Paumacariya (critical study)
by K. R. Chandra | 1970 | 238,015 words
This is an English study of the Paumacariya: the earliest Jain version of Rama's life story, written in Prakrit by Vimalasuri dating to the 4th century AD. In this text, Rama (referred to as Padma) is depicted with lotus-like eyes and a blooming face. The Paumacariya places emphasis on the human aspects of characters rooted in Jain values, contrast...
VIII.8. Ravana’s plan to set free Sita
[Full title: Section VIII: The killing of Ravana; (H) Ravana’s plan to set free Sita]
According to the Paumacariya, Ravana after having achieved the Bahurupa-vidya frightens Sita saying to her that she would willingly submit to him when her husband is killed by him. Distressed Sita implores Ravana to desist from ending the life of Rama and Bhamandala and soon falls down on the ground in swoon (69.29). At the sight of this plight of Sita, Ravana becomes remorseful of his cruel deeds and decides to set her free, but after having defeated Rama and Laksmana so that he would escape from being charged as coward. Moreover he thinks that then he would become the sovereign of the whole Bharatavarsa (69.58). The Valmiki Ramayana does not refer to any such idea of Ravana. On the contrary after the death of Indrajit, Ravana plans to kill Sita, but Suparsva prevents the former from committing such a sinful act (6 92.58f). The Ramcharitmanas also does nor refer to any such idea of Ravana.