Devala-smriti (critical study)
by Mukund Lalji Wadekar | 1982 | 67,394 words
This essay represents an English study of the Devala-smriti—an 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 Devalasmriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique...
Chapter 8 - Devala-Smriti (a summary of the reconstructed text)
ADHYAYA I: PRAKARANA I—DHARMASVARUPAM—In this chapter, the nature of Dharma is described by explaining the sources & constituents of Dharma. The sources of Dharma are Vedas, Vedangas, Smrtis & Itihasas. They are explained accordingly (1-6). a menya The constituents of Dharma are sauca, dana, tapas, sraddha, guruseva, ksama, daya, vijnana, vinaya & satya (7). All of them (except sauca, dana & satya) are further defined & explained in the verses, that follow, in the order of their enumeration (8-49). The explanation of sauca & dana is, however, available in the dana (1.8) & dravyasuddhi (1.9) prakaranas respectively. The explanation of the word satya is not available. 1 The last verse (50) mentions the quintessence of Dharma. PRAKARANA II - VARNASRAMAJAT IDHARMAH : This chapter contains the enumeration of varnas, jatis etc. alongwith the description of the duties thereof, & of the persons, belonging to the four asramas (social orders). $ Firstly, the four varnas, 4 anulomas, 6 pratilomas, & 6 antaralas are enumerated (51-59).
1 The duties of the four varnas, namely, Brahmana (60-67), Ksatriya (68-85), Vaisya (86-93) & Sudra (94-101) & of Ladies (102-112) are described. 1 055 Thereafter the duties of the persons, belonging to the four asramas (social orders), namely brahmacarya (113-145), grhastha (146-216), Vanaprastha (217-226), Samnyasa (227-294) are dealt with. : i Then, the 4 anulomas (298-300), 6 pratilomas, (301 & 302), 6 antaralas (303-306) are defined. The persons of mixed castes (Misrajah); (307-318) are explained & their duties are also specified. Lastly, there is description of the duties of a candala. (321-328) PRAKARANA III - SARSKARAH : This chapter deals with the description of various samskaras � The following samskaras are described. Garbhadhana (331-350) Pumsavana (352), Simanta (351), Jatakarma (353-368), Namakarma (369), Annaprasana (370,371), Karnavedha (372,373), Cudakarma (374-376), Aksararambha (377), Unanayana (378-384), Upakarma (385-387), Vedavratacatustaya (388-392), Godana (393), & Vivaha (394-427). i The seven samsthas each of pakayajna, haviryajna & somayajna are also referred to (428-457). Lastly, the samskaras, connected with agriculture namely Langalayojana (458-468) are also dealt with.
056 (The Samskaras of antyesti (funeral rites), are to be found in the eleventh chapter of the text). Thus generally all the samskaras, right from the garbhadhana upto vivaha, have been treated in the present chapter. PRAKARANA IV - PARIBHASA: This chapter contains the technical description of .some ingrediants of daily ritual. The seven kinds of dharbhas are first referred to. (469). The rules, regarding preparation & utility of pavitra (470-474), Kurca (475-478) & Yajnopavita (479-511) are dealt with. PRAKARANA V - AHNIKAM : In this chapter, the rules, regarding the performance of daily rituals, right from getting up from the bed, upto bhojana (taking meals) are to be found. The eight auspicious sights, that always command respect & adoration are mentioned (512,513). Then the rules, regarding answering the calls of nature (mutrapuris otsarga) & acamana (514-554), the brushing of teeth (555, 556), bathing are dealt with. � An esoteric procedure of Manasas nana is also explained (558-599). The rules, about some religious rituals like - aghamarsana (600-602), marjana (603), Upasthana (604), etc. & the five great 1
wher 657 Jute sacrifices, consisting of (i) Brahmayajna (611), (ii) Tarpana (612-617), (iii) Vaisvadeva (618-626), (iv) Baliharana (only mention is made), (v) Atithipuja (629-638) are described. The procedure of bhojana (taking meals) is also dealt with (643-685). The bhojyannah (686) - (i.e.persons, whose food is allowed to be partaken) & abhojyannah (687-702) (i.e.persons, whose food is prohibited) are mentioned. Lastly, the occasions, when the tambula is not to be partaken, are referred to (703-706). Thus the chapter, deals with rules to be followed, upto the mid-day i.e. upto lunch while regarding the remaining part of the day, the information is not available. PRAKARANA VI - BHAKS YA-BHAKS YAM: This chapter contains, the rules regarding bhaksyabhaksya (the prescribed & prohibited articles and type of food). Firstly, the articles of food, that are pure (medhya), are mentioned & then the causes of impurity of food are explained (708-754). The herbs, vegetables, beasts, birds, animals, fish & other acquatic animals, that are bhaksya (allowed for eating) & abhaksya (prohibited) are mentioned (755-768). The various intoxicants, forbidden for Brahmanas allowed for Ksatriya & Vaisya are enumerated (769-771). but The miscellaneous rules, about not pertaking food, are dealt with & the expiations are also mentioned, if a Brahmana, partakes the prohibited food (774-794).
