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
24 (of 165)
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the present case. Moreover, the word aksamala is generally used
for the rosary of rudraksa seeds & not for garlands of other
materials. Under the influence of tantras, the deities are
described to have aksamala on their hands. In short, Devala's
reference to aksamala indicates the saivite & tantric influence
on the present text.
indicates the saivite & tantric influence
2) HAIR ON THE HEAD OF THE BRAHMACARI:
There are three different views regarding the hair on the head
of the brahmacari. The question here arises whether he should.
allow them to grow as matted or should shave them? There are three
alternatives (1) keeping of hair & allowing them to grow as matted.
(2) keeping a tuft of hair on the head & shaving the remaining
head. (3) shaving the entire head.
Manu
.20
19 (2.219) & Gautama (1/1/26) mention & allow any of the
above three alternatives to be followed by the brahmacari. The
Apastamba D.S虏 (1.1.2.31-32) & Vasistha D.S. (VII.11) allow only
first & second alternatives. While the Visnu D.S. (28) 21 allows
the first & third alternatives only. The Kathaka G.S. (1.3)
describes the brahmacari as sa峁僪atakesah (with matted hair).
The rule, mentioned in the text is remarkable. There should
not be disappearance of the hair on the head & beard & of nails.
This indicates that the brahmacari should not shave his head &
beard. The nails also are not to be cut by him. The term 'alupta'
mentioned in the text may suggest that 'jatilatva' (keeping matted
hair) is also not intended by the author. Otherwise, the author
himself Would have used that term. It may be understood that
kalpana's
