Ramayan Ki Lokpriyata - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Ramayan ki Lokpriyata" by Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri, focusing on its key points:

The text "Ramayan ki Lokpriyata" (The Popularity of Ramayan) by Vardhaman Parshwanath Shastri, explores the widespread appeal and significance of the Ramayan narrative across various cultures and languages, particularly from a Jain perspective.

Key Arguments and Points:

Universal Appeal: The author posits that the Ramayan is one of the most revered texts in both Indian and Western cultures, appearing in some form across diverse languages and traditions.
Jain Ramayans: While acknowledging the Valmiki Ramayan as the oldest, the text highlights the prominence of the Jain versions.
- Paumachariya: This is presented as the oldest Jain Ramayan.
- Padmacharita (Padmapurana) by Ravishana: This is described as a subsequent important work in Sanskrit.
- Uttarapurana and Harivanshapurana: These texts also contain brief accounts of the Ramayan, with Uttarapurana noting minor differences in its narrative compared to Padmapurana. Harivanshapurana is said to focus on the "male aspects" of the Ramayan.
Jain Interpretation of Rama's Life: A significant focus is placed on the Jain understanding of Lord Rama's life and liberation (moksha). The text emphasizes studying how Rama managed his worldly attachments (moha, raga, etc.) during his life and how he detached himself from them in his final moments, seeing this as a key to understanding the "mystery of human life" and a reason for the Ramayan's popularity.
Idealized Characters: The Ramayan's main characters are portrayed as great and their lives as exemplary and imitable. Wherever they go, these places become sacred sites.
Ramayan in Regional Languages: The text details the Ramayan's presence and popularity in various Indian languages:
- Kannada: Mentions "Abhinavada Pampana" by Kavi Nagendra (considered a variation of Adi Pampa), "Kumudendu" by Munishri Kumudchandra, "Jina Ramayana" by Chandrasagar Varni, and "Norave Ramayana."
- Telugu: Lists "Raghvabhyudaya," "Tikuna Kruta Ramayana," "Sankshipta Ramayana," "Bhaskara Ramayana," "Ranganabhottara Ramayana," and "Kalpavriksha" as notable works.
- Tamil: Identifies Kambar's "Kamba Ramayanam" as the ancient and influential version, with subsequent Tamil Ramayans largely following it.
- Assamese: Mentions "Giti Ramayana" and "Loka Manas" as well-known works respecting Lord Rama.
- Malayalam: Highlights "Kannasa Ramayana" and "Kerala Ramayana" as ancient and popular.
Ramayan in Sanskrit: The text notes the mention of Rama in the Vedas (Rigveda) and specifically in the Yoga Vasistha. It reiterates Valmiki's Sanskrit Ramayan and lists other notable Sanskrit works like those by Bhavabhuti, Kshemendra, "Ramcharita," "Janakiharana," "Ramayanamanjari," "Abhiseka Nataka," "Uttararamacharita," and "Bala Ramayana."
Ramayan in Other Indian Languages: The text also confirms the existence of Ramayans in Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi (mentioning Tulsidas), Braj, Kashmiri, Marathi (mentioning Moropant and Dnyaneshwar), and Oriya.
Ramayan in Sacred and Puranic Literature: The Ramayan narrative is also found in:
- Samhita Shastras: Including Hiranyagarbha Samhita, Shuk Samhita, Mahashambhu Samhita, Brahm Samhita, Sadashiva Samhita, Vasistha Samhita, and Agastya Samhita.
- Puranic Literature: Mentioning Kalki Purana, Padma Purana, Kurma Purana, Dharma Purana, Vayu Purana, Baraha Purana, Vamana Purana, and Skanda Purana as texts that discuss the Ramayan story in various forms.

Illustrative Examples of Ramayan's Virtues (from a Jain perspective):

The text then provides several specific incidents from the Ramayan to illustrate the "greatness" and virtues of its main characters, demonstrating why it is so popular:

Rama's Refusal to Disturb Ravana's Penance: Rama refuses to allow Hanuman and Sugriva to disrupt Ravana's penance in a temple, even if it means losing a battle, because it's a place of worship. This highlights Rama's adherence to dharma.
Rama's Granting of Asylum to Vibhishana: Rama immediately crowns Vibhishana as the king of Lanka upon his seeking refuge, without prior testing. When questioned by Hanuman, Rama states it's his duty to offer protection to those who suddenly seek his refuge. He even promises the throne of Ayodhya if Ravana were to seek refuge, showcasing his magnanimity and foresight.
Laxmana's Modesty in Identifying Sita's Ornaments: When Rama finds ornaments, he asks Laxmana to identify them. Laxmana, devoted to Sita, refuses to identify them, stating he only knows her feet. This showcases deep respect and character refinement.
Rama and Laxmana's Steadfastness: Rama and Laxmana remain unaffected by the alluring attempts of Shambukumara's mother, demonstrating their unwavering commitment and control.
The Fate of Shambukumara and the Sword: Shambukumara attains the powerful "Suryahasa" sword after years of penance, but Laxmana accidentally kills him while testing the sword, illustrating the unpredictable nature of karma.
Rama's Abandonment of Sita and Sita's Message: Rama abandons the pregnant Sita out of fear of public opinion. Despite her predicament, Sita sends a message to Rama, urging him not to abandon dharma or neglect his kingly duties due to similar fears, highlighting her devotion and noble character even in adversity.
Sita's Trial by Fire (Agni Pariksha): The text begins to describe Sita's trial by fire, where she is to enter a burning pyre. Two celestial beings witness this and decide to intervene to uphold the importance of chastity in the world. (The text appears to be incomplete at this point, with a note indicating "Rest on page 133").

In essence, the text argues that the Ramayan's enduring popularity stems from its morally upright characters, their exemplary conduct, and the profound ethical and spiritual lessons embedded within the narrative, particularly as interpreted and embraced within the Jain tradition.