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
93 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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* 761 may be two tithis, at the different parts of the day. In such
cases, the decision of tithi for a particular rite becomes
difficult. The simple solution is suggested by the author.
The tithi at the time of the sunrise, though it may be for 24
minutes that should be taken for vows, fast, bath etc. i.e.
for daiva karma. While that tithi which is at the time of the sun-
set, should be understood for sraddha i.e. for pitrkarma. Thus
instead of suggesting some calculations from the point of view
of threefold or fivefold division of the day for determining
tithi, the author has advocated a very easy rule, which can be
understood & followed even by the ordinary person.
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4)
FAST FOR LONG DURATION PROHIBITED TO VAISYA & SUDRA
{
The vaisya & sudra can observe fast, but they should not
observe it continuously for three or five days. The fast for
days less than three or five may be observed by them (840). Similar
rule about observance of upavasa by vaisya & sudra occurs in the
Mahabharata" (Anu.106.12) but the difference is that according
to the verse in the Mahabharata- the vaisya & sudra can observe
fast only for three or two days, while according to Devala, they
can observe the same for three or five days.
27 1
The varsakriy膩kaumudi (p.67) 28 has properly explained
the implications of the term 'pusti' in this verse. It means
'fr褔it' & thus according to Govind膩nanda, there is prohibition
only of kamya or voluntary fast. Thus the vaisya & sudra should
not observe a kamya or voluntary fast for three or five days
but the fast, which is compulsary or occasional (nitya & naimittika
& extends for longer duration, can be observed by them.-
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