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Manusmrti (Samskrit: मनुस्मृतिः) is the name of the text written by [[Manu (मनु)|Manu]] or Manavacharya known as the father of mankind that prescribes code of conduct with a view to establish a harmonious social life.<ref name=":3">Vettam Mani (1975), [https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/480/mode/2up Puranic Encyclopaedia], Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.</ref>{{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsyPY7jQJ24&feature=youtu.be
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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
 
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
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Manu, Yajnavalkya and Parashara are some of the most celebrated law-givers of Bharata. Bharatiya society is founded on, and governed by, the laws made by these three great rishis. The granthas that enumerate these law codes are termed as Smritis and are named after their authors. So, we have Manusmrti or Manava Dharmashastra (Laws of Manu or the Institutes of Manu), Yajnavalkya Smrti and Parashara Smrti. They contain the code of conduct for man. And among them, Manu is the oldest law-giver among. Yajnavalkya Smriti follows on similar lines as the Manu Smrti. Manusmrti and Yajnavalkya Smrti are accepted all over Bharata as authoritative works on law.
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Manu, [[Yajnavalkya (याज्ञवल्क्यः)|Yajnavalkya]] and Parashara are some of the most celebrated law-givers of [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharata]]. Bharatiya society is founded on, and governed by, the laws made by these three great rishis. The granthas that enumerate these law codes are termed as [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrtis]] and many of them are named after their authors. Thus, we have texts like
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* Manusmrti or Manava Dharmashastra (Laws of Manu or the Institutes of Manu)
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* [[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya Smrti]]
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* Parashara Smrti, etc.
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It is said that the laws of Manu were intended for the Satya Yuga, those of Yajnavalkya for the Treta Yuga, those of Sankha and Likhita for the Dvapara Yuga and those of Parashara for the Kali Yuga. All of them contain code of conduct for mankind. And among them, Manusmrti is noted as the ancient most. Yajnavalkya Smrti follows on similar lines as the Manusmrti and the two are accepted as authoritative works on law all over Bharata.<ref>Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>
  
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It is said that the laws of Manu are intended for the Satya Yuga, those of Yajnavalkya are for the Treta Yuga; those of Sankha and Likhita are for the Dvapara Yuga; and those of Parashara are for the Kali Yuga.<ref>Swami Sivananda (1999), [http://www.dlshq.org/download/hinduismbk.pdf All About Hinduism], Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.</ref>
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== महत्त्वं प्राचीनत्वं च ॥ Importance and Antiquity ==
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It is said that by the term Smrti is denoted [[Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|Dharmashastra]].<blockquote>श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । २.१० ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2]</ref> ''śrutistu vedo vijñeyo dharmaśāstraṁ tu vai smr̥tiḥ । 2.10 ।''</blockquote>And there are as many as 71 smrtis enlisted in various smrti texts. Among them, the code of laws known as Manusmrti, ascribed to the first Manu named Svayambhuva Manu, is considered the foremost.<ref>Vaman Shivram Apte (1985), [https://archive.org/details/practicalsanskri00apteuoft/page/740/mode/2up The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary], Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.</ref> Infact, according to Brhaspati, the importance of Manusmrti is due to it collecting the essence of the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]]. And hence, any smrti that goes tangential to Manusmrti is considered unpraiseworthy.<blockquote>वेदार्थोपनिबद्धत्वात्प्राधान्यं हि मनोः स्मृतम् । मन्वर्थविपरीता तु या स्मृतिः सा न शस्यते ॥<ref name=":0">Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83_(%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE) Manvarthamuktavali Samvalita])</ref>
  
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== Manu ==
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''vedārthopanibaddhatvātprādhānyaṁ hi manoḥ smr̥tam । manvarthaviparītā tu yā smr̥tiḥ sā na śasyate ॥''</blockquote>Moreover, the praise of Manu's tenets are obtained in the [[Shruti (श्रुतिः)|shrutis]] itself that are the basis for all smrtis.<blockquote>मनुर्वै यत् किंचावदत्तद् भेषजं एवावदत्, तद् भेषजत्वायैव । 2.1.5 ।<ref>Maitrayani Samhita, Kanda 2, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A8/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A7 Prapathaka 1]</ref>
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The first Manu called स्वायंभुवमनु is the one to whom the code of laws known as Manusmriti is ascribed. (Apte)
 
  
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== Importance and Antiquity ==
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''manurvai yat kiṁcāvadattad bheṣajaṁ evāvadat, tad bheṣajatvāyaiva । 2.1.5 ।'' </blockquote>Meaning: Whatever is proposed by Manu is to be taken like medicine.
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श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । 2.10
 
  
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As per this saying of Manusmrti, another name for Dharmashastra is Smrti. Many smrtis like Manusmrti are known by the name of their author. There are as many as 71 smrtis enlisted in various smrti texts.
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Similar saying on Manusmrti is also said to be found in the [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]]. <blockquote>पुराणं मानवो धर्मः साङ्गो वेदश्चिकित्सितम् । आज्ञासिद्धानि चत्वारि न हन्तव्यानि हेतुभिः ॥<ref name=":0" />
  
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Manusmrti is considered the foremost among them all.  
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''purāṇaṁ mānavo dharmaḥ sāṅgo vedaścikitsitam । ājñāsiddhāni catvāri na hantavyāni hetubhiḥ ॥'' </blockquote>Also, the knowledge of [[Dharma (धर्मः)|dharma]] passed on by Manu and his shishya parampara is seen in the form of quotations in other smrti texts like the Parashara Smrti. In fact, the following two verses from the Manusmrti is found in the [[Valmiki Rshi (वाल्मीकि ऋषिः)|Valmiki]] [[Ramayana (रामायणम्)|Ramayana]]. <blockquote>शासनाद्वा विमोक्षाद्वा स्तेनः स्तेयाद्विमुच्यते । अशासित्वा तु तं राजा स्तेनस्याप्नोति किल्बिषम् । । ८.३१६ । ।
  
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वेदार्थोपनिबन्धत्वात्प्राधान्यं हि मनोःस्मृतम् । मन्वर्थविपरीता तु या स्मृतिः सा न शस्यते ॥
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राजभिः कृतदण्डास्तु कृत्वा पापानि मानवाः । निर्मलाः स्वर्गं आयान्ति सन्तः सुकृतिनो यथा । । ८.३१८ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 8]</ref>
  
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According to Brhaspati, the importance of Manusmrti is due to it collecting the essence of the Vedas. And hence, any smrti that goes tangential to Manusmrti is not praiseworthy.
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''śāsanādvā vimokṣādvā stenaḥ steyādvimucyate । aśāsitvā tu taṁ rājā stenasyāpnoti kilbiṣam । । 8.316 । ।''
  
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For, the praise of Manu's tenets are obtained in the shrutis that are the basis for all smrtis
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''rājabhiḥ kr̥tadaṇḍāstu kr̥tvā pāpāni mānavāḥ । nirmalāḥ svargaṁ āyānti santaḥ sukr̥tino yathā । । 8.318 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning:
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* The thief becomes absolved from the theft either through punishment or through acquittal. By not punishing the thief, the ruler imbibes the guilt of the thief.
  
