Questions tagged [manu-smriti]

The Law of Manu- Manusmriti also known as Manav Dharam Shastra, is the earliest metrical work on Brahminical Dharma in Hinduism.

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Are Marriages happening in present world valid according to Hinduism?

Shastras require girls to be married off by 12 or before puberty. But marriages are now happening late. Can Kanyadaan of a post-puberty girl be done ? Because popular meaning of Kanya is - ...
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Is it sin to deliberately remain unmarried?

If a man deliberately remains lifelong unmarried is he committing a sin ? Will he get punished for it in afterlife or in this life ?
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Under what conditions can a husband abandon his wife?

Under what conditions can a husband abandon his wife ? What does scriptures say about this ?
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Can a Murdhabhishikta (BrahmKshatriya) man marry a Brahmin girl?

Can a Murdhabhishikta (BrahmKshatriya) man marry a Brahmin girl ? Murdhabhishikta - Child born from Brahmin Father and Kshatriya mother.
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Were the harsher punishments laid out in smṛtis actually carried out or they merely served as a deterrent?

Were some of the harsher punishments laid out in smṛtis like the Manu actually carried out (any real examples?) or they merely served as a deterrent? From Manusmṛti: On abusing a Brāhmaṇa the ...
7 votes
4 answers
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Is it permissible to deny the authority of Manusmriti?

Is it permissible to deny the authority of Manusmriti considering that all the four major schools of Hinduism(Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smarta tradition) only consider Vedas and Upanishads ...
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What are the methods for doing repetance of sins?

Most of us commit some sins in our day to day lives . What are the ways suggested in scriptures for repentance of sins.
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Who are adhikara(eligible) to read Manusmriti?

In sanathan dharma, there is a concept called 'adhikara nirnayam'. It says about who all are eligible to read or recite or hear a particular scripture or stotra etc., Most of the scriptures mention ...
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Can people of two castes dine together?

In my state , there is tradition that in wedding or for that matter in any type of function , we invite only people from our own caste to the function , even if you have strong friendship with someone ...
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Questions regarding Manusmriti?

There were some questions regarding Manusmriti, you are requested to kindly give the solution of our doubts. [Chapter 4, verses 7 to 9] Why is the brahmin who keeps the food collection for a day, ...
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Where can I find authentic translation source of Manusmriti?

I want to find an authentic translation source of Manusmriti(where I can not only learn the outer meanings but also the inner ones) Can I find it anywhere?
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What is prayopavesa?

I would like to know what our scriptures say about prayopavesa. If deciding to end one’s life is wrong, why is it prescribed in our scriptures?
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References to the character of Manu for Manu Smriti

The Manu Smṛiti is mentioned in a lot of other scriptures, but it is not ever truly endorsed, unlike other scriptures. In the Manu Smṛiti, Manu says he got it from "the Imperishable One," ...
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Aren't these Manusmṛti verses pertaining to marriage contradictory?

Manusmṛti 3.23 describes the form of marriages that are permitted for each Varṇa: षडानुपूर्व्या विप्रस्य क्षत्रस्य चतुरोऽवरान् । विश्।शूद्रयोस्तु तानेव विद्याद् धर्म्यानराक्षसान् ॥ २३ ॥ ṣaḍānupūrvyā ...
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Are there any classifications of death

I wish to know if death has classifications and what type of death is the best amongst those classifications
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Adharma must prevail in this very Yuga?

Quoting Shastras from reputable sources: "Manu Smriti says: 1.85. One set of duties (is prescribed) for men in the Krita age, different ones in the Treta and in the Dvapara, and (again) another (...
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Is drinking goat milk allowed in Hinduism?

Ayurveda recommends the usage of goat's milk in its products. However, some smritis say that one should not drink goat's milk. Is drinking goat milk allowed in Hinduism?
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Is Hinduism a bit partial to Kshatriyas?

As we go through various sections of the Mahabharata, we can see that: Although it's not encouraged, a Kshatriya can force sex upon a woman and marry her as explained in this answer (Does Hinduism ...
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Where has it said in the authentic scriptures, that a year in the Yuga schematic of Manu is actually a Daiva year?

The one of the early mentions of Yuga theory of Satya, Treta, Dwapara and Kali occurs in Manu Smriti. There the Yuga is acutally only 12000 years with Kali Yuga - 1200 years Dwapara Yuga - 2400 ...
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What are the impure substances from which prohibited food grows

Manu RIshi talks about prohibited food items in Manu Smriti verse 5.5, the original verse is लशुनं गृञ्जनं चैव पलाण्डुं कवकानि च । अभक्ष्याणि द्विजातीनाममेध्यप्रभवानि च ॥ ५ ॥ Garlic, leeks ...
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What is the real meaning of "Kanyadhana"

I have read at a Hinduism website (Website Link) that the word "Kanyadhaana" is misinterpreted into meaning "Donating the bride" According to the web article: It's not "Kanya-...
7 votes
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Is there any punishment mentioned in Dharmashastras for the vilification of Vedas?

I was wondering whether criticizing the Vedas is a condemnable offence. In other religions, usually condemning the scripture can have a severe consequence. What about Hinduism?
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2 answers
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Is it possible to follow some parts of Dharmashastras, but not everything written in it?

I was wondering whether it is possible to follow Dharmashastras partially. Is there such provision in Dharmashastras? Or do Dharmashastras categorically say that you have to follow it in its entirety?
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What does "Elementals by the offering of Bali" mean in Manu Smriti?

