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
82 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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the Dharmasindhu would suggest that Devala does not follow the
Taittiriya recension of the Veda or that the Taittiriyas do not
follow the method, prescribed by Devala.
MANTRAS FOR UPASTHANA :
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The Upasthana (Mantras, recited during the worship of the
sun in the twilight-worships) is to be performed with the recitation
of the four Mantras viz. the three Mantras from Mitrasya etc.
V.S. 11.62-64) & the fourth, 'Vasavasva' etc. (VS.11.65) during the
morning worship, while during the evening adoration, the four
Mantras from 'imamme etc.' (VS.21.1-4) are to be recited. Like
13 -
Devala, Baudhayana D.S. (II/4/7/9-11) also refers to the recitation
of Mantras, addressed to Mitra in the morning & with those addressed
to Varuna in the evening. But he prescribes the recitation only of
two Mantras at both times viz. Mitrasya carsani (RV. 3/59/6) &
'Mitro janan' (RV.3/59/1) in the morning &'imam me (RV.I.25.19)
& tatvayami (RV.I.24.11) in the evening. Thus, in this respect,
Devala & Baudh膩yana are different. The Upasthana-Mantras, recited
by Bahrcas (Rgvedins), Taittiriyas (followers of Taittiriya recension
of Black Yajurveda) & Katyayanas (followers of white Yajurveda)
are quite different from those mentioned by Devala. (Cf.Dharmas indhu
pp. 240-242).
The Mantra 'Vasavastva is not found in the Rgveda, Samaveda
& Atharvaveda Samhitas, which may indicate that the author does not
follow any of these sa峁僪itas here.
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