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मनुर्वै यत्किञ्चिदवदत्तद्भेषजं भेषजतायाः ।
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* People who, having committed crimes, have been punished by rulers, become freed from guilt and go to [[Svarga (स्वर्गः)|svarga]] just like well-behaved good people.<ref>Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.46012/page/n351/mode/2up Volume 6]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref>
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In the Kishkindhakanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, Rama quotes the above verses from the Manusmrti as those given by Manu as follows. He says,<blockquote>श्रूयते मनुना गीतौ श्लोकौ चारित्र वत्सलौ ॥ गृहीतौ धर्म कुशलैः तथा तत् चरितम् मया ॥४.१८.३०॥
  
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Meaning: Whatever is proposed by Manu is to be taken like medicine. There is no need to argue about the same.
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राजभिः धृत दण्डाः च कृत्वा पापानि मानवाः । निर्मलाः स्वर्गम् आयान्ति सन्तः सुकृतिनो यथा ॥४.१८.३१॥
  
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The Mahabharata also says the same.
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शसनात् वा अपि मोक्षात् वा स्तेनः पापात् प्रमुच्यते । राजा तु अशासन् पापस्य तद् आप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥४.१८.३२॥<ref name=":1">Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, [http://valmikiramayan.pcriot.com/utf8/kish/sarga18/kishkindha_18_frame.htm Sarga 18]</ref>
  
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पुराणं मानवो धर्मः साङ्गो वेदश्चिकित्सितम् । आज्ञासिद्धानि चत्वारि न हन्तव्यानि हेतुभिः ॥
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''śrūyate manunā gītau ślokau cāritra vatsalau ॥ gr̥hītau dharma kuśalaiḥ tathā tat caritam mayā ॥4.18.30॥''
  
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The story of propogation of Manusmrti
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''rājabhiḥ dhr̥ta daṇḍāḥ ca kr̥tvā pāpāni mānavāḥ । nirmalāḥ svargam āyānti santaḥ sukr̥tino yathā ॥4.18.31॥''
  
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इदं शास्त्रं तु कृत्वासौ मां एव स्वयं आदितः । विधिवद्ग्राहयां आस मरीच्यादींस्त्वहं मुनीन् । । १.५८ । ।
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''śasanāt vā api mokṣāt vā stenaḥ pāpāt pramucyate । rājā tu aśāsan pāpasya tad āpnoti kilbiṣam ॥4.18.32॥''</blockquote>Meaning:
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* We hear two verses that are given to the advocacy of good conventions, which the experts of rightness have also accepted, and which are said to be coined by Manu, and I too conducted myself only as detailed in those verses of law.
  
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एतद्वोऽयं भृगुः शास्त्रं श्रावयिष्यत्यशेसतः । एतद्धि मत्तोऽधिजगे सर्वं एषोऽखिलं मुनिः । । १.५९ । ।
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* 'When rulers impose proper punishment on people who have committed crime, they become freed of the 'Papa' and enter svarga just as the pious people with good deeds do', says one verse of Manu.
  
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ततस्तथा स तेनोक्तो महर्षिमनुना भृगुः । तानब्रवीदृषीन्सर्वान्प्रीतात्मा श्रूयतां इति । । १.६० । ।
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* Either by punishment or by mercy a thief will be absolved from 'papa' but the ruler who does not impose proper punishment will derive the blot of that 'papa', says the other verse of Manu.<ref name=":1" />
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It is seen here that though some 'pathabheda' (change in text) has crept over the period of time, the meaning of these verses in Manusmrti and the Valmiki Ramayana is the same. This shows that Manusmrti was prevalent in the times of Valmiki. Thus, Manusmrti is an ancient Smrti shastra whose verses are found in the Valmiki Ramayana as well as other smrti texts.<ref name=":2">Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.343659/page/n27/mode/2up The Manusmriti], Lucknow: Newal Kishore Press.</ref>
  
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It is mentioned in the Manusmrti itself that Maharshi Bhrgu learnt all the dharmas from Manu and on his advice, he taught the same to other rshis and versified it for the benefit of all that became popular by the name Manusmrti. It is hence that the line भृगुप्रोक्तायां संहितायां is found at the end of all adhyayas in Manusmrti.  
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== शास्त्रप्रचारः ॥ Propagation  ==
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The story of propogation of Manusmrti is mentioned in the Manusmrti itself. It is said that Maharshi Bhrgu learnt all the dharmas from Manu. And on his advice, he taught the same to other rshis for the benefit of all that became popular by the name Manusmrti. Infact, this is the reason that the line भृगुप्रोक्तायां संहितायां ॥ ''bhr̥guproktāyāṁ saṁhitāyāṁ'' is found at the end of all the adhyayas in Manusmrti.<blockquote>इदं शास्त्रं तु कृत्वासौ मां एव स्वयं आदितः । विधिवद्ग्राहयां आस मरीच्यादींस्त्वहं मुनीन् । । १.५८ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>एतद्वोऽयं भृगुः शास्त्रं श्रावयिष्यत्यशेसतः । एतद्धि मत्तोऽधिजगे सर्वं एषोऽखिलं मुनिः । । १.५९ । ।</blockquote><blockquote>ततस्तथा स तेनोक्तो महर्षिमनुना भृगुः । तानब्रवीदृषीन्सर्वान्प्रीतात्मा श्रूयतां इति । । १.६० । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1]</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''idaṁ śāstraṁ tu kr̥tvāsau māṁ eva svayaṁ āditaḥ । vidhivadgrāhayāṁ āsa marīcyādīṁstvahaṁ munīn । । 1.58 । ।''</blockquote><blockquote>''etadvo'yaṁ bhr̥guḥ śāstraṁ śrāvayiṣyatyaśesataḥ । etaddhi matto'dhijage sarvaṁ eṣo'khilaṁ muniḥ । । 1.59 । ।''</blockquote><blockquote>''tatastathā sa tenokto maharṣimanunā bhr̥guḥ । tānabravīdr̥ṣīnsarvānprītātmā śrūyatāṁ iti । । 1.60 । ।''</blockquote>Also, over the period of time, there have been many commentaries on the Manusmrti out of which the ones by Medhatithi, Sarvajna Narayana, Govindaraja, Kulluka, Raghavananda, Nandana and Ramachandra are well-known.<ref name=":2" />
  
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Also, the knowledge of dharma passed on by Manu and his shishya parampara is seen in the form of quotations in other smrti texts that go by the name of Manu.
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== ग्रन्थरचना विषयाश्च ॥ Structure and Contents ==
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Manusmrti contains twelve adhyayas or chapters. The contents of each of these chapters in brief along with the number of verses contained in each chapter are given below:
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For example,
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{| class="wikitable"
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!Adhyaya
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The Parashara Smrti says,
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!Contents<ref name=":3" />
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!Number of Shlokas<ref name=":2" />
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अग्निरापश्च वेदाश्च सोमसूर्यानिलास्तथा । एते सर्वेऽपि विप्राणां श्रोत्रे तिष्ठन्ति दक्षिणे ॥ ३९ ॥
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|-
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|1
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प्रभासादीनि तीर्थानि गङ्गाद्याः सरितस्तथा । विप्रस्य दक्षिणे कर्णे सान्निध्यं मुनिरब्रवीत् ॥ ४० ॥
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|The first chapter deals with origin of the smrti and origin of the world. Infact, this is a special feature of Manusmrti to be noted as no other smrti begins in this manner.
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|119
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मनुना चैव्येकेन सर्वशास्त्राणि जानता । प्रायश्चित्तं तु तेनोक्तं गोघ्नश्चान्द्रायणं चरेत् ॥ ४१ ॥
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|-
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|2
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The following two verses from the Manusmrti is found in the Ramayana
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|The Second chapter deals with the [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|Indriyas]] (sense organs) and stresses the importance of conquering and controlling them. It also describes the qualities of a [[Brahmana Dharma (ब्राह्मणधर्मः)|brahmana]].
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|249
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शासनाद्वा विमोक्षाद्वा स्तेनः स्तेयाद्विमुच्यते । अशासित्वा तु तं राजा स्तेनस्याप्नोति किल्बिषम् । । ८.३१६ । ।
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|-
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|3
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राजभिः कृतदण्डास्तु कृत्वा पापानि मानवाः । निर्मलाः स्वर्गं आयान्ति सन्तः सुकृतिनो यथा । । ८.३१८ । ।
+
|The Third chapter contains the [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|duties of a householder]] after his course of study of the Vedas. Eight different kinds of [[Vivaha (विवाहः)|marriages]] are described in it. It further also deals with methods of giving protection to women and children.
−
 