tela 058 Expiations are further mentioned, for drinking semen, wine, human milk etc. for curing diseases (795-802). PRAKARANA VII - DES ADHARMAH KALADHARMAS CA: The present chapter contains injunctions about practising the rituals & customs, prescribed or followed in a particular place (desa) & period (kala). The customs & practices of a particular region should not be neglected or disregarded (809-814). i The rules to be followed in Kali Age are mentioned (815-818). The time, auspicious for bathing & giving gifts etc. on each sankranti is prescribed (819-825). The general rules, for determining a tithi are dealt with (826-837). The general rules, about fasting are enjoined. The vratas namely worship of cows, on the pratipad of the month of kartika (852-855), Nagapancami (856-858), Ekadasi (859-871) are treated. Lastly, the rules to be observed, on the eclipses of the sun & the moon are prescribed (874-884). Thus the treatment of vows (vratas) or observances, as available in the present text is very scanty. PRAKARANA VIII - DANAM : The present chapter contains description of the nature of dana & praise of various gifts.
850 Firstly, the attitude for giving gifts is praised (885-889). Then the subject of dana is dealt with in details, by explaining the various constituents of it, These constituents are - (1) two causes (hetus), (2) six grounds (adhisthanas), (3) six elements (angas), (4) six effects, (vipakas), (5) four kinds (prakaras), (6) threefold division (trividham), (7) three destructive elements (trinasam) (890-930). 1 The articles that are not fit to be given to certain individuals are mentioned (931-933). The eight kinds of Brahmanas, who are fit for receiving gifts are defined (934-947). The gifts of cooked food (annadana) (952-960), cow (961-970), bull (971-974), land (975-980), visvacakra (988-993) are highly praised. -- pi The sins, that are involved in the acceptance of gifts of brahmanda (1005), & tula (1006 1009) are mentioned. The expiation for accepting the gift of Mahabhutaghata is prescribed (1010-1022). The elaborate procedure of re-initiation (punahs amskara), which is necessary to be undergone by the acarya (preceptor), who accepts the gifts of tula etc., is dealt with (1023-1050). PRAKARANA IX - DRAVYASUDDHIH This prakarana deals with the subject of purification of substances. " Hence, the subject of purity & impurity (medhyatva & amedhyatva) altone's
" 660 is considered in detail, at the beginning. The fourfold classification of 'pure' (Medhya) objects, namely, suci, puta, svayamsuddha I � " & pavitra, is explained elaborately (1052-1078). Similarly, the nature of impurity, is also clarified (1079-1086). The four varieties of impurity, namely, dusita, varjita, dusta & kasmala are enumerated & defined (1080-1086). The method of purification of earth, (bhumi) (1088-1092), water (1093-1100), one's own body (1101-1120), the metallic objects & other things, in general, like, garments, wooden vessels, corn etc. is mentioned (1121-1140). -O PRAKARANA X ASAUCAM : M The present chapter deals with the topic of impurity, due to birth or death to a person (as auca). Firstly, the days of impurity on birth & death of a person are laid down (1141-1167). Then the problematic cases of sannipatasauca (1168-1174) (occurrence of another asauca, already observing one asauca auca), atikrantasauca (knowledge of asauca, after the lapse of its original period), (1175-1180), Vides asthas auca ( impurity to a person, staying in a distant region) (1181&1182) are dealt with. 1 PRAKARANA XI ANTYEST IH : The funeral rites to be performed on the death of a person, are treated in this chapter. Several cases of inauspicious death (durmarana) are mentioned (1183-1216). Then the rules about, (1) carrying the corpse, (1217-1226), (2) burning it on pyre (1227-1247), (3) collecting alcana's #
601 of charred bones, (1251 & 1252), (4) ritual of offering pindas & i (5) sradhas on various days (1253-1271) are dealt with. The procedure of narayana bali is explained in detail. * S (1284-1299). Similarly, the rules to be followed during the days 1 of asauca & during the whole period after death are also prescribed (1301-1304). PRAKARANA XII - SRADDHAM : The chapter deals elaborately with the procedure of the performance of sraddha. 1 } J The performance of sraddha is emphasized by eulogizing it (1307-1319). Then the days (1321-1331) & places (1332-1333) of its performance are discussed. The Brahmanas that are & are not fit to be invited are mentioned (1334-1383/1384-1392). Then the articles of food, that are prescribed & prohibited for being offered, are described (1393-1400). The articles of food & meat of several animals (1401-1407) that satisfy the manes for different duration of time are noted. The rules to be observed by the performer & the invited Brahmana are laid down (1408-1435). 1 i 1 1 The entire procedure of sraddha is elaborately described (1436-1511). Some miscellaneous rules to be observed on the day of sraddha are enjoined (1512-1529).
