Paumchariyam Part 03 - Book Summary

This Jain text, "Paumchariyam Part 03," authored by Parshvaratnavijay and published by A. Omkarsuri Aradhana Bhavan, is the third volume of a comprehensive work on the life and teachings of the Jain Tirthankaras, focusing on the story of Ram, presented through the lens of Jain tradition.

Key aspects and content highlighted in the provided pages:

Title and Authorship: The book is titled "Paumchariyam (पउमचरियं)" and is part of the "A. Omkarsuri Gyanmandir Granthavali" series, specifically volume 67. The author is identified as Muni Parshvaratnavijay. It also acknowledges the previous editorship of Dr. Herman Jacobi and the re-editing by Muni Punyavijay. The current volume's "Chhayakar-Sanshodhak-Sampadak" (photographer, researcher, editor) is Muni Parshvaratnavijay.
Publisher and Location: The publisher is A. Omkarsuri Aradhana Bhavan, Gopi Pura, Surat.
Purpose and Audience: The text is explicitly stated to be "For Personal & Private Use Only" and "Jain Education International For Private and Personal Use Only," indicating its distribution for educational and personal study within the Jain community.
Content of Volume 3: The provided pages give a detailed table of contents for Volume 3, listing numerous chapters (Pravan) from 47 to 88. These chapters cover various episodes and aspects of the narrative, including:
- Character-focused narratives: Sugeevakhyan (The Story of Sugriva), Hanumatsanprasthanam (Hanuman's Journey), Vibhishanasamagam (The Meeting with Vibhishana), Madhurasurvadha (The Killing of Madhura), and the stories related to various characters like Lakshmana and Ravana.
- Key Events: The text details significant events such as the abduction of Sita (Sita haran), the retrieval of the magical jewel (Kotishilauddharan), and the various battles and encounters between the Vanara army (Ram's army) and the Rakshasa army (Ravana's army).
- Detailed descriptions: The chapters include descriptions of places (like Lankapuri, Saketpuri), the powers and abilities of characters (e.g., Vidyadharas, magical weapons), and the philosophical context of Jainism (e.g., karma, rebirth, liberation).
- Theological and philosophical elements: The text touches upon concepts like Vairagya (detachment), tapas (austerities), and the pursuit of Moksha (liberation), as seen in the stories of characters taking to monastic life.
- Discussions on authorship and dating: The introduction in page 7-11 delves into scholarly discussions about the author Vimalasuri, his time period, his branch of Jainism (Svetambara, Digambara, Yapaniya), and compares the text with other versions of the Ramayana narrative. It also discusses the use of certain words and grammatical structures that point towards its Jain origins and potential historical dating.
Sanskrit Commentary: The text is presented with a Sanskrit commentary ("Sanskrit Chhaya Sah"). The preface highlights the aim of providing this Sanskrit commentary to facilitate a deeper study of the text.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to Param Tapasvi P.P. Acharya Bhadresh Shri Jitendrasurishwarji M.Sa.
Financial Support: Page 6 mentions that the publication of Volume 3 was funded by the "shravika baheno" (female lay followers) of the Shri Juna Disa Jain Sangh.

In essence, Paumchariyam Part 03 is a vital volume in a Jain retelling of the Ramayana story. It meticulously details the epic journey, battles, and philosophical underpinnings of the narrative from a Jain perspective, offering insights into the lives and teachings of its revered figures.