Paumacharyu (Paumachariya / Padmacharita) is the Jain retelling of the Ramayana.

• What it is: An ancient Jain epic (Purāņa/Mahākāvya) written in Maharashtri Prakrit by Acharya Vimalasuri. It presents the Ramayana story with a Jain ethical framework, focusing on right conduct, renunciation, and karmic consequences. In this version, Rama is portrayed as a noble, dharma-driven figure, and the narrative emphasizes non-violence and spiritual progress rather than divine miracles. You can read more about its nature in Jain discussions here.

• Why it matters: Paumachariya is the earliest Jain version of Rama’s story and influenced later Jain Ramayana literature, including how characters are interpreted through Jain ethics and the goal of moksha.

• Traditions: The text is associated with Śvetāmbara Jain scholarship (though later Jain Ramayana materials exist in both Śvetāmbara and Digambara contexts). Different Jain traditions may emphasize different details, but the core idea is a dharma-centered Rama and the path of renunciation.

If you want, I can give a simple artha (meaning) for specific verses or sections from Paumachariya.