+
|286
−
It is said in the kishkindhakanda of the Valmiki Ramayana
+
|-
−
 
+
|4
−
श्रूयते मनुना गीतौ श्लोकौ चारित्र वत्सलौ ॥ गृहीतौ धर्म कुशलैः तथा तत् चरितम् मया ॥४-१८-३०॥
+
|The Fourth chapter includes duties of a brahmana, study of the Vedas and [[Snataka Dharma (स्नातकधर्मः)|responsibilities of a Snataka]], etc.  
−
 
+
|260
−
राजभिः धृत दण्डाः च कृत्वा पापानि मानवाः । निर्मलाः स्वर्गम् आयान्ति सन्तः सुकृतिनो यथा ॥४-१८-३१॥
+
|-
−
 
+
|5
−
शसनात् वा अपि मोक्षात् वा स्तेनः पापात् प्रमुच्यते । राजा तु अशासन् पापस्य तद् आप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥४-१८-३२॥
+
|The Fifth chapter deals with pure and impure foods, concept of impurity and methods of purification, [[Stri Dharma (स्त्रीधर्मः)|women and their responsibilities]].
−
 
+
|169
−
Though some pathabheda has crept over the period of time, the meaning of these verses is the same. This shows that it was this Manusmrti that was prevalent in the times of Valmiki.
+
|-
−
 
+
|6
−
Manusmrti is an ancient smrti shastra. Its verses are found in the Valmiki Ramayana as well as other smrti texts.
+
|The Sixth Chapter contains duties of those who have entered the [[Vanaprasthashrama (वानप्रस्थाश्रमः)|ashrama of vanaprastha]] and also of ascetics.
−
 
+
|96
−
There have been many commentaries on the Manusmrti out of which the ones by Medhatithi, Sarvajna Narayana, Govindaraja, Kulluka, Raghavaananda, Nandana and Ramachandra are well-known.
+
|-
−
 
+
|7
−
(Manusmrti - Girija Prasad Dwivedi)
+
|The Seventh chapter deals with [[Raja Dharma (राजधर्मः)|duties of Rulers]] and ministers.
−
 
+
|226
−
== Contents ==
+
|-
−
MANUSMṚTI is a code of conduct written by Manu or  Mānavāchārya who was the father of man-kind for the harmonious existence of a social life. The book contains twelve chapters.
+
|8
−
 
+
|The Eighth chapter deals with [[Nyaya (न्यायः)|law and justice]]. It contains laws for the proper conduct of justice and includes ways and means of settling disputes and handling cases of debts, sale without right, partnership, duels, theft, prostitution, boundary disputes and all such matters as are to be decided by a court of law.
−
The first chapter deals with the origin of the smṛti and the origin of the world. No other smṛti begins like this and so it is believed that this chapter must have been added to it later.  
+
|420
−
 
+
|-
−
The contents of each of the other eleven chapters are given below:
+
|9
−
 
+
|The Ninth chapter deals with the duties of a husband and wife. It also contains matters relating to property rights, partition and the duties of a ruler with regard to these.
−
Second chapter. It deals with the sense organs and stresses the importance of conquering and controlling them. It describes the qualities of a brahmana.
+
|336
−
 
+
|-
−
Third chapter. It contains the duties of a householder after his course of study of the Vedas. Eight different kinds of marriages are described in it. It also deals with methods of giving protection to women and children.
+
|10
−
 
+
|The Tenth chapter deals with duties of the different [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|varnas]], mixed varnas and the [[Apaddharma (आपद्धर्मः)|duties of one in times of danger]].
−
Fourth chapter. Duties of a brāhmaṇa, study of the Vedas and responsibilities of a Snātaka are all described in this chapter.
+
|131
−
 
+
|-
−
Fifth chapter. This deals with pure and impure foods, impurity and methods of purification, women and their responsibilities.
+
|11
−
 
+
|The Eleventh chapter deals first with [[Tapas (तपस्)|penance]], observation of Vratas, Yagas, [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajnas]] and dakshina to the priests. It then deals with punishments of crimes, expiation for murder, prostitution etc.
−
Sixth Chapter. This contains the duties of those who have entered the āśhrama of vānaprastha and also of ascetics.
+
|266
−
 
+
|-
−
Seventh chapter. It deals with the duties of Rulers and ministers.
+
|12
−
 
+
|The Twelfth chapter deals with the theory of births and describes how your deeds in the present life are directive of the nature of life of your next birth; What deeds would fetch you what life is also explained. It contains instructions on Atmajnana and the way to obtain [[Moksha (मोक्षः)|moksha]] (absolute bliss).
−
Eighth chapter. It deals with law and justice. It contains laws for the proper conduct of justice and includes ways and means of settling disputes and handling cases of debts, sale without right, partnership, duels, theft, prostitution, boundary disputes and all such matters as are to be decided by a court of law.
+
|126
−
 
+
|}
−
Ninth chapter. It deals with the duties of a husband and wife. It also contains matters relating to property rights, partition and the duties of a Raja with regard to these.
+
== विषयानुक्रमणिका ॥ Topic-wise Index<ref name=":2" /> ==
 +
The subject matter of Manusmrti may broadly be classified into 3 Kandas. Namely,
 +
# आचारकाण्डः ॥ Achara Kanda including details on [[Acharana Dharma (आचरणधर्मः)|general code of conduct]] and behaviour.
 +
# व्यवहारकाण्डः ॥ Vyavahara Kanda including details on the day to day social and financial dealings.
 +
# प्रायश्चित्तकाण्डः ॥ Prayashchitta Kanda including details on the various paths of expiation.
 +
In this section, the shlokas of Manusmrti have been indexed based on the various topics handled within the text of Manusmrti.  
  
−
Tenth chapter. It deals with the duties of the different varnas, mixed varnas and the duties of one in times of danger.
+
=== आचारकाण्डः ॥ Achara Kanda ===
−
 
 
−
Eleventh chapter. It deals first with penance, observation of Vratas, Yāgas, Yajñas and fee to the priests. It then deals with punishments of crimes, expiation for murder, prostitution etc.
 
−
 
 
−
Twelfth chapter. It deals with the theory of births and describes how your deeds in the present life are directive of the nature of life of your next birth. What deeds would fetch you what life is also explained. It contains instructions on Ātmajñāna and the way to obtain mokṣa (absolute bliss).
 
