Answer

In Jain tradition, the Ramayan is understood differently from the Hindu version. It is found mainly in Jain texts such as Paumachariyam by Acharya Vimalasuri.

In Jain Ramayan, Shri Ram is known as Padma or Pauma. He is a great, virtuous king and a follower of Jain values like truth, restraint, and non-violence.

Brief Story

• Ram is born as a noble prince of Ayodhya.
• He marries Sita and lives a life of dharma and discipline.
• Due to family circumstances, Ram goes into exile with Sita and Lakshman.
• Ravan, the king of Lanka, abducts Sita.
• Ram and Lakshman search for Sita and reach Lanka.
• In the Jain version, Lakshman kills Ravan, not Ram.
• This is because Ram is shown as a highly restrained and non-violent soul.
• After completing his worldly duties, Ram eventually renounces worldly life and attains liberation in the Jain tradition.

Important Jain Difference

• Ram is considered a Balabhadra, a peaceful great hero.
• Lakshman is considered a Vasudev, the warrior hero who kills Ravan.
• Ravan is not shown as purely evil. He is learned and powerful, but falls because of attachment and passion.
• The story teaches the results of karma, attachment, anger, pride, and desire.

Spiritual Understanding

The Jain Ramayan is not only a heroic story. It teaches that even great kings and powerful beings are bound by karma if they have attachment and passions. True greatness lies in self-control, non-violence, renunciation, and liberation.

Takeaway

The Jain Ramayan presents Ram as an ideal soul of restraint and dharma, Lakshman as the warrior hero, and Ravan as a powerful but passion-bound person. Its main message is victory over inner enemies, not just outer enemies.