சண்டமாரியும் சமணக் கொள்கைகளும்

CAṆḌAMĀRI AND THE PRINCIPLES OF JAINISM

Abstract

In the history of Tamil literature, Jainism has played a significant role in disseminating noble philosophical ideals such as virtue, morality, renunciation, non-violence (Ahimsa), the doctrine of karma, and the cycle of rebirth through literary works. Among the Aimperumkāppiyaṅkaḷ (Five Minor Epics), Yasodhara Kāvyam stands out as an important epic that artistically presents the fundamental principles of Jainism. Rather than being merely a narrative, the epic serves as a philosophical work that expounds the ethical values essential to human life. Throughout the epic, Jain doctrines such as non-killing, the impermanence of worldly pleasures, the consequences of karma, the superiority of ascetic life, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth are consistently emphasized at every stage of the narrative. The objective of this study is to examine and interpret the Jain philosophical principles embodied in Yasodhara Kāvyam from both literary and   religious perspectives. Yasodhara Kāvyam is not merely a religious text intended for doctrinal propagation; it is also a philosophical work that explains the principle of cause and effect in human existence. The concept of Ahimsa fosters humanitarian values, the doctrine of karma establishes ethical responsibility, and the idea of the cycle of rebirth guides human beings toward spiritual advancement. These three principles are closely interconnected and are presented in an integrated manner throughout the epic.