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
50 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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718 5
) A SAUCA TO THE SLAVES :
The slaves also have to observe asauca (impurity) for the days,
similar to those, observed by their master. Similar view about
asauca to the slaves is also to be found in the visnu-smrti (22/19),
the Atrismrti (89) & the Brhaspatismrti (Reconstructed, Asauca 鹿鲁35).
This would reflect upon the fact that slavery was prevalent,
during the period, when this rule about impurity to the slaves
was introduced.
6) AS AUCASANNIP膧TA :
The impurity is of two kinds (1) caused by birth (sutaka)
& caused by death (Mrtaka or sava) of a person. But there may
:
1 be simultaneous occurrence of the two impurities. Another similar
or dissimilar kind of impurity may occur during the period of an
earlier impurity. The question of days of observance of impurity
in such cases requires consideration.Devala
problem in the following manner (1168-1172).
deals with the
1) The sutika (the lady, that has delivered), can be pure only
at the end of the period of ten days. There is no relaxation in
her impurity, due to the occurrence of another impurity.
2.) When another impurity of death occurs during the period
of an earlier impurity caused by death, the persons become pure
at the end of the earlier impurity only. This another impurity
of death, must occur, before the lapse of ten days. If it falls
on the last i.e. tenth day the impurity is to be extended by two
days. If another impurity of death is heard in the morning of the
kalpana's
