Essay name: Devala-smriti (critical study)
Author:
Mukund Lalji Wadekar
Affiliation: Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda / Department of Sanskrit Pali and Prakrit
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti鈥攁n 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 Devala-smriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala鈥檚 unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.
Chapter 9 - The distinctive features of the Devalasmriti
106 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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mmy 1 - that is considered 'puta'. (3) The stainless & refined object, befitting a ritual is declared as 'puta'. (4) For explaining the'thing pure by nature' (svayamsuddha) the author refers to the three fold classification of 'pure objects' (visuddha) namely (1) unspoilt (adusta), (2) praiseworthy lit. praised by speech (v膩kprasastam), (3) pure by nature (svayamsuddha); in accordance with the view of Manu. There is a verse in the Manusmrti (V.127) 43 which is of a similar import. The three points, mentioned by Devala are compared below with those in the Manusmrti. Devala Tr墨ni pavitrani TABLE NO. 5 Manu Trini visuddhani } 1. Adrstam
1. Adustam
2. Vakprasastam
3. Svayamsuddham
2. Yacca vaca prasas yate
3. Adbhirnirniktam
Thus there is some difference in the actual import of the
two texts. This difference also reflects upon the priority of
the text.
of Devala to the extant Manusmrti, in which the
S
present view of the Devala-text can not be traced. Devala may
be presumed to be referring to some ancient text of Manu.
Numerous objects, that are pure by nature (svayamsuddha)
are enumerated. Similarly, the objects, considered as pavitra,
are also mentioned. The water, fire, cow-dung & clay are the
best among the objects, termed as pavitra. They are pure & purify-
ing all kinds of impurities of objects at all times in all ways.