−
 
 
−
The basis of the present Hindu Law is Manusmṛti.
 
−
 
 
−
(Puranic Encyclopedia)
 
−
 
 
−
== Topic-wise index of Manusmrti ==
 
−
Manusmrti - Girija Prasad Dwivedi
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
|+
 
−
1.Achara Kanda
 
 
!Sr.no
 
!Sr.no
 
!Topic
 
!Topic
Line 163: Line 162:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|8
 
|8
−
|Dharma Pithika
+
|Base of Dharma (Dharma Pithika)
 
|2
 
|2
 
|1-5
 
|1-5
Line 189: Line 188:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|10
 
|10
−
|Dharmika Sabha
+
|Just assembly (Dharmika Sabha)
 
|12
 
|12
 
|107-117
 
|107-117
Line 195: Line 194:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|11
 
|11
−
|Achara
+
|Code of Conduct (Achara)
 
|4
 
|4
 
|155-158 (Dharma mula)
 
|155-158 (Dharma mula)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|12
 
|12
−
|Yajniya Desha
+
|Places appropriate for Dharmika practices (Yajniya Desha)
 
|2
 
|2
 
|17-25 (Desha Vibhaga)
 
|17-25 (Desha Vibhaga)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|13
 
|13
−
|Apavitra Desha
 
−
|10
 
−
|43-44
 
−
|-
 
−
|14
 
 
|Brahmana Varna
 
|Brahmana Varna
 
|1
 
|1
 
|92-101
 
|92-101
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |15
+
| rowspan="2" |14
 
| rowspan="2" |Activities of a Brahmana
 
| rowspan="2" |Activities of a Brahmana
 
|1
 
|1
Line 222: Line 216:
 
|74-76
 
|74-76
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="5" |16
+
| rowspan="5" |15
 
| rowspan="5" |Importance of a Brahmana
 
| rowspan="5" |Importance of a Brahmana
 
|2
 
|2
Line 239: Line 233:
 
|3
 
|3
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="4" |17
+
| rowspan="4" |16
 
| rowspan="4" |Brahmana Dharma
 
| rowspan="4" |Brahmana Dharma
 
|2
 
|2
Line 270: Line 264:
 
38-43
 
38-43
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="3" |18
+
| rowspan="3" |17
 
| rowspan="3" |Apaddharma of Brahmanas
 
| rowspan="3" |Apaddharma of Brahmanas
 
|4
 
|4
Line 282: Line 276:
 
|16-17
 
|16-17
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |19
+
| rowspan="2" |18
−
| rowspan="2" |Bhakshya and Abhakshya for Brahmanas
+
| rowspan="2" |Permitted and Forbidden food for Brahmanas (Bhakshya and Abhakshya)
 
|4
 
|4
 
|207-222
 
|207-222
Line 290: Line 284:
 
|96
 
|96
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |20
+
| rowspan="2" |19
 
| rowspan="2" |Unfit Brahmana
 
| rowspan="2" |Unfit Brahmana
 
|2
 
|2
Line 301: Line 295:
 
|36-37
 
|36-37
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="3" |21
+
| rowspan="3" |20
 
| rowspan="3" |Foolish Brahmana
 
| rowspan="3" |Foolish Brahmana
 
|2
 
|2
Line 312: Line 306:
 
|188-191
 
|188-191
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |22
+
| rowspan="2" |21
−
| rowspan="2" |Kshatriya Varna
+
| rowspan="2" |[[Kshatriya Dharma (क्षत्रियधर्मः)|Kshatriya]] Varna
 
|1
 
|1
 
|89
 
|89
Line 323: Line 317:
 
117
 
117
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="3" |23
+
| rowspan="3" |22
−
| rowspan="3" |Vaishya Varna
+
| rowspan="3" |[[Vaishya Dharma (वैश्यधर्मः)|Vaishya]] Varna
 
|1
 
|1
 
|90
 
|90
Line 335: Line 329:
 
98
 
98
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="5" |24
+
| rowspan="5" |23
−
| rowspan="5" |Shudra Varna
+
| rowspan="5" |[[Shudra Dharma (शूद्रधर्मः)|Shudra]] Varna
 
|1
 
|1
 
|91
 
|91
Line 353: Line 347:
 
|253-256
 
|253-256
 
|-
 
|-
−
|25
+
|24
−
|Brahmachari
+
|[[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmachari]]
 
|2
 
|2
 
|69
 
|69
Line 363: Line 357:
 
147-149
 
147-149
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="4" |26
+
| rowspan="4" |25
 
| rowspan="4" |Dharma of a Brahmachari
 
| rowspan="4" |Dharma of a Brahmachari
 
|2
 
|2
Line 385: Line 379:
 
159
 
159
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="4" |27
+
| rowspan="4" |26
 
| rowspan="4" |Grhastha
 
| rowspan="4" |Grhastha
 
|3
 
|3
Line 401: Line 395:
 
|28-30
 
|28-30
 
|-
 
|-
−
|28
+
|27
−
|Varna Dharma (Samskara)
+
|Varna Dharma ([[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskara]])
 
|2
 
|2
 
|26-68
 
|26-68
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="3" |29
+
| rowspan="3" |28
−
| rowspan="3" |Ahnika (Dinacharya)
+
| rowspan="3" |Ahnika ([[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|Dinacharya]])
 
|3
 
|3
 
|67-76
 
|67-76
Line 421: Line 415:
 
|132-139
 
|132-139
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="4" |30
+
| rowspan="4" |29
−
| rowspan="4" |Snataka Dharma and Grhastha Dharma
+
| rowspan="4" |[[Snataka (स्नातकः)|Snataka]] Dharma and Grhastha Dharma
 
|2
 
|2
 
|224-240
 
|224-240
Line 454: Line 448:
 
|6-10
 
|6-10
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |31
+
| rowspan="2" |30
−
| rowspan="2" |Sammana
+
| rowspan="2" |Respectful behaviour (Sammana)
 
|2
 
|2
 
|117
 
|117
Line 465: Line 459:
 
|154
 
|154
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |32
+
| rowspan="2" |31
 
| rowspan="2" |Emergency
 
| rowspan="2" |Emergency
 
|8
 
|8
Line 473: Line 467:
 
|31-34
 
|31-34
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |33
+
| rowspan="2" |32
 
| rowspan="2" |Vivaha
 
| rowspan="2" |Vivaha
 
|3
 
|3
Line 484: Line 478:
 
|47
 
|47
 
|-
 
|-
−
|34
+
|33
 
|Dharma of the Groom
 
|Dharma of the Groom
 
|3
 
|3
 
|4-19
 
|4-19
 
|-
 
|-
−
|35
+
|34
 
|Dharma of the Bride
 
|Dharma of the Bride
 
|9
 
|9
 
|90-92
 
|90-92
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="5" |36
+
| rowspan="5" |35
 
| rowspan="5" |Rules of Vivaha
 
| rowspan="5" |Rules of Vivaha
 
|3
 
|3
Line 519: Line 513:
 
|5
 
|5
 
|-
 
|-
−
|37
+
|36
−
|Putrika karana
+
|Appointing One's heir in the daughter's lineage (Putrika karana)
 
|9
 
|9
 
|127-129
 
|127-129
 
139-140
 
139-140
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="3" |38
+
| rowspan="3" |37
 
| rowspan="3" |Stri
 
| rowspan="3" |Stri
 
|3
 
|3
Line 541: Line 535:
 
|177-178
 
|177-178
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2" |39
+
| rowspan="2" |38
 
| rowspan="2" |Stri Dharma
 
| rowspan="2" |Stri Dharma
 
|5
 
|5
Line 550: Line 544:
 
|84-87
 
|84-87
 
|-
 
|-
−
|40
+
|39
 
|Dharma of Stri and Purusha
 
|Dharma of Stri and Purusha
 
|9
 
|9
 
|101-102
 
|101-102
 
|-
 
|-
−
|41
+
|40
 
|Niyoga
 
|Niyoga
 
|9
 
|9
 
|57-68
 
|57-68
 
|-
 
|-
−
|42
+
|41
 
|Putra
 
|Putra
 
|9
 
|9
Line 568: Line 562:
 
