Critical Study Of Paumacariyam

SR No.: 022643
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: K R Chandra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa
Publication Year: 1970
Total Pages: 672
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Book_Devnagari
File Size: 18 MB

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A CRITICAL STUDY OF PAUMACARIYAM
it (43.27). Lakşmaņa immediately returns and reports the matter to Rāma. When Candranakhá comes there, she finds her son, Sambūka killed who was performing penance in that thicket to obtain that divine sword (3.29). Bereaved Candranakha sets out in search of the culprit and as soon as she catches sight of those handsome princes, she forgets her wrath on account of being enamoured of them. She transforms herself into a young girl and starts weeping. Sītā consoles her. Candranakhā introduces herself as a destitute girl and requests Rama to marry her. At this both the brothers are stunned. Finding no reply from them, Candranakha gets disappointed and retraces to her home (43 47).
In the VR Sambūka has no relation to Candranakha (Śūrpaņakhā). The episode of the death of Sambūka is narrated in the Uttarakānda (73-76). Here Sambuka is a Śūdra who performs penances to attain heaven (7.76.2). His penance against the religious code is considered to be the cause of the untimely death of the son of a Brahmin (7.74.28). Hence Rāma searches out Sambuka who was performing penances hanging from a tree with his head downwards near a pond situated in the northern side of the Saivāla hill (south of the Vindhyas) and severs his head with a sword (7.75.9; 7.76.4). The Brahmin boy is automatically restored to life.
According to the VR Sūrpanakhā happens to be at Pañcavați casually (yadrcchayā 3.17.5). She in her charming disguise requests Rama and then Lakşmaņa to marry her. When neither of them agrees to her proposal she threatens to devour Sitā. At Rāma's beacon Lakşmaņa cuts off her ears and nose (3.18.21). Disfigured Sørpanakhā crying bitterly goes away from there in wrath.
The TR does not give any account of Sambūka. Sürpanakhā discloses her real ferocious form when Lakşmaņa insults her. At this Sītā gets frightened Rāma makes a sign to Lakşmaņa to cut her nose and ears (3. 17). The interpolated Lavakusakānda of the TR follows the VR as regards the slaying of Sambūka by Rāma.
As regards the episodes of meeting Jațāyu, murder of Sarbūka and displeasure of Candranakhā, the PCR agrees with the PCV. The
TSP agrees with the PCV but with some alterations. It does not mention the river Karṇaravā. Šambaka is referred to be hanging with his head down and his legs tied to a banyan tree. Candranakhā introduces herself to Rāma as a princess from Avanti and the widow of a Khecara (IV. p. 241). The Vasudevahindi does not refer to the
1. The Tilaka sika (7.75.13).