Valmiki Ramayanam Part 03

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Valmiki Ramayanam Part 03," based on the scanned pages.

Book Title: Valmiki Ramayanam Part 03 Author(s): Amar Publication Publisher: Amar Publication Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020793/1

Overall Scope: This volume is identified as "Part 03" of the Valmiki Ramayanam, specifically covering the "Aranyaka Kanda" and the "Kishkindha Kanda." The text includes extensive commentaries and annotations from various scholars, including Govindarajiy, Ramanujiy, Maheshwar Tirth, Munibhavaprakasika, and Saty Tirthiyadi. This indicates a scholarly edition focused on deep textual analysis and interpretation within the Jain tradition.

Key Institutions and Blessings: The pages prominently feature acknowledgments and blessings from:

• Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir.
• राष्ट्रसंत श्रुतोद्धारक आचार्यदेव श्रीमत् पद्मसागर सूरीश्वरजी म. सा.

These indicate the text is part of a larger Jain scriptural project and is supported by prominent Jain monastic figures and institutions.

Content Summary (Based on Scan):

The provided pages offer glimpses into the beginning of the Aranyaka Kanda and the start of the Kishkindha Kanda.

1. Start of Aranyaka Kanda (Approximately Page 8 onwards):

• Introduction: The volume begins with invocations to Shri Mahavir, Acharya Buddhisagarsurishwar, Acharya Kailassagarsuri, and Shri Sudharmaswami, highlighting its Jain lineage. It introduces the Aranyaka Kanda as the continuation of the Ramayana narrative, focusing on the protection of the virtuous (sajjan samrakshanam).
• Ram's Entry into the Forest: The narrative begins with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita entering the vast forest (maharanya), specifically Dandakaranya. The description emphasizes their determination and lack of fear (atmavan, durga).
• Description of the Hermitage: The text provides a vivid description of the sages' hermitages (tapasanmandal). These are depicted as serene and spiritual places, adorned with sacrificial offerings (yajna), sacred texts (brahma lakshmya), and natural beauty. They are described as protected and revered, filled with the sounds of Vedic chants (brahma ghosh) and the presence of celestial beings (apsara gan).
• Encounter with Viradha: The initial sections describe the entry into the forest and the initial impressions of the sages' abodes. The text then transitions to the encounter with the rakshasa Viradha.
  • Viradha's Appearance: He is described as fearsome and monstrous, with specific physical attributes mentioned (e.g., gambhiraaksha, mahavaktra, vikata, bhibhatsa).
  1. Viradha's Challenge: Viradha confronts Rama, mistaking him and Lakshmana for ascetics and questioning their presence with a woman (pramadaya saha). He expresses his intention to capture Sita and consume their flesh.
  • Rama's Reaction and Battle with Viradha: Rama and Lakshmana are enraged by Viradha's words and actions. The text describes the battle, with Rama using arrows and Lakshmana employing his strength. Despite being pierced by numerous arrows, Viradha is described as resilient.
  • Viradha's Demise and Instruction: Eventually, Rama and Lakshmana manage to defeat and kill Viradha. Before dying, Viradha reveals his identity as a cursed celestial being and instructs Rama on the proper disposal of his body (burial in a pit), a method of liberation for rakshasas in that forest. He also blesses Rama and directs him towards the hermitage of Sharabhanga.
• Encounter with Sharabhanga: Rama and Lakshmana proceed towards the hermitage of the sage Sharabhanga.
  • Sharabhanga's Boon: Sharabhanga, a great sage (maharshi), greets Rama and explains his impending departure to the celestial realms, having received a boon to ascend after seeing Rama. He directs Rama towards the hermitage of the sage Sutikshna and offers blessings.
  • Encounter with Indra: The text describes Rama seeing the celestial chariot of Indra arriving to take Sharabhanga.
• Journey to Sutikshna's Hermitage: Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita proceed towards Sutikshna's ashram. The description of the journey highlights the beauty and serenity of the forest, mentioning various flora and fauna.
• Sutikshna's Welcome and Guidance: Sage Sutikshna welcomes Rama and his companions. He provides guidance on the path ahead, mentioning the hermitage of Agastya and the forest of Panchavati, which is described as a suitable and auspicious place for their stay.
• Arrival at Panchavati: Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita arrive at Panchavati. They are welcomed by the hermitage's inhabitants and begin their life there.
• Encounter with Shurpanakha: The narrative then shifts to the arrival of Shurpanakha, the rakshasi sister of Ravana.
  • Shurpanakha's Infatuation: She is immediately captivated by Rama's divine beauty and form.
  • Shurpanakha's Advances: Shurpanakha approaches Rama, expressing her desire to be his consort. She disparages Sita.
  • Rama's Rejection and Lakshmana's Action: Rama, upholding dharma and his vow of loyalty to Sita, rejects Shurpanakha. Lakshmana, angered by her audacity and insults towards Sita, disfigures her by cutting off her nose and ears.
• Shurpanakha's Revenge and Ravana's Involvement: Humiliated and furious, Shurpanakha flees to her brothers, Khara and Dushana, and then to her brother Ravana in Lanka, detailing the events and seeking revenge.
• Khara's Army and Battle: Khara, enraged, mobilizes his vast rakshasa army (fourteen thousand strong) to attack Rama. The text describes the fierce battle between Rama and Lakshmana against Khara, Dushana, Khara's generals, and the rakshasa army. Rama's divine prowess and the destruction of the rakshasa forces are highlighted.
• Viradha's Curses and the Nature of the Forest: The text delves into the spiritual nature of the forest, mentioning the presence of ascetics, their tapas, and the spiritual liberation they attain. It also touches upon the curses that affect beings in the forest and the obstacles faced by Rama.
• Encounter with Maricha: The narrative shifts to the rakshasa Maricha. He is approached by Ravana and coerced into assisting in the abduction of Sita. Maricha initially hesitates, aware of Rama's power and his own past experiences with Rama.
• The Golden Deer: Maricha, under duress, transforms into a magical golden deer (maya Mriga) to lure Rama away from the hermitage, creating a diversion for Sita's abduction.