158-181
 
158-181
 
|-
 
|-
−
|43
+
|42
 
|Varna and Life
 
|Varna and Life
 
|10
 
|10
Line 574: Line 568:
 
64-73 (Bija and Kshetra)
 
64-73 (Bija and Kshetra)
 
|-
 
|-
−
|44
+
|43
−
|Shraddha
+
|[[Shraddha (श्राद्धम्)|Shraddha]]
 
|3
 
|3
 
|122-286
 
|122-286
 
|-
 
|-
−
|45
+
|44
 
|Bhaksya and Abhakshya of Dvijatiyas
 
|Bhaksya and Abhakshya of Dvijatiyas
 
|5
 
|5
 
|1-25
 
|1-25
 
|-
 
|-
−
|46
+
|45
 
|Prohibition of meat
 
|Prohibition of meat
 
|5
 
|5
 
|26-56
 
|26-56
 
|-
 
|-
−
|47
+
|46
 
|Purification of things
 
|Purification of things
 
|5
 
|5
 
|110-131
 
|110-131
 
|-
 
|-
−
|48
+
|47
 
|Dharma Bhikshu
 
|Dharma Bhikshu
 
|11
 
|11
Line 602: Line 596:
 
18-23
 
18-23
 
|}
 
|}
−
Subject matter of Manusmrti
 
  
 +
=== व्यवहारकाण्डः ॥ Vyavahara Kanda ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Sr. no.
 +
!Topic
 +
!Adhyaya
 +
!Shlokas
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" |1
 +
| rowspan="2" |Importance of a Ruler
 +
|7
 +
|1-13
 +
|-
 +
|9
 +
|301-302
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="3" |2
 +
| rowspan="3" |Raja Dharma
 +
|7
 +
|26-40
 +
41-42
 +
 +
43-53
 +
 +
77-86
 +
 +
99-112
 +
 +
145-169
 +
 +
212-226
 +
|-
 +
|8
 +
|172-175
 +
395
 +
|-
 +
|9
 +
|300
 +
303-312
 +
 +
322-325
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="3" |3
 +
| rowspan="3" |Constituents of the State (Rajya Prabandha)
 +
|7
 +
|54-76
 +
141-144
 +
 +
113-126
 +
|-
 +
|8
 +
|27-41
 +
386-387
 +
|-
 +
|9
 +
|294-299
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="3" |4
 +
| rowspan="3" |State Taxation
 +
|7
 +
|127-140
 +
|-
 +
|8
 +
|394
 +
404-409
 +
|-
 +
|10
 +
|118-120
 +
|-
 +
|5
 +
|Battle 
 +
|7
 +
|87-98
 +
170-211
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" |6
 +
| rowspan="2" |[[Rna (ऋणम्)|Rna]]
 +
|8
 +
|1-14
 +
18-26
 +
 +
42-112
 +
 +
140-171
 +
 +
176-178
 +
|-
 +
|7
 +
|113-123
 +
|-
 +
|7
 +
|Deposits (Nikshepa)
 +
|8
 +
|179-196
 +
|-
 +
|8
 +
|Fraudulent sale (Paradhana Vikraya)
 +
|8
 +
|197-203
 +
|-
 +
|9
 +
|Joint Concerns (Sambhuya Karmakari)
 +
|8
 +
|206-213
 +
|-
 +
|10
 +
|Non-payment of wages
 +
|8
 +
|214-217
 +
|-
 +
|11
 +
|Breach of Contract (Maryada Bhedana)
 +
|8
 +
|218-221
 +
|-
 +
|12
 +
|Rescission of Sale (Krita Paravartana)
 +
|8
 +
|222-223
 +
228
 +
|-
 +
|13
 +
|Disputes between Owner and Keeper regarding cattle (Pashu Svamipala)
 +
|8
 +
|229-244
 +
|-
 +
|14
 +
|Disputes regarding boundaries
 +
|8
 +
|245-265
 +
|-
 +
|15
 +
|Verbal assault (Vak Parushya)
 +
|8
 +
|266-277
 +
|-
 +
|16
 +
|Assaults (Danda Parushya)
 +
|8
 +
|278-300
 +
|-
 +
|17
 +
|Theft
 +
|8
 +
|301-331
 +
333-347
 +
|-
 +
|18
 +
|Dacoity
 +
|8
 +
|332
 +
|-
 +
|19
 +
|Adultery (Vyabhichara)
 +
|8
 +
|352-385
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="4" |20
 +
| rowspan="4" |Importance and legislation of punishment
 +
|7
 +
|14-25
 +
|-
 +
|8
 +
|124-139
 +
388-393
 +
 +
396-403
 +
 +
410-420
 +
|-
 +
|9
 +
|229-293
 +
|-
 +
|10
 +
|96
 +
|-
 +
|21
 +
|Share of the brother
 +
|9
 +
|103-117
 +
119-126
 +
 +
204-216
 +
 +
218-219
 +
|-
 +
|22
 +
|Share of the son
 +
|9
 +
|134-136
 +
141-142
 +
 +
145-147
 +
 +
184
 +
|-
 +
|23
 +
|Share of Ekayoniputra
 +
|9
 +
|148-157
 +
|-
 +
|24
 +
|Share of the sister
 +
|9
 +
|118
 +
|-
 +
|25
 +
|Non-entitlement to a share in Parental Property (Niramsha)
 +
|9
 +
|143-144
 +
201-203
 +
|-
 +
|26
 +
|Inheritance in the absence of a son
 +
|9
 +
|130-133
 +
185-191
 +
 +
217
 +
|-
 +
|27
 +
|Stridhana and its inheritance
 +
|9
 +
|192-200
 +
|}
 +
 +
=== प्रायश्चित्तकाण्डः ॥ Prayashchitta Kanda ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!Sr. no.
 +
!Topic
 +
!Adhyaya
 +
!Shlokas
 +
|-
 +
|1
 +
|Preta Shuddhi
 +
|5
 +
|57-60
 +
64-73
 +
|-
 +
|2
 +
|Vaideshika Pretashuddhi
 +
|5
 +
|74-78
 +
|-
 +
|3
 +
|Janma shuddhi
 +
|5
 +
|61-63
 +
|-
 +
|4
 +
|Janma Marana Shuddhi
 +
|5
 +
|79
 +
|-
 +
|5
 +
|Acharyadi Marana Shuddhi
 +
|5
 +
|80-82
 +
|-
 +
|6
 +
|Shuddhi Dina
 +
|5
 +
|83
 +
|-
 +
|7
 +
|Shuddhi Vishesha
 +
|5
 +
|84-88
 +
91
 +
|-
 +
|8
 +
|Shaucha
 +
|5
 +
|93-99
 +
|-
 +
|9
 +
|Asapinda Pretashuddhi
 +
|5
 +
|100-104
 +
|-
 +
|10
 +
|Shuddhi Hetu
 +
|5
 +
|105
 +
|-
 +
|11
 +
|Artha shaucha
 +
|5
 +
|105
 +
|-
 +
|12
 +
|Nanavidha Shaucha
 +
|5
 +
|141-145
 +
|-
 +
|13
 +
|Expiation (Prayashchitta)
 +
|11
 +
|44-47
 +
|-
 +
|14
 +
|Mahapatakas
 +
|11
 +
|55-72
 +
|-
 +
|15
 +
|Expiation for Mahapatakas
 +
|11
 +
|73-131
 +
|-
 +
|16
 +
|Expiation for different kinds of violence committed
 +
|11
 +
|132-146
 +
|-
 +
|17
 +
|Expiation for partaking forbidden food
 +
|11
 +
|147-162
 +
|-
 +
|18
 +
|Expiation for theft
 +
|11
 +
|163-170
 +
|-
 +
|19
 +
|Expiation for Agamyagamana
 +
|11
 +
|171-176
 +
179-180
 +
|-
 +
|20
 +
|Expiation for forbidden Samsarga
 +
|11
 +
|181-189
 +
|-
 +
|21
 +
|Other expiations
 +
|11
 +
|192-209
 +
|-
 +
|22
 +
|Gupta Prayashchitta
 +
|11
 +
|248-266
 +
|-
 +
|23
 +
|Prajapatya and other vratas
 +
|11
 +
|211-227
 +
|-
 +
|24
 +
|Repentence and austerity (Pashchatapa and Tapa)
 +
|11
 +
|228-247
 +
|-
 +
|25
 +
|The Effects of Papa
 +
|11
 +
|48-53
 +
|-
 +
|26
 +
|Kinds of Papa
 +
|11
 +
|54-81
 +
|-
 +
|27
 +
|Vanaprastha
 +
|6
 +
|1-32
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="3" |28
 +
| rowspan="3" |[[Sannyasashrama (सन्न्यासाश्रमः)|Sannyasa]]
 +
|6
 +
|33-86
 +
94-97
 +
|-
 +
|2
 +
|88-100
 +
|-
 +
|12
 +
|10-51
 +
82-94
 +
 +
97-104
 +
 +
118-126
 +
|}
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
[[Category:Smrtis]]
 
