Ramayan Ka Adhyayan

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Ramayan ka Adhyayan" by Punyavijay:

The text, "Ramayan ka Adhyayan," written by Punyavijay and published by Punyavijayji, aims to introduce readers to the significant Jain literary contributions concerning the Ramayana narrative.

The Golden Age of Dharma: The author begins by characterizing ancient India as a "dharmaprachurya" (religious) land, a "dharmayuga" (age of religion). In this era, great souls who appeared were not confined to any particular sect, nor were they limited by any single sect. The sages and great seers of that time nourished the populace with pure religious nectar, leading to a life filled with elevated, clear, and expansive emotions. The author asserts that it is appropriate to call this era "rishiyuga" or "dharmayuga" as it was shaped by these enlightened beings.

The Importance of Jain Ramayana Studies: For those genuinely interested in studying the Ramayana, the author stresses the necessity of examining all available resources in India. It is noted that few scholars are aware of the meticulous work done by Jain Acharyas (scholars/monks) on the Ramayana. This short essay, therefore, focuses on introducing the important contributions and the various Ramayana texts, big and small, written in Prakrit, Sanskrit, and other languages by Jain Acharyas.

Key Jain Ramayana Texts Discussed:

1. Pauumachariyam (Padmacharita):

   • This is described as the oldest and most extensive Ramayana narrative work.
   • Its author is Sthavir Shri Vimlacharya, a disciple of Sthavir Rahaprabha of the Nagil lineage.
   • It was composed in Vir Samvat 530, corresponding to Vikram Samvat 60 or 4 CE.
   • Written in Prakrit, it contains approximately 9,000 Arya verses and is the most colossal among the Jain Ramayana texts.
   • Jain scriptures and Jain Acharya Padmanabha identify Shri Rama with this narrative.
   • The Prakrit name of the work is "Pauumachariu" (Sanskrit: Padmacharita).
   • It was competently edited by the late German scholar Dr. Jacobi and published by the 'Jain Dharma Prasaraka Sabha' in Bhavnagar, Saurashtra, in Vikram Samvat 1970.
   • The text is written in a detailed style and holds significance not only for Ramayana studies but also for literature, language, and social history.
   • The Padmapurana by Digambara Acharya Shri Jinasena is presented as an almost literal Sanskrit translation of this work.

2. Trishashtishalakapurushacharita, Seventh Parva:

   • The author of this extensive work is the renowned Acharya Shri Hemachandra.
   • The entire work comprises eleven parvas (sections), including ten main parvas and a supplemental parva.
   • The complete work in Sanskrit is approximately 32,000 verses long.
   • It was composed at the beginning of the 13th century Vikram era.
   • The seventh parva narrates the Ramayana in 3,500 verses.
   • Acharya Shri Hemachandra's intellect was universal; he strived to write with a broad perspective, studying both Jain and non-Jain texts on the subject. Consequently, his writings inherently possess depth.
   • The study of this work is considered very important for Ramayana researchers.
   • The entire epic work was published by the Jain Dharma Prasaraka Sabha of Bhavnagar in Vikram Samvat 1968.

3. Vasudevahindi:

   • This work is presented as an imitation of Mahakavi Gunadhya's "Vadukaha" (Sanskrit: Brihatkatha) written in Paisachi language. It is found in two parts.
   • The author of the first part is Shri Sanghadasagani Vachak, and the author of the second part is Shri Dharmasenagani Mahattar.
   • The language of the first part is Jain Prakrit, and the second part is in Magadhi-Shauraseni.
   • The first part has 29 "lambhakas" (chapters), and the second has 71, making the entire work approximately a hundred "lambhakas."
   • The first part contains 10,381 verses, and the second contains about 17,000 verses.
   • The first part was composed in the 6th century Vikram era, and the second is estimated to be from the 7th century. The composition periods of both parts differ.
   • It is important to note that the first part is complete; therefore, even without the second part, the work is not considered incomplete. Rather, it appears that the second part was created and researched purely from the author's imagination, not to complete an unfinished work.
   • The first part is also fragmented in the middle, and its concluding section has been lost. (A poetic reference is provided from Udyotana's Kuvalayamala-kaha).
   • This work describes the travels of Shri Krishna's father, Vasudeva, during his youth.
   • The text is significant for its diverse material on travel and the history of ancient narrative literature. It is also important for understanding and comparing the nature of Mahakavi Gunadhya's Brihatkatha.
   • German scholar Dr. Alsdorf studied this text from this perspective and wrote an article on the subject in a journal.
   • The first part of this work and its Gujarati translation were published by the 'Shri Jain Atmanand Sabha' in Bhavnagar. The original Prakrit text was edited jointly by Guru-disciple Shri Chaturvijayji Maharaj and the author. The Gujarati translation was done by Dr. Bhogilal J. Sandesara. A summary of the first part has also been published in Swedish.
   • Pages 240-245 of the first part contain a concise and important description of the Ramayana, which readers are encouraged to examine.

4. Chauppannama-purushacharita:

   • This work was composed in Prakrit in prose and verse by Acharya Shri Shilanka, also known as Shri Vimalmati, a disciple of Acharya Shri Mandeva of the Nirvrittikula lineage.
   • Its composition period is estimated to be between the 9th and 10th centuries Vikram era.
   • It has a verse count of 11,500.
   • In this work, Acharya Shri Shilanka briefly describes the Ramayana in context, with this section being only about 50 verses.
   • The text also includes a one-act play called 'Vibudhananda'.

5. Kathaavali:

   • This work was composed in Prakrit by Acharya Shri Bhadreswarasuri.
   • The approximate length of the text is 23,000 verses.
   • Its exact composition period is not known, but it is estimated to be no earlier than the 9th-10th centuries Vikram era.
   • In this work, the Acharya describes the Ramayana appropriately and in more detail than Vasudevahindi and Chauppannama-purushacharita.

6. Siyachariyam:

   • This text is in Prakrit.
   • The name of its author is unknown.
   • It has a verse count of 3,400.
   • The work is not a recent composition.

Further Jain Ramayana Literature: The author mentions that there are many other such texts in Jain literature besides those listed above. However, most of them are relatively recent and are essentially echoes of the aforementioned works. The specific texts highlighted are from Jain Shvetambara literature. The author also notes that in Digambara Jain narrative literature, numerous gem-like works such as Padmapurana, Tevathigunalankarachariya, etc., exist in Sanskrit, Apabhramsa, and other languages, composed in a highly mature style. Numerous compositions by Digambara and Shvetambara Acharyas, focusing on the Ramayana, also exist in Gujarati and Hindi. (Reference provided: 'Rashtrakavi Maithilisharan Gupt Abhinandan Granth,' Calcutta, E.S. 1959).

In essence, "Ramayan ka Adhyayan" serves as an important catalog and introduction to the rich and diverse tradition of Ramayana narratives within Jain literature, highlighting specific key texts and their authors, composition details, and significance.