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—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 Devala-smriti based on surviving references, emphasizing Devala’s unique viewpoints on social, religious, and philosophical aspects, particularly the Sankhya and Yoga philosophies.
Chapter 9 - The distinctive features of the Devalasmriti
6 (of 165)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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11 871
refers to the Bharata & the Mahabharata & the Kausitaka G.S. only
the
(II.5.3) only to Mahabharata
12 The mention of Itihasa & Purana in
the Yajnavalkya smrti (I. 101) has reference to the "works distinct
from vedic literature 13". Thus the term Itihasa is understood
to be referring to the Mahabharata, from very early period. But
Devala does not explicitly mention the Mahabharata here, while
explaining the term 'Itihasa'.
The word 'Itihasa' is used in plural by the author. Hence it
does not stand for a single work like the Mahabharata. It cannot
be understood as referring to the epics, the Ramayana & the Maha-
bharata, as the term Itihasa is not in dual form. Moreover, the
Rāmāyaṇa has been traditionally admitted to be the best piece of
kavya & not as an Itihasa.
Hence, Devala refers most probably to the various, legendary,
historical narratives & stories, frequently occurring in the
Mahabharata & the Puranas, with the phrase
4)
"Athapyudaharantīmam itihasam puratanam"
THE QUALIFICATION FOR DHARMA :
DEVALA'S VIEW:
The author maintains that there is no instruction of purus artha,
in case of lower beings; as they are bereft of Dharma. There is
two fold purusārtha, namely abhyudaya (wordly prosperity) &
nihsreyasa (spiritual uplift), in case of gods & human beings.
(2200-2202).