[[Category:Smrtis]]
 
[[Category:Granthas]]
 
[[Category:Granthas]]
 
<references />
 
<references />
 +
[[Category:Dharmas]]
 +
[[Category:Manusmrti]]

Latest revision as of 17:25, 21 February 2022

Manusmrti (Samskrit: मनुस्मृतिः) is the name of the text written by Manu or Manavacharya known as the father of mankind that prescribes code of conduct with a view to establish a harmonious social life.[1]

Introduction to Manusmriti

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

Manu, Yajnavalkya and Parashara are some of the most celebrated law-givers of Bharata. Bharatiya society is founded on, and governed by, the laws made by these three great rishis. The granthas that enumerate these law codes are termed as Smrtis and many of them are named after their authors. Thus, we have texts like

  • Manusmrti or Manava Dharmashastra (Laws of Manu or the Institutes of Manu)
  • Yajnavalkya Smrti
  • Parashara Smrti, etc.

It is said that the laws of Manu were intended for the Satya Yuga, those of Yajnavalkya for the Treta Yuga, those of Sankha and Likhita for the Dvapara Yuga and those of Parashara for the Kali Yuga. All of them contain code of conduct for mankind. And among them, Manusmrti is noted as the ancient most. Yajnavalkya Smrti follows on similar lines as the Manusmrti and the two are accepted as authoritative works on law all over Bharata.[2]

महत्त्वं प्राचीनत्वं च ॥ Importance and Antiquity

It is said that by the term Smrti is denoted Dharmashastra.

श्रुतिस्तु वेदो विज्ञेयो धर्मशास्त्रं तु वै स्मृतिः । २.१० ।[3] śrutistu vedo vijñeyo dharmaśāstraṁ tu vai smr̥tiḥ । 2.10 ।

And there are as many as 71 smrtis enlisted in various smrti texts. Among them, the code of laws known as Manusmrti, ascribed to the first Manu named Svayambhuva Manu, is considered the foremost.[4] Infact, according to Brhaspati, the importance of Manusmrti is due to it collecting the essence of the Vedas. And hence, any smrti that goes tangential to Manusmrti is considered unpraiseworthy.

वेदार्थोपनिबद्धत्वात्प्राधान्यं हि मनोः स्मृतम् । मन्वर्थविपरीता तु या स्मृतिः सा न शस्यते ॥[5] vedārthopanibaddhatvātprādhānyaṁ hi manoḥ smr̥tam । manvarthaviparītā tu yā smr̥tiḥ sā na śasyate ॥

Moreover, the praise of Manu's tenets are obtained in the shrutis itself that are the basis for all smrtis.

मनुर्वै यत् किंचावदत्तद् भेषजं एवावदत्, तद् भेषजत्वायैव । 2.1.5 ।[6] manurvai yat kiṁcāvadattad bheṣajaṁ evāvadat, tad bheṣajatvāyaiva । 2.1.5 ।

Meaning: Whatever is proposed by Manu is to be taken like medicine. Similar saying on Manusmrti is also said to be found in the Mahabharata.

पुराणं मानवो धर्मः साङ्गो वेदश्चिकित्सितम् । आज्ञासिद्धानि चत्वारि न हन्तव्यानि हेतुभिः ॥[5] purāṇaṁ mānavo dharmaḥ sāṅgo vedaścikitsitam । ājñāsiddhāni catvāri na hantavyāni hetubhiḥ ॥

Also, the knowledge of dharma passed on by Manu and his shishya parampara is seen in the form of quotations in other smrti texts like the Parashara Smrti. In fact, the following two verses from the Manusmrti is found in the Valmiki Ramayana.

शासनाद्वा विमोक्षाद्वा स्तेनः स्तेयाद्विमुच्यते । अशासित्वा तु तं राजा स्तेनस्याप्नोति किल्बिषम् । । ८.३१६ । ।

राजभिः कृतदण्डास्तु कृत्वा पापानि मानवाः । निर्मलाः स्वर्गं आयान्ति सन्तः सुकृतिनो यथा । । ८.३१८ । ।[7]

śāsanādvā vimokṣādvā stenaḥ steyādvimucyate । aśāsitvā tu taṁ rājā stenasyāpnoti kilbiṣam । । 8.316 । ।

rājabhiḥ kr̥tadaṇḍāstu kr̥tvā pāpāni mānavāḥ । nirmalāḥ svargaṁ āyānti santaḥ sukr̥tino yathā । । 8.318 । ।

Meaning:

  • The thief becomes absolved from the theft either through punishment or through acquittal. By not punishing the thief, the ruler imbibes the guilt of the thief.
  • People who, having committed crimes, have been punished by rulers, become freed from guilt and go to svarga just like well-behaved good people.[8]

In the Kishkindhakanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, Rama quotes the above verses from the Manusmrti as those given by Manu as follows. He says,

