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
88 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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+ + 756 destructive of sins according the author (716). Plenty of ghee was
also to be served to the guest. The author adds that the householder,
not serving ghee to the guest, even when it is available in the house
goes to Hell (635).
EATING OF SEEDS PROHIBITED :
be
The text prescribes that seeds, should not eaten except for
curing diseases, as the eating of them would destroy the production
of future innumerable fruits (717). This shows that seeds can be
used for curing diseases. But in ordinary circumstances, the seeds
should not be destroyed by eating. Numerous other trees, giving
plenty of fruits can shoot forth from seeds.
CUSTOMS CONNECTED WITH THE USE OF MILK :
The following two customs, connected with use of milk in the
text (718) are noteworthy. (1) Any article, which is a product.
of milk is not to be partaken during night-time. The Brahmanda-Pur膩na
(quoted in G.R.370) strictly prohibits the partaking of curds
21 at night, even at the time of commencing the journey during night-time.
(2) The milk is the most pure & purifying article of food & hence
it should not be denied, when served. Both these customs are still
prevalent in some parts of Maharastra.
KAUS UMBHA
FORBIDDEN :
Kausumbha means the product of kusumbha, known as karadai
in Marathi, safflower in English, Kusmbi, Kasambi, Kabri (seed) in
Gujarati, Kusumbar, Kusum in Hindi. It is prohibited by the
kopana's