ADHYAYA II 802 PRAKARANA I RAJADHARMAH : The duties of a king are mentioned in this chapter. The king should always be ready to fight in the battle, for the protection of his subjects, even at the risk of his life (1531-1537). He should also try to check the intermixture of castes & employ the four varnas in their respective duties (1538,1539). The treatment of rajadharmas is very brief. PRAKARANA II - ATATAYINAH : Here atatayins (desperados) are referred to in the three verses'. The atatayin (a person, who is assailing with a weapon in his hand), should always be killed, though he may be a bhruna (a learned Brahmana) (1541). The person, comitting suicide is also a kind of atatayin. There is no expiation in his case. He straight-way goes to Hell only. (1540,1542). PRAKARANA III - STRIPUNDHARMAH : The legal duties of husband & wife are treated in the present chapter. 1 The circumstances under which the earlier wife, can be superseded, are mentioned (1544-1548). Similarly, the circumstances, } f
803 under which the wife can abanden her husband & resort to some one else are dealt with (1549-1555). The topic of adhivedana (marrying an additional wife, after superseding the previous one), is once again discussed (1556-1562). PRAKARANA IV. - DAYAVIBHAGAH : This chapter deals with the topic of the partition of property. The time of partition is first pointed out (1563-1565). The rules regarding partition among several members of the family (1567-1569) & the order of succession to property in case of a sonless person, are laid down (1570-1571). The persons, not entitled to get any share in the property are enumerated (1572- 1574). Then the several kinds of sons are enumerated (1575-1577)& their share in the property is discussed (1578-1596). Lastly, the nature of Stridhana & its devolution are dealt with (1598-1611). Thus, this entire section of Vyavahara contains the exposition only of the above topics of Wavahara. The description of several other remaining topics is untraceable. }
1. 10 ADHYAYA III 081 PRAKARANA I PRAYASCITTAM : This chapter deals with several great & small sins & their respective expiations. Firstly, the five great sins are referred to & expiations for them are enjoined (1614-1649). The circumstances, when these sins are regarded as most serious offences (tivratama°) are also pointed out (1617-1621).Then the minor sins (upapatakas) namely, govadha, steya,agamyagamana, adhitavismrti, apanyavikraya, sutanam vikraya, svakiyatyaga, candalasamparka, avakirni, svadidamsa, & other miscellaneous sins are described & the expiations, for them are also laid down (1650-1812). PRAKARANA II - MLECCHITASUDDHIH: Q 1 This chapter contains description of explations, for purification of persons, kidnapped & troubled by Mlecchas. The sages approached Devala, who was sitting at east, on the bank of riven, sindhu & inquired about penances for the purification of the four varnas, kidnapped by Mlecchas (1813-1815). Then the sage Devala, elaborately directs several expiations for their purification. The nature of prayascitta depends upon the duration of time, spent in association with Mleccha. From the duration of association for one day upto 20 years, several rules for purification are laid down (1816-1858). Similarly, the � www 4 i : : +
665 expiations, for purification of ladies are also prescribed. (1859-1869) Then the rules about preparation of pancagavya & other general rules about prayascitta are mentioned (1878-1885). PRAKARANA III ANUGRAHAFRAYASCITTAM : This chapter mentions the circumstances, when the concession in the prescribed expiation can be suggested. The assembly of the learned Brahmanas should dispassionately direct a particular penance (1885-1893). They should take into consideration the various circumstances like, caste, capacity, age, qualities, time, place, the nature of the sin committed etc., before prescribing an expiation. (1894-1907). PRAKARANA IV VRATANI : This chapter contains the exposition of several purificatory penances like candrayana etc. Firstly, several penances are enumerated (1908-1910). Then the candrayana & other penances namely - * Prajapatya, Taptakrechra, Paraka, Yavaka, Santapana, Mahasantapana, Kayakrechra, Atikrechra, Udumbara, Parna, Phala, Mahesvara, Brahma, Dhanya & Suvarna are elaborately described. The nature, varieties, procedure, & substitutes of most of them are explained (1917-2154). } ¦
