In Hinduism

Dharmashastra (religious law)

Source: Prācyā Journal: The Divya or the ordeals

Divyapramāṇa (दिव्यप्रमाण) refers to “evidence by means of ordeals” according to the Vyavahārakāṇḍa of the Yājïavalkyasmṛti and Nāradasmṛti.—Divya-pramāṇas or the ordeals undergone by the accused in order to establish themselves innocent failing which they will be considered guilty. [...] Nāradasmṛti clearly states that ordeals are resorted to only in the absence eyewitnesses or any documentary evidence or any other kind of direct evidence. [...] On this the commentator Asahāya adds that the man accused may be asked to take an oath and declare that he is ready to undergo the ordeal in case of committing heinous crime except treason. If he has committed treason, he can be immediately subjected to divyapramāṇa.

Notes: Yuan Chwang has mentioned four types of divyas—water, fire, balance and poison when he visited India... In India there is epigraphic and other evidence to show that ordeals were resorted to till the end of 18th century. Kittur pillar inscription dated in Kaliyuga era 4289 in the reign of Kadamba King Jayakeśideva there is a description of phāladivya administered.

context information

Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Divya, Pramana.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Divyapramana, Divyapramāṇa, Divya-pramana, Divya-pramāṇa; (plurals include: Divyapramanas, Divyapramāṇas, pramanas, pramāṇas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Agni Purana (by N. Gangadharan)

Chapter 255 - Description of rules relating to disputes and different kinds of ordeals

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