Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an ancient text attributed to sage Devala classified as belonging to the Dharma-Shastra branch of Indian literature which encompasses jurisprudence and religious law. This study deals with the reconstructed text of the Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
1.5. Grihyakaras follow Dharmashastrakaras
[Full title: (A) The distinctive religious features of the Devala-Smriti; (I) Dharma; (5) Grihyakaras follow Dharmashastrakaras].
Manu and others are promulgators of Dharmasastra and whatever Dharma, they have declared, is prescribed also by the Grihyasutrakaras in conformity with the Mantras of their recensions, according to Devala (2). Devala, here represents the view that the Dharma, prescribed by the Dharmasastrakaras, is followed by the Grhyasutrakaras, with the prescription of the Mantras of their recension. Thus according to Devala, Grhyasutras follow the dictates of Dharmasastra K
= 18 077 The srauta, Grhya & Dharma sutras are the three main divisions of the kalpa. "In the corpus of the Kalpasutras, the Dharmasutras as a rule follow the Grhyasutras" states Dr. Ram Gopal The Dharmasastras, those of Manu etc. are historically of later period than the Grhyasutras, Hence Devala's opinion may be explained as referring to some ancient works of the Dharmasutras of Manu etc., the rules, contained in which, might be re-enjoined by the Grhyasutras, in accordance with the Mantras of their recension. But on the whole, the statement of Devala, seems to be somewhat curious.