866 PRAKARANA W- TIRTHAYATRA This chapter mentions the several sacred places & rites to be performed there, while visiting them. The great rivers, places on their banks, mountains & other sacred places are referred to (2156-2180). Then the various rules about rites to be practised on the sacred places are expatiated (2181-2199). PRAKARANA VI - NIHSREYASAM - : This chapter elucidates the nature of the second human goal (acc.to the author), namely, Nihsreyasa of two kinds } Sankhya & Yoga! The two kinds of Purusarthas are referred to & the Sankhya & Yoga, which constitute the second Purusartha are defined (2200-2209). The tenets of Sankhya philosophy are enumerated (2211-2237) & explained (2238-2363). The nature of three kinds of bodies (those of gods, human beings & lower beings) are vividly described (2264-2275). Then the bondage of three kinds is explained (2276-2283). The twelve mental, six vocal & four bodily vices are enumerated, defined & explained in detail. (2284-2371). } Then the ways & means of elimination of these vices are pointed out (2372-2376). The nature of tapas is explained (2378-2394) & the various means of Yoga, namely pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana etc. are properly defined & explained. (2395-2410). The ten obstacles in the practice of Yoga, are also }
mentioned (2411). The eight miraculous powers (2412-2437) & the nature of liberation, its varieties etc. are described (2440-2447). The signs of approaching death, in case of a Yogin are indicated (2448-2461). 067 Lastly, the final release & unity of Yogin with Brahman are described (2468-2475). DEVALOKTAM JYOT IS AM : PARIS ISTA } } Devala is believed to have written an extensive treatise (Samhita) on Jyotisasastra. The quotations of Devala, dealing with the various topics on Jyotisa, available in the works on Dharmasastra & Jyotisa are here collected & arranged. PRAKARANA I - SAMSKARAH : This chapter deals with some astrological matter, connected with the Samskaras (sacraments). The customs of locality, should always be followed by an astrologer (1). There is emphasis upon, the performance of $ � } i ¿ an act on a day, with the favourable position of moon etc. & various! articles to be donated for averting the bad effects of unfavourable state of moon,star etc. are mentioned (2 & 3). The effects of inauspicious state of stars, namely Asvini, Magha & Mula at the birth of a child & the manner to eradicate the evil influence are pointed out (4-7). The periods, that are not favourable for marriage etc. are mentioned (8-14). The last verse (15) mentions the auspicious period for king's march (Yatra). calcanta }
668 PRAKARANA II KRS IH: The several astrological details, connected with agriculture are to be found here. Firstly, the days & rasis, that are favourable & unfavourable for agriculture are mentioned (16-19). Then the entire procedure of starting the agricultural work (20-23), ploughing (24-34) & sowing seeds (35) is elaborately described, with details alongwith their good & bad omens. Lastly, there is a prayer to the earth. (36-38). PRAKARANA III - GRAHACARAH : This chapter deals with the astronomical cum astrological information about the motion of various planets. The motion of Mercury & the Roads of Venus are mentioned (39-44). The effect of conjunction of Jupiter & Saturn in the third, sixth, nineth, & twelfth signs (namely - Gemini (Mithuna), Virgo (Kanya), Sagittarius (Dhana) & pisces (Mina)) is the terrific destruction of subjects (45), The dark Rahu that conceals, the sun & the moon is referred to (46). The transit of Ketus of 108 kinds & their effects are dealt with in detail (47-68). The effects of Twi-light, Rainfall, & strong & weak lord. of the year are mentioned (69-72). PRAKARANA - IV - ARISTANI : This chapter contains references to signs (omens & portends), that indicate approaching of death (73-81).