Gosalamatam

Summary

In this literary critique Ram Prakash Poddar evaluates the fifteenth chapter of the Bhagavati Sutra, which narrates the story of Gosala Makkhali—initially a disciple of Lord Mahavira who later founded the Ajivika sect. Poddar begins by addressing art historian Winternitz’s allegation that Jain canonical prose is dry and didactic. He argues that the narrative sections of the Agamas are in fact rhythmic, balanced and vivid, using carefully placed caesuras, alliterations, assonances and repetitions to captivate listeners. The prose style adapts to shifts in mood, and rhetorical devices render meanings picturesque and memorable, enabling monks to recite passages to congregations with ease. Focusing on the Gosala episode, Poddar notes that the chapter is an organic whole that illustrates the character of Gosala rather than just recounting events. Initially, Gosala appears as Mahavira’s disciple, but his vanity and ambition grow as he gains worldly fame. He eventually breaks away to establish the Ajivikas and claims omniscience. The narrative likens him to a serpent emerging from an anthill—mesmerising yet dangerous. Gosala’s penchant for using miraculous feats to impress followers is portrayed as misguided; he proudly declares himself a Tirthankara and promotes dogmas that justify his erratic acts. However, before his death, he realises his error and confesses to his misdeeds. Poddar emphasises that the Bhagavati Sutra does not launch a polemical attack on the Ajivikas but instead paints a psychological portrait of Gosala’s ascent and decline. The episode also underscores Mahavira’s equanimity and the moral victory of Jainism. Poddar concludes that the literary qualities of the Bhagavati Sutra have been underappreciated and that this chapter demonstrates narrative sophistication and character development. He calls for a reassessment of Jain canonical literature as both doctrinally significant and artistically rich. The article thus defends the creative merit of Jain scriptures and invites readers to reconsider judgments about their dryness.