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
56 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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7
) THE FORMULA FOR OFFERING PINDAS : 724 The formula for offering pindas, mentioned by Devala is
'Etatte tata ye ca tv膩manu' (This is for thee, o Father! & also
for those who follow thee !). This is similar to the expression,
occurring in the Ap. M. P. (2/20/13). Similar formulas are also found
in the T.S.(1/8/5/1), AV (18/4/71-77), ASV.S.S. (2.6.15), Gobhila
G.S.(3.3.6), Kh膩dira G.S. (3/5/17), Bharadv膩ja G.S. (II/12) 2鲁 etc.
23 But the satapatha Brahmana (2/4/2/19) finds fault with the
above formula of offering pindas. The person, offering pindas would
also be included by the expression 'ye ca tamanu' & this inclusion
is not proper. This formula, mentioned in the text clearly indicates
that the author of the text is not at all the follower of the school
of white Yajurveda in which recension, the formula of the text
is not followed & is even criticised in the satapatha Brahmana.
7 8) GIVING OF GIFTS (DAKSIN膧D膧NA) :
0 The author points out that all acts, relating to manes are to
be performed with the apasavya (with the sacred thread worn on the
right shoulder), but the act of giving gifts (daksina) only is to
be performed with the savya (with sacred thread held on the left
shoulder). Moreover, all acts, pertaining to the deva brahmanas
are to be performed first, & then for the Manes, but the act of
giving daksina only is to be performed in the reverse order,
i.e. the brahmanas, invited in the place of Manes should receive
the daksina first & then after the brahmanas, in the place of
gods are to be given. (1494)
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