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...
55. The previous birth of Vali
[Full title: Didactic stories; (A) Religious cum Moral Stories; (55) The previous birth of Vali or The story of Maghadatta]
Muni Following the account of the previous births of Rama etc. Sakalabhusana narrated this story on enquiry from Vibhisana (103. 129-131) to illustrate the fruits of penances. After having transmigrated through various existences a certain living being was reborn as a deer in the Dandakaranya. On hearing the religious words from a monk, it was reborn in the Eravatadesa as Maghadatta, a rich son of Vihita and Srimati. On account of his devotion to the Jinas and observing vows, he became a celestial beir g and then was reborn as Suprabha, the son of queen Ratnavali and king Kantasoka of Mattakokilarava situated near Vijayavati in the Purvavideha. He renounced the world, performod penances and after his death became a celestial being and then was reborn as Vali, the son of Adityaraja. The Paumacariya (106.185-197) mentions Vrndaranyasthala in place of Dandakaranya, Sivamati for Srimati, Meghadatta for Maghadatta and Ratnakini for Ratnavati. (p. 190) follow the Paumacariya The Paumacariu (84.22-23) and the Ramapurana of Bhattaraka Somasena.