly concerning meat-eating and its consequences.
  • Chapter 36: Vanmala: Recounts the story of Vanmala.
  • Chapter 37: The Greatness of Ativīrya's Renunciation: Highlights the asceticism of Ativīrya.
  • Chapter 38: The Story of Jita Padma: Details the narrative of Jita Padma.
  • Chapter 39: The Splendor of Countries and Dynasties: Describes the glory of various kingdoms and lineages, including those of the Ikshvaku dynasty.
  • Chapter 40: The Story of Ramgiri: Narrates an episode related to Ramgiri.
  • Chapter 41: The Story of Jatagi and the Bird: Features an encounter with Jatagi and a bird.
  • Chapter 42: Dwelling in Dandakaranya: Describes the period spent in Dandakaranya.
  • Chapter 43: The Killing of Sambuka: Recounts the episode of Sambuka's demise.
  • Chapter 44: Rama's Grief and Lamentation: Details Rama's emotional turmoil after Sita's abduction.
  • Chapter 45: The Suffering of Sita's Separation: Focuses on the pain and agony of separation from Sita.
  • Chapter 46: Maya and Illusions: Describes supernatural events and illusions used by antagonists.

• Sponsorship and Dedication: The book is dedicated to Acharya Bhagwant Shri Jayaghosh Surishwarji Maharaj. The publisher expresses gratitude to HH Acharya Bhagwant Shri Arvind Suri M.S. and HH Acharya Bhagwant Shri Yashovijay Suri M.S. for their inspiration and guidance. Munishri Parshvaratnavijayji M.S. and Sadhvī Shri Mahayashashriji are commended for their diligent work in proofreading and research.

• Overall Presentation: The text is presented in a scholarly manner, aiming to make the ancient Prakrit work accessible through its Sanskrit commentary and detailed annotations. The publication also aims to promote the study of Prakrit literature.

In essence, this volume of Paumchariyam is a significant scholarly publication that not only presents a Jain version of the Ramayana but also delves into the historical, linguistic, and sectarian aspects of Jain literature, making it valuable for both religious study and academic research.