Upalakshana in Manubhasya 2.186

[Full title: Mimamsa technical terms (8) Upalakshana (2) References in Manubhasya verse 2.186]

Passage dusgrahanamaparigrhitadesopalaksanartham | gramatkila duramaravyam, naca tatra kasyacitparigrahah | anupalaksane hi durarthe kiyadduramityana vasthitah sastrarthah syat | (medhatithi on I-186) Translation The term distance is meant to stand for such plots of land as are not owned by any one, for instance, the forest is 'distant' from the village and it is not owned by any one. If such were not the meaning, and 'distance' simply meant 'remote places', - then since the exact degree of remoteness is not specified, the meaning of the injunction would remain indifinite. Explanation While dealing with the duties to be observed by the religious student, we read Manu Smrti II.186 thus - "Having fetched fuel-sticks from a distance, he should place them in the air, and with these he should, without fail, make offerings to the five morning and evening. The term "Door" used by Manu in the stanza is an illustrative according to Medhatithi. Because it indicates the place which is not owned by any person and for an example he says that forest is distant place from village or the forest is not owned by any person. 1. duradahrtya samidhah sannidadhyadvihayasi | sayam pratasca sa juhuyattabhiragnimatandritah || 2 . 2.986 M.S Vol I-P-413

588 Medhatithi further clarifies that, if we did not meant the term 'Door' is not illustrative, the question ill arise in the mind of a reader that, to what extent the distance is to be counted and which place should be taken ? Moreover the meaning of the injunction will become indefinite. Thus by using the Mimamsa term 'Upalaksana Medhatithi clarifies the meaning of the term 'Door' used by Manu in the present stanza as the place not owned by any person. Other commentators of Manu do not look this stanza from Mimamsa angle.