An Old Version of the Jaina Ramayana

The article by J. C. Jain argues that the Ramayana story contained in the Vasudevahindi is the oldest extant version of the Jaina Ramayana and reflects an old tradition of the popular tale found in Gunadhya's lost Brhatkatha. The author posits that the Vasudevahindi, which contains the oldest version of the Brhatkatha among available Sanskrit or Prakrit works, was likely composed before the end of the 3rd Century A.D. This dating is supported by the fact that Vimalasuri's Paumacariya, composed at the end of the 3rd Century A.D., attacks Valmiki's Ramayana and attempts to rationalize the tale. In contrast, Sanghadassagani, the author of the Vasudevahindi, simply accepts the popular tale without conscious editorializing. The author also notes that the Vasudevahindi's mention in Jinabhadragani Kamsarmana's Viseshavasya in 610 A.D. indicates the work was available by then. Furthermore, the author considers the possibility that the Rama and Krishna legends of Jaina cosmology were borrowed from the Brhatkatha, or that they existed before its composition. The author concludes that the Vasudevahindi must have been composed before the end of the 3rd Century A.D. and that its contents reflect a very old tradition, as it lacks an ordeal by fire imposed on Sita, a feature also absent in the Mahabharata's Ramopakhyana, the Uttarapurana of Gunabhadra, and the Tibetan and Khotanese versions of the Ramayana. The article discusses the role of Vidyadharas in the narrative. Gunadhya chose Vidyadharas, masters of magic art, as heroes, and their imaginative tales influenced ancient Brahmanic and Jaina literature. The Vasudevahindi displays Rakshasas not as meat-eating demons but as Vidyadharas, and the Vanaras are generally represented as humans. The Jaina version emphasizes that a breach of the moral code can cost a Vidyadhara his divine dignity and magic art. The article also notes the similarity between Ravana, the first emperor of the Vidyadharas in the KSS, and Usabha (Rsabh") the first Tirthankara of the Jainas, suggesting that the Brhatkatha of Gunadhya was the common source for both versions. The article presents the Jaina Ramayana as it is found in the Vasudevahindi, noting that it is based more or less on Valmiki's popular version. The main features of the tale include the honor of Ravana by Vidyadhara lords in Lanka after accomplishing the magic art Pannatti. A Vidyadhara named Maya approaches Ravana with a proposal of marriage to his daughter Mandodarj, and their daughter Sita is enclosed in a casket and concealed by the magic art tirakkharam. The article discusses various versions regarding the birth of Sita, including her being the daughter of Ravana by his queen Mandodari in the Vasudevahindi, Gunabhadra's Uttarapurana, and the Mahabhagavata Purana. The article also mentions the achievement of the two boons by Kekai, the illusory deer studded with gems, and the elevation of Vibhisana's character. Hanuman is a Vidyadhara and a well-wisher of Rama, and Jatayu is another fine character who fights with Ravana. After the war, Vibhisana is coronated King of Arifijayapura, and Rama and Sita are taken to Ayodhya in a heavenly car. The author concludes that the Vasudevahindi is an extant version of one of the oldest traditions of the popular tale, without adding too many Jaina religious touches to the story.

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