श्रूयते मनुना गीतौ श्लोकौ चारित्र वत्सलौ ॥ गृहीतौ धर्म कुशलैः तथा तत् चरितम् मया ॥४.१८.३०॥

राजभिः धृत दण्डाः च कृत्वा पापानि मानवाः । निर्मलाः स्वर्गम् आयान्ति सन्तः सुकृतिनो यथा ॥४.१८.३१॥

शसनात् वा अपि मोक्षात् वा स्तेनः पापात् प्रमुच्यते । राजा तु अशासन् पापस्य तद् आप्नोति किल्बिषम् ॥४.१८.३२॥[9]

śrūyate manunā gītau ślokau cāritra vatsalau ॥ gr̥hītau dharma kuśalaiḥ tathā tat caritam mayā ॥4.18.30॥

rājabhiḥ dhr̥ta daṇḍāḥ ca kr̥tvā pāpāni mānavāḥ । nirmalāḥ svargam āyānti santaḥ sukr̥tino yathā ॥4.18.31॥

śasanāt vā api mokṣāt vā stenaḥ pāpāt pramucyate । rājā tu aśāsan pāpasya tad āpnoti kilbiṣam ॥4.18.32॥

Meaning:

  • We hear two verses that are given to the advocacy of good conventions, which the experts of rightness have also accepted, and which are said to be coined by Manu, and I too conducted myself only as detailed in those verses of law.
  • 'When rulers impose proper punishment on people who have committed crime, they become freed of the 'Papa' and enter svarga just as the pious people with good deeds do', says one verse of Manu.
  • Either by punishment or by mercy a thief will be absolved from 'papa' but the ruler who does not impose proper punishment will derive the blot of that 'papa', says the other verse of Manu.[9]

It is seen here that though some 'pathabheda' (change in text) has crept over the period of time, the meaning of these verses in Manusmrti and the Valmiki Ramayana is the same. This shows that Manusmrti was prevalent in the times of Valmiki. Thus, Manusmrti is an ancient Smrti shastra whose verses are found in the Valmiki Ramayana as well as other smrti texts.[10]

शास्त्रप्रचारः ॥ Propagation

The story of propogation of Manusmrti is mentioned in the Manusmrti itself. It is said that Maharshi Bhrgu learnt all the dharmas from Manu. And on his advice, he taught the same to other rshis for the benefit of all that became popular by the name Manusmrti. Infact, this is the reason that the line भृगुप्रोक्तायां संहितायां ॥ bhr̥guproktāyāṁ saṁhitāyāṁ is found at the end of all the adhyayas in Manusmrti.

इदं शास्त्रं तु कृत्वासौ मां एव स्वयं आदितः । विधिवद्ग्राहयां आस मरीच्यादींस्त्वहं मुनीन् । । १.५८ । ।

एतद्वोऽयं भृगुः शास्त्रं श्रावयिष्यत्यशेसतः । एतद्धि मत्तोऽधिजगे सर्वं एषोऽखिलं मुनिः । । १.५९ । ।

ततस्तथा स तेनोक्तो महर्षिमनुना भृगुः । तानब्रवीदृषीन्सर्वान्प्रीतात्मा श्रूयतां इति । । १.६० । ।[11]

idaṁ śāstraṁ tu kr̥tvāsau māṁ eva svayaṁ āditaḥ । vidhivadgrāhayāṁ āsa marīcyādīṁstvahaṁ munīn । । 1.58 । ।

etadvo'yaṁ bhr̥guḥ śāstraṁ śrāvayiṣyatyaśesataḥ । etaddhi matto'dhijage sarvaṁ eṣo'khilaṁ muniḥ । । 1.59 । ।

tatastathā sa tenokto maharṣimanunā bhr̥guḥ । tānabravīdr̥ṣīnsarvānprītātmā śrūyatāṁ iti । । 1.60 । ।

Also, over the period of time, there have been many commentaries on the Manusmrti out of which the ones by Medhatithi, Sarvajna Narayana, Govindaraja, Kulluka, Raghavananda, Nandana and Ramachandra are well-known.[10]

ग्रन्थरचना विषयाश्च ॥ Structure and Contents

Manusmrti contains twelve adhyayas or chapters. The contents of each of these chapters in brief along with the number of verses contained in each chapter are given below:

Adhyaya Contents[1] Number of Shlokas[10]
1 The first chapter deals with origin of the smrti and origin of the world. Infact, this is a special feature of Manusmrti to be noted as no other smrti begins in this manner. 119
2 The Second chapter deals with the Indriyas (sense organs) and stresses the importance of conquering and controlling them. It also describes the qualities of a brahmana. 249
3 The Third chapter contains the duties of a householder after his course of study of the Vedas. Eight different kinds of marriages are described in it. It further also deals with methods of giving protection to women and children. 286
4 The Fourth chapter includes duties of a brahmana, study of the Vedas and responsibilities of a Snataka, etc. 260
5 The Fifth chapter deals with pure and impure foods, concept of impurity and methods of purification, women and their responsibilities. 169
6 The Sixth Chapter contains duties of those who have entered the ashrama of vanaprastha and also of ascetics. 96
7 The Seventh chapter deals with duties of Rulers and ministers. 226
8 The Eighth chapter deals with law and justice. It contains laws for the proper conduct of justice and includes ways and means of settling disputes and handling cases of debts, sale without right, partnership, duels, theft, prostitution, boundary disputes and all such matters as are to be decided by a court of law. 420
9 The Ninth chapter deals with the duties of a husband and wife. It also contains matters relating to property rights, partition and the duties of a ruler with regard to these. 336
10 The Tenth chapter deals with duties of the different varnas, mixed varnas and the duties of one in times of danger. 131
11 The Eleventh chapter deals first with penance, observation of Vratas, Yagas, Yajnas and dakshina to the priests. It then deals with punishments of crimes, expiation for murder, prostitution etc. 266
12 The Twelfth chapter deals with the theory of births and describes how your deeds in the present life are directive of the nature of life of your next birth; What deeds would fetch you what life is also explained. It contains instructions on Atmajnana and the way to obtain moksha (absolute bliss). 126

विषयानुक्रमणिका ॥ Topic-wise Index[10]

The subject matter of Manusmrti may broadly be classified into 3 Kandas. Namely,

  1. आचारकाण्डः ॥ Achara Kanda including details on general code of conduct and behaviour.
  2. व्यवहारकाण्डः ॥ Vyavahara Kanda including details on the day to day social and financial dealings.
  3. प्रायश्चित्तकाण्डः ॥ Prayashchitta Kanda including details on the various paths of expiation.

In this section, the shlokas of Manusmrti have been indexed based on the various topics handled within the text of Manusmrti.