2. Start of Kishkindha Kanda (Approximately Page 370 onwards):

• Introduction to Kishkindha Kanda: The text introduces the Kishkindha Kanda, focusing on the dharma of protecting friends (mitra samrakshanam) and the glories of the Supreme Being (parama kalyana gunakara).
• Rama's Search for Sita: The narrative picks up with Rama and Lakshmana searching for Sita after her abduction. They encounter the dying Jatayu, who informs them about Sita's abduction by Ravana and directs them towards the mountain Rishyamuka.
• Rama's Grief and Lakshmana's Consolation: The text describes Rama's immense grief and despair over Sita's abduction, his interactions with Lakshmana, and his deep lamentations.
• Encounter with Jatayu: The encounter with Jatayu, the vulture king, is detailed. Jatayu recounts his battle with Ravana and his own impending death, providing crucial information about Sita's capture.
• Rama's Despair and Lakshmana's Counsel: Rama's profound grief and his conversations with Lakshmana are portrayed, emphasizing his sorrow and his reliance on destiny and divine will.
• Encounter with Jatayu (again) and Journey towards Rishyamuka: The text shows Rama and Lakshmana continuing their search, learning about the geography and dangers of the forest.
• Meeting Sugriva and Hanuman: The narrative moves towards the pivotal meeting with Hanuman, the devoted disciple of Sugriva, the exiled Vanara king. Hanuman is described as knowledgeable and loyal. He assesses Rama and Lakshmana, recognizing their divine nature.
• Sugriva's Story and Exile: Hanuman leads Rama and Lakshmana to Sugriva, who recounts his plight: his exile from Kishkindha, his banishment by his powerful brother Vali, and the injustice he suffered.
• Rama's Promise of Alliance: Rama, moved by Sugriva's story and recognizing him as a potential ally in his search for Sita, promises to help Sugriva regain his kingdom and defeat Vali in return for Sugriva's assistance.
• The Alliance and Planning: The alliance between Rama and Sugriva is formed. They plan the strategy to confront and defeat Vali.

Commentaries and Annotations: The presence of multiple commentaries (vyakhya) like "Govindarajiy," "Ramanujiy," "Munibhavaprakasika," etc., suggests that this edition aims to provide a multi-layered understanding of the text, potentially reconciling different philosophical or interpretive traditions within Jainism or broader Vedic/Hindu traditions adopted within Jain discourse. The annotations likely explain complex Sanskrit terms, philosophical concepts, historical contexts, and possible variations in readings.

Overall Theme: The excerpt strongly emphasizes themes of dharma (righteousness), karma, loyalty, destiny, and the protection of the virtuous. It highlights Rama's adherence to his father's command, his compassionate nature, his unwavering commitment to Sita, and his adherence to righteous principles even in the face of great adversity. The Kishkindha Kanda portion introduces themes of political injustice, exile, and the formation of alliances based on shared goals and righteousness.

This summary is based on the textual content identifiable from the provided scanned pages. The full depth and nuances of the text would require a complete reading and understanding of the commentaries.