Summary of Paumacariyam Part 2

This summary focuses on the content of Paumacariyam Part 2, a Jain text attributed to Acharya Vimalasuri. The book, published by Prakrit GrTanth Parishad in Ahmedabad, is the second volume of a larger work. This part of the Paumacariyam (also known as Paumacariya) continues the narrative of the Jain version of the Ramayana.

Key aspects covered in this volume include:

• Continued Narrative: Part 2 likely picks up from where Part 1 left off, detailing further episodes in the life of Padmacarita (Jain Rama) and the events surrounding him, his family, and his adversaries.
• Jain Interpretation of the Ramayana: As a Jain text, it presents the familiar story of Rama with a distinct Jain philosophical and ethical framework. This often involves emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa), asceticism, and the principles of Jainism in the characters' actions and motivations.
• Detailed Table of Contents: The provided pages reveal a comprehensive table of contents (Pages 14-15), listing numerous chapters (prakarana or parv) with titles that correspond to specific events or characters. These include:
  • Marital and Familial Events: Chapters concerning the reunion of characters, their personal dialogues, and familial relationships.
  • Battles and Conflicts: Numerous chapters detailing various stages of warfare, specific combats between heroes and villains, and the use of divine weapons (astras).
  • Religious and Ascetic Themes: Chapters relating to renunciation, vows, spiritual journeys, and the attainment of omniscience (kevala-jnana).
  • Previous Lives and Divine Interventions: Sections likely exploring the concept of karma through previous births and the influence of divine beings or celestial events.
  • Specific Episodes: Titles like "Ram-Lakshman's Meeting," "Ravana's Death," "Visalla's Previous Lives," and "Hanuman's Nirvana" indicate key plot points.
• Linguistic and Textual Apparatus: The introductory sections and appendices highlight the scholarly efforts involved in preparing this edition.
  • Editorial Work: Mentions of Dr. H. Jacobi's original edition and the revision by Muni Shri Punyavijayaji point to a critical approach to the text.
  • Hindi Translation: Professor Shantilal M. Vora's Hindi translation is included, making the Prakrit text accessible to a Hindi-speaking audience.
  • Appendices and Notes: The presence of appendices prepared by Dr. K. Rishabh Chandra, including "Variant Readings and Orthographic-Scribal Tendencies of the PC," indicates a detailed study of manuscripts. This section (Pages 16-21) delves into variations in readings, orthographical confusions, and scribal peculiarities across different manuscripts (J, K, and Kh), offering valuable insights into textual criticism.
• Acknowledgement of Support: The preface (Page 8) expresses gratitude to the Surat Tapgachch Ratnatrayi Aradhak Sangh Trust for financial support and acknowledges the inspiration and cooperation from various Acharyas and Muni Raj. This highlights the collaborative effort behind the publication of these ancient texts.

In essence, Paumacariyam Part 2 is a significant scholarly work presenting a critical edition and Hindi translation of a key Jain text, offering a detailed account of the Jain Ramayana narrative, enriched with linguistic analysis and religious context.