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
73 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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deities in them. The deities are Omkara, Agni, Naga, Soma, Pitrs,
Prajapati, Vayu, Surya & all deities respectively in the nine
strands. The material, out of which the Yajnopav墨ta is to be
made, is also enlisted. It can be made up of cotton, ksuma,
hair of cow's tail, hemp, bark of a tree & kusa-grass. Any kind
of material can be used, for its preparation, according to availa-
bility. But Manu (2.44) & Visnu (27/19) prescribe虏 the use of cotton,
hemp & sheep-wool respectively, for the three varnas. While the
Baudhayana D.S. (1/5/8/5) & the Gobhila gr.s. (I.2.1.) mention'
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only kusa grass & cotton thread. Thus Devala, not only mentions
different kinds of material for the Yajnopavita, but also allows
the use of any of it, according to the availability.
With regard to the length of Yajnopavita, it is prescribed
that it should not be too small as would b go above the chest
nor should it be so long as would go beyond the navel. The
Yajnopavita of the first type destroys the wealth, while the latter
is destructive of the penance. Hence the length should be
measured. The technical description, about the method of preparation:
of Yajnopav墨ta from cotton etc. is to be found in verses 483-494.
While wearing the Yajnopavita, the following procedure is
to be followed, (495-497) according to Devala. The smooth cotton,
made threefold, in the prescribed manner should be placed in the
left hand & sprinkled with water to the accompaniment of the
Savitri mantra, recited ten times. It is also to be sanctified
with recitation of three mantras, Bhura nih etc. (T.B. III.10.2).
It should be worn, after saluting Hari, Brahma & Isvara (probably
Brahma, Visnu & Mahesa), with the chanting of the mantra
