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...
11.4. Wearing of garments
[Full title: (F) The distinctive ritualistic features; (II) Ahnika (daily rituals); (4) Wearing of garments ].
Some rules about wearing of garments, mentioned in the text are noteworthy. (1) A healthy person should not rinse his limbs, with a scarf or hand, because the water of the head, face, chest & the lower part is drunk by the Gods, Manes, Gandharvas & all creatures respectively. An alternative rule is prescribed that one should at least rinse the body with an already washed garment & wear two dry garments (575 & 576). (2) The religious activity should be performed by the wise, with a garment, washed by himself. It should never be performed by a garment, that is new (unwashed) or is washed by a washerman. This shows that, for the religious purposes, one has to wash his own garments. The garments, washed by a washerman are not allowed. :
749 (3) The garments dipped in indigo are not at all allowed by the author. These garments are prohibited for all religious activities and if they are performed with such garments, those activities become futile. One should undergo Yavaka expiation on wearing it for one day, paraka on occasional wearing of it & candrayana, on wearing it for one year.