Paumacariu
Summary
The provided text summarizes the concluding sections of Svayambhudeva’s Apabhramsa epic, Paumacariu, specifically the Uttara Kanda. The narrative centers on the aftermath of Ravana’s death and Rama’s subsequent return to Ayodhya. After a six-year stay in Lanka, Rama departs following news of his mother Sukosala’s declining health. Upon his return, Bharata expresses a desire to renounce the world, which is fulfilled when a mad elephant is pacified by his presence, revealing a connection to a previous birth. Rama is crowned king, and his brother Satrughna conquers Mathura, killing Lavanamaharnava and wounding Madhu. The text then details Sita’s exile. Prompted by popular gossip questioning her chastity after a year in Ravana’s captivity, Rama exiles her to the wilderness to uphold social duty. She is sheltered by her brother-in-law Vajrajangha, who gives her refuge in his palace, where she gives birth to twin sons, Lavana and Ankusa. When the twins learn of Rama’s perceived injustice, they conquer Ayodhya, defeating Rama and Laksmana in battle. To resolve the conflict, a public fire ordeal is held for Sita. She enters the flames, which miraculously transform into a lake, and she is vindicated. Despite Rama’s public apology and reacceptance, Sita renounces the world. Rama remains attached to worldly life due to his deep affection for Laksmana. The gods test this by falsely announcing Laksmana’s death, causing him to instantly die of shock. Overwhelmed by grief, Rama wanders with Laksmana’s corpse until he is brought to his senses by Krtantavakra and Jatayin, now reborn as gods. Rama then renounces the world, joins Laksmana and Ravana in hell, and ultimately attains liberation on Mount Kotisila through severe austerities. The text notes that the remaining portion of the epic, Paumacariyu sesa, was composed by Svayambhudeva’s son, Tribhubana.
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Conclusion
The Paumacariu presents a distinctly Jain adaptation of the Ramayana, fundamentally reshaping its narrative to align with core doctrinal principles. Its key finding is the prioritization of religious duty and social order over personal affection, exemplified by Rama’s decision to exile Sita based on public gossip, a choice driven by the imperative to maintain societal morality. The epic’s significance lies in its thorough integration of Jain theology, from the coronation of Vibhisana in a Jain temple to the ultimate renunciation of worldly life by all central figures, including Rama. The narrative culminates in a Jain soteriological framework, where Rama’s liberation is achieved through severe austerities, while figures like Laksmana and Ravana face karmic retribution. This text ultimately reinterprets a popular Hindu epic to serve as a profound didactic tool, illustrating the path to spiritual emancipation.