आचारकाण्डः ॥ Achara Kanda

Sr.no Topic Adhyaya Shlokas
1 Beginning 1 1-4
2 Gross and Subtle creation 1 5-57

61-84

87

3 Propogation of shastra 1 58-60

119

4 Praise of the shastra (Achara Mahatmya) 1 102-110
5 Subject matter of the Shastra 1 111-118
6 Entitlement to the shastra 2 16
7 Unauthoritative shastra 12 95-96
8 Base of Dharma (Dharma Pithika) 2 1-5
9 Dharma 2 6-15 (Proof in Dharma)
4 170-176

238-243

8 15-17
1 85-86
6 91-93 (10 lakshanas of Dharma)
10 63 (Sadharana Dharma), 97
10 Just assembly (Dharmika Sabha) 12 107-117

105-106 (Qualification as a Dharma shastra)

11 Code of Conduct (Achara) 4 155-158 (Dharma mula)
12 Places appropriate for Dharmika practices (Yajniya Desha) 2 17-25 (Desha Vibhaga)
13 Brahmana Varna 1 92-101
14 Activities of a Brahmana 1 88
10 74-76
15 Importance of a Brahmana 2 150-156
3 183-186
9 313-321
11 35
10 3
16 Brahmana Dharma 2 162-163

167

4 1-17

33-36

80-81

84-91

110-111

117

186-187 (Pratigraha Nishedha)

205-206 (Bhojana Nishedha)

247-252

10 109-114
11 24-25

38-43

17 Apaddharma of Brahmanas 4 223
10 81-93

101-104

11 16-17
18 Permitted and Forbidden food for Brahmanas (Bhakshya and Abhakshya) 4 207-222
11 96
19 Unfit Brahmana 2 103

118

168

11 36-37
20 Foolish Brahmana 2 157-158
3 132-133
4 188-191
21 Kshatriya Varna 1 89
10 77

79-80

117

22 Vaishya Varna 1 90
9 326-333
10 78

98

23 Shudra Varna 1 91
5 139-140
9 334-335
10 99-100

121-131

4 253-256
24 Brahmachari 2 69

109-116 (Teaching the deserving)

140-144

147-149

25 Dharma of a Brahmachari 2 70-87

101-108

159-161

164-166

169-223

3 1-3
4 95-127
5 88

159

26 Grhastha 3 77-80

63-66

6 87-90
10 1-2

115-116

11 28-30
27 Varna Dharma (Samskara) 2 26-68
28 Ahnika (Dinacharya) 3 67-76

81-121

4 45-52

92-94

201-203

5 132-139
29 Snataka Dharma and Grhastha Dharma 2 224-240
3 45-50
4 18-32

37-44

53-79

82-83

128-153

159-169

175-185

192-204

224-237

244-246

256-260

11 6-10
30 Respectful behaviour (Sammana) 2 117

119-139

145-146

4 154
31 Emergency 8 348-351
11 31-34
32 Vivaha 3 20-21

22-44

51-54

9 47
33 Dharma of the Groom 3 4-19
34 Dharma of the Bride 9 90-92
35 Rules of Vivaha 3 171-172
5 167-169
8 204-205

224-227

9 69-73

88-89

93-100

80-83

175-176

11 5
36 Appointing One's heir in the daughter's lineage (Putrika karana) 9 127-129

139-140

37 Stri 3 55-62
9 1-25

26-46

48-56

74-79

11 177-178
38 Stri Dharma 5 146-158

160-166

9 84-87
39 Dharma of Stri and Purusha 9 101-102
40 Niyoga 9 57-68
41 Putra 9 137-138

182-183

158-181

42 Varna and Life 10 4-62

64-73 (Bija and Kshetra)

43 Shraddha 3 122-286
44 Bhaksya and Abhakshya of Dvijatiyas 5 1-25
45 Prohibition of meat 5 26-56
46 Purification of things 5 110-131
47 Dharma Bhikshu 11 1-4

11-16

18-23

व्यवहारकाण्डः ॥ Vyavahara Kanda

Sr. no. Topic Adhyaya Shlokas
1 Importance of a Ruler 7 1-13
9 301-302
2 Raja Dharma 7 26-40

41-42

43-53

77-86

99-112

145-169

212-226

8 172-175

395

9 300

303-312

322-325

3 Constituents of the State (Rajya Prabandha) 7 54-76

141-144

113-126

8 27-41

386-387

9 294-299
4 State Taxation 7 127-140
8 394

404-409

10 118-120
5 Battle 7 87-98

170-211

6 Rna 8 1-14

18-26

42-112

140-171

176-178

7 113-123
7 Deposits (Nikshepa) 8 179-196
8 Fraudulent sale (Paradhana Vikraya) 8 197-203
9 Joint Concerns (Sambhuya Karmakari) 8 206-213
10 Non-payment of wages 8 214-217
11 Breach of Contract (Maryada Bhedana) 8 218-221
12 Rescission of Sale (Krita Paravartana) 8 222-223

228

13 Disputes between Owner and Keeper regarding cattle (Pashu Svamipala) 8 229-244
14 Disputes regarding boundaries 8 245-265
15 Verbal assault (Vak Parushya) 8 266-277
16 Assaults (Danda Parushya) 8 278-300
17 Theft 8 301-331

333-347

18 Dacoity 8 332
19 Adultery (Vyabhichara) 8 352-385
20 Importance and legislation of punishment 7 14-25
8 124-139

388-393

396-403

410-420

9 229-293
10 96
21 Share of the brother 9 103-117

119-126

204-216

218-219

22 Share of the son 9 134-136

141-142

145-147

184

23 Share of Ekayoniputra 9 148-157
24 Share of the sister 9 118
25 Non-entitlement to a share in Parental Property (Niramsha) 9 143-144

201-203

26 Inheritance in the absence of a son 9 130-133

185-191

217

27 Stridhana and its inheritance 9 192-200

प्रायश्चित्तकाण्डः ॥ Prayashchitta Kanda

Sr. no. Topic Adhyaya Shlokas
1 Preta Shuddhi 5 57-60

64-73

2 Vaideshika Pretashuddhi 5 74-78
3 Janma shuddhi 5 61-63
4 Janma Marana Shuddhi 5 79
5 Acharyadi Marana Shuddhi 5 80-82
6 Shuddhi Dina 5 83
7 Shuddhi Vishesha 5 84-88

91

8 Shaucha 5 93-99
9 Asapinda Pretashuddhi 5 100-104
10 Shuddhi Hetu 5 105
11 Artha shaucha 5 105
12 Nanavidha Shaucha 5 141-145
13 Expiation (Prayashchitta) 11 44-47
14 Mahapatakas 11 55-72
15 Expiation for Mahapatakas 11 73-131
16 Expiation for different kinds of violence committed 11 132-146
17 Expiation for partaking forbidden food 11 147-162
18 Expiation for theft 11 163-170
19 Expiation for Agamyagamana 11 171-176

179-180

20 Expiation for forbidden Samsarga 11 181-189
21 Other expiations 11 192-209
22 Gupta Prayashchitta 11 248-266
23 Prajapatya and other vratas 11 211-227
24 Repentence and austerity (Pashchatapa and Tapa) 11 228-247
25 The Effects of Papa 11 48-53
26 Kinds of Papa 11 54-81
27 Vanaprastha 6 1-32
28 Sannyasa 6 33-86

94-97

2 88-100
12 10-51

82-94

97-104

118-126

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Vettam Mani (1975), Puranic Encyclopaedia, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
  2. ↑ Swami Sivananda (1999), All About Hinduism, Uttar Pradesh: The Divine Life Society.
  3. ↑ Manusmrti, Adhyaya 2
  4. ↑ Vaman Shivram Apte (1985), The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Manusmrti (Manvarthamuktavali Samvalita)
  6. ↑ Maitrayani Samhita, Kanda 2, Prapathaka 1
  7. ↑ Manusmrti, Adhyaya 8
  8. ↑ Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti (Volume 6), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 18
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), The Manusmriti, Lucknow: Newal Kishore Press.
  11. ↑ Manusmrti, Adhyaya 1
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