The Pauma Chariyam, or Pauma Charitam, is the Jain retelling of the epic life of Rama. Composed by the monk Vimalasuri in the medieval period, it adapts the familiar narrative of the Ramayana to reflect Jain values of nonviolence, renunciation, and equality. One of the most striking departures from Valmiki’s version appears at the very beginning, in the birth of Princess Sita. In this account, Sita is not alone: she is born as the twin daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and is accompanied by a twin brother named Bhamandala. This unique origin story underscores several Jain ideals and offers fresh perspectives on gender and parental affection.
The Birth of Sita and Bhamandala
In the Pauma Chariyam, Queen Sunayana conceives through pious austerities and divine grace. When the time arrives, King Janaka and his queen are overjoyed by the birth of twins. Unlike in the Valmiki Ramayana—where Sita emerges fully formed from a furrow in the earth—here Sita is very much a royal child of both father and mother. Alongside her, a male child is born, whom they name Bhamandala. The newborn prince appears healthy and strong, and the court celebrates the arrival of the future heir.
Yet King Janaka harbors a deep preference for his daughter, seeing in her a symbol of his own spiritual aspirations and the virtues of compassion and purity. Fearing that Bhamandala will overshadow his beloved Sita in matters of succession and honor, Janaka makes the painful decision to entrust his son to another ruler known for his kindness. Thus Bhamandala is given away under a royal adoption, ensuring that Sita remains the focal point of Janaka’s love and attention. Though sorrowful at parting with one child, the king takes comfort in knowing his son will be cherished elsewhere and that his daughter will carry his lineage as queen of Mithila.
Symbolism and Meaning
The twin birth in the Jain version carries several layers of symbolic meaning. First, the act of giving Bhamandala away signifies the Jain principle of nonattachment. Even a parent of great affection must be willing to relinquish beloved ties in service of dharma. Janaka’s decision, difficult as it is, illustrates how attachment to worldly relations can hinder spiritual aims; by releasing his son, he models inner detachment.
Second, the prominence granted to Sita emphasizes the Jain respect for the feminine principle. In Pauma Chariyam, the feminine is associated with qualities of restraint, compassion, and moral rigor—qualities idealized in Jain ethics. By favoring Sita, Janaka elevates these virtues above mere dynastic ambition. The narrative thus encourages readers to honor compassion and moral strength above traditional patriarchal values of male succession.
Finally, the parallel births of brother and sister suggest the inherent equality of all souls, regardless of gender. Jainism teaches that every soul has equal potential for liberation. Presenting Sita and Bhamandala as twins born of the same womb underscores that there is no innate hierarchy based on gender—a subtle but powerful challenge to prevailing social norms.
Differences from the Original Valmiki Ramayana
The Pauma Chariyam diverges from Valmiki’s Ramayana in several key respects, beginning with Sita’s origin. In the Sanskrit epic, Sita is discovered in a furrow by Janaka and raised without knowledge of human parents. There is no twin brother, and questions of gender preference do not arise. By contrast, the Jain version humanizes Sita’s beginnings, making her a direct child of Janaka and Sunayana and weaving in themes of parental love and sacrifice.
Moreover, whereas the Valmiki Ramayana ultimately celebrates martial prowess and righteous warfare, the Jain retelling minimizes violence. Characters who engage in battle face moral scrutiny, and the ideal of noninjury shapes heroic conduct. Sita in Pauma Chariyam is not only a devoted wife but also a paragon of self-control, often guiding Rama toward choices that avoid bloodshed. Bhamandala’s very removal from court foreshadows the Jain message that true heroism lies not in conquest but in the mastery of one’s passions.
Another difference lies in the treatment of destiny. In Valmiki’s version, Sita’s birth from the earth is destined and miraculous. In the Jain text, the twin births arise from intentional vows and ethical practices. This shift highlights the Jain belief in karma and personal effort: spiritual accomplishments result from disciplined conduct rather than mere divine intervention.
Other Facts and Legacy
Although Pauma Chariyam never achieved the widespread popularity of Valmiki’s epic, it played an important role in conveying Jain teachings to lay audiences familiar with the Ramayana framework. By adapting familiar episodes—marriage by bow string, exile, trials in the forest—the text engaged listeners while reframing each event through a nonviolent lens.
Bhamandala’s later adventures vary by regional tradition. Some versions describe him becoming a kind and just ruler, ruling with a council of elders and upholding Jain precepts. Others suggest he renounces his throne altogether, choosing the life of a mendicant. In all variants, he remains a symbol of surrendering personal ambition for higher truths.
Today, scholars study the Pauma Chariyam alongside other Jain Ramayanas—such as those by Hemachandra and Jinadasa—to trace how sacred stories evolve across communities. The twin-birth motif in particular draws attention to how narrative choices reflect wider social and religious values. In Jain art and performance, scenes of Janaka’s dual joy and sorrow provide poignant moments for musical and dramatic interpretation.
Final Thoughts
The story of Sita and her brother Bhamandala in the Pauma Chariyam offers a fresh perspective on a beloved epic. By depicting twins born to Janaka, the Jain tradition foregrounds themes of nonattachment, gender equality, and moral purpose. It contrasts sharply with the Valmiki Ramayana’s miraculous singular birth and martial emphasis, transforming the tale into a vehicle for Jain ethical teaching. Through this narrative innovation, Vimalasuri invites readers to reconsider the meaning of heroism, parenthood, and spiritual striving—lessons that continue to resonate in contexts far beyond ancient Mithila.