Apavada in Manubhasya 5.13

[Full title: Mimamsa technical terms (6) Apavada (5) References in Manubhasya verse 5.14]

Passage Translation utsargo'yam, asyapavadam vaksyamah | (Medhatithi on ms v-14) This is general rule, its exceptions we shall explain later on. Explanation 1 While discussing objectionable food to be eaten, we get Manu Smriti V. 14 which tells - 'The Baka, the Balaka, the Kakola, the Khangarita the fish eaters, and village pigs; as also fish always." 2 The present text under reference, prohibits the eating of fish always, whereas in Manu Smriti V.16 it is said that, the "Pethine and the Rohite are fit to be eaten when used as offerings to God; or Pitrs; the Rajiva, the Simhatunda Sashalika (one may eat) on all occasions." Here, doubt arises in our mind as to which rule should be followed? Whether fish are not be eaten always as stated in Manu Smriti V.14 or should be Manu Smriti eaten always as stated in the V.16? 1. bakam caiva balakam ca kakola khanjaritakam | matsyadan vidvarahamsca matsyaneva ca sarvasah || 4.38 2. pathinarohitavadyau niyuktau havyakavyayoh | ms vol II - P-18 rajivah simhatundasca sasalkascaiva sarvasah| 5 .36 " ins Vol 1 - P-20

422 Knowing this very well, Medhatithi while commenting on Manu Smriti V.14 tells that the exception to eating of fish is pointed out here. Here the Manu Smriti V.16 is an exception to Manu Smriti V.14 which is a general rule. Thus, Medhatithi clearly removes the confusion in our mind by using technical term 'Apavada' in his comments on Manu Smriti V.14. 1 In interpreting this stanza Medhatithi points out the purpose of Punarvacana as laying down an option. This view of Medhatithi is echoed by Raghavananda. 3 na, 2 Nanda however, thinks that the purpose of Punarvacana in the present case is to indicate additional fault. From this it is evident that while pointing out the purpose of Punarvacana Nandana defers from Medhatithi who is followed by Raghavananda. 1. bakabala kakako ladinam matsyadagrahanatsiddhe pratisedhe ladanyesam vikalpartham punarvacanam | medhalithi ins vol III P-18 2. bamka balakayorma (syadatvena pratisiddhatve'pi punargrahana mesam vikalparthamiti medhatithih | Raghavananda ms voli - P-19 3. matsyadanisedhe samanyatah sidhde'pi visesena kesam cidupadanam dosatisaya sucanartham | Mandana m.s Voi II - P-19