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...
7.7. Vedavratas
[Full title: (C) The distinctive sacramental features; (I) Part 1; (7): Vedavratas].
7) VEDAVRATAS : 708 Gautama (8) 14 refers to four Vedavratas, while enumerating the forty sacraments. Similarly, these are also counted among the 15 forty-eight sacraments referred to by Sankaracarya (Brahmasutra Shankarabhashya III.4. 34). Some grhyasutras and the laghu-asva-smrti mention the vedavratas, but they vary with regard to the number & names of these vratas. Their names mentioned in the above works are as follows 16 1) Manava. Grihyasutra Caturhautrika, Agniki, Asvamedhiki, Traividyaka. 2) Kathaka Grihyasutra - Traividyaka, Caturhautrika, Godana, Astacatvarimsatsammita. 3) Sankha Grihyasutra Sukriya, Sakvara, Vratika, Aupanisada. 4) Khadira Grihyasutra 5) Gobhila Grihyasutra 6) Baudha. Grihyasutra Godanika, Vratika, Aditya, Aupanisada, Jyesthasamika 1 Hotarah, Sukriyah, Aupanisadah, Godanam, Sammitam 7) Laghu-Asvala- Mahanamnivrata, Mahavrata, Upanisadvrata. Yana smrti The four Vedavratas mentioned by Devala (388-392) are different. They are—Prajapatya, Saumya, Agneya & Vaisvadevaka.