Under section "Duties of a House Holder", verse 3.81, Manu Smriti says: स्वाध्यायेनार्चयेतऋषीन् होमैर्देवान् यथाविधि । पितॄंश्राद्धैश्च नॄनन्नैर्भूतानि बलिकर्मणा ॥ ८१ ॥ One should worship, ...
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Is Manu Smriti anti-brahmin? "A brahmin who drank alcohol must drink red-hot wine until his body is fully burnt", but no such punishment for Shudras?

Manu Smriti 11.90 सुरां पीत्वा द्विजो मोहादग्निवर्णां सुरां पिबेत् । तया स काये निर्दग्धे मुच्यते किल्बिषात् ततः ॥ ९० ॥ surāṃ pītvā dvijo mohādagnivarṇāṃ surāṃ pibet | tayā sa kāye nirdagdhe mucyate ...
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Where is this second definition of dwija written in Hindu scriptures?

There are two definitions of the word "dwija" that I know. Men of Brahmin , Kshatriya and Vaishya caste are dwija. Men who become alive again after dying once are called dwija. This is the ...
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Why do Brahmins from Bengal eat fish?

Brahmins from other parts of India, as far as I know, avoid eating fish. This answer (Are Brahmins who eat fish fallen Brahmins?) showed that it is indeed forbidden. So why do Brahmins from Bengal (...
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Can a woman step out of the house?

In the past there was a saying that women enter into house on four shoulders (i.e on a palanquin/doli) and step out of the house on four shoulders (i.e funeral bier/arthi) . Other than them a woman ...
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Is entering into funeral pyre (chita pravesh) a dharmic way of suicide?

Agni's another name is pavak (i.e which purifies everything) So, Is burning oneself alive by entering into funeral pyre (chita pravesh) a dharmic way of committing suicide ? Arjun took a vow of ...
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What is there a difference between Vanaspati and Vṛkṣa?

The Manusmṛti seems to indicate that Vṛkṣa are angiosperms and Vanaspati are all other plants. Is there any further explanation of differences between the two, especially with regards to their ...
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Is it True that Manu prohibited drinking liquor, even the Vedic juice of soma? [duplicate]

I've heard that Manu laid down strict rules for the prevention of drinking. He ruled that even a seller of soma, the stuff regarded as the holiest drink by Rig-Vedic gods, does Not deserve to attend ...
4 votes
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Why, in general, consanguineous marriage is not allowed?

I have seen in my society that cousin marriage is not encouraged. What is the basis of this view? I am asking about scriptural injunctions. Has Smritis categorically disapproved it? I have seen these ...
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Is Killing a woman by a man sin ? Is even hitting a woman sin?

Is killing a woman or hitting on a woman (by a man ) sin ? What does various scriptures say about this ? I know killing in general is sin but there are various situation where killing is not sin. ...
2 votes
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Is sagotra vivah lawful with exceptions?

Is this true that a couple of same gotra can marry if they have different shasana or this a misconception developed in masses these days ? If yes, what does this term shasana mean ? Please share the ...
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What is the status of offspring born from same gotra marriage?

Same gotra marriage is censured . But if such marriage happens , what is the status of the offspring born from such a marriage ?
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Is there any way to control uncontrollable or deviating thoughts according to Shastras?

I want to know if our Shastras mention how to control uncontrollable or deviating thoughts especially during prayer,Japa or Sadhna?
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Do people who have no sons go to hell? [duplicate]

Is it true that people who have no sons go to hell no matter how good they were in their life. Also if in someone's lineage no son is born , the ancestors also fall in hell ? There is a story in ...
6 votes
1 answer
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What is the punishment of lesbian sex, according to Smritis?

Manu declared that if a man does it to another man, he has to perform the Santapana penance (11.174*). What if a woman does it to another woman? *Reference - Manu's Code of Law - a critical Edition by ...
7 votes
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What is the Dharma of outcaste people?

Hinduism is based on principle of dharma (unlike Buddhism and Jainism which are based on principle of Karma). And all varnas have different duties(dharma) to discharge. So, what is the dharma ...
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Do Smriti Shastras have any provision that allows changes with time?

Smriti Shastras dictates rules to govern society. However, with time society changes. What were relevant thousand years back may not be relevant today. Have Smriti Shastras have any such option to ...
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What is the punishment for raping a woman according to Smriti?

Just curious to know what is the punishment for raping a woman according to Smriti Shastras? I am talking about the general case. NOT any specific case like marital rape (Punishment for marital rape?)....
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Who is Manu of Manu Smriti?

The Manu of Manu Smriti is same as Manus of Manvantar or he is any rishi? Also, which Manu he is if he is Manu of Manvantar?
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Why does Manu Smriti say to cut tongue of Sudra if he insults a Bramhana but just fine a Bramhana if he insults a Sudra?

Manu Smriti 8.270 : If a once-born person insults a twice-born one with gross abuse, he should suffer the cutting off of his tongue; as he is of low origin Manu Smriti 8.268 : For abusing a Kṣatriya, ...
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Is the Manusmriti written to favor a particular Varṇa?

Critics say the Manusmriti is pro-Brahmin, and written by casteist Brahmins by favoring a particular section of society and thereby oppressing Shudras, women, and other lower castes. Edit Note: While ...
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Did the rules of Manusmṛti apply to Svāyambhuva Manu, Śatarūpā and their immediate descendants?

Traditional Hindus believe that Svāyambhuva Manu (or the current Manu) being the first of mankind laid down the rules for humanity in his Manusmṛti. But did these rules apply to Manu himself and to ...
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Details on the Original Upāṅga viz. Dharmaśāstra of Prajāpati Manu and the abridged one by Sumati

Understanding Scriptures - Part 1 Summary: through this question I would like to gain as much insight as possible about the original Dharmashastra of Manu containing 1,00,000 verses and also try to ...
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1 answer
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Does Medhatithi contradict Manu Smriti while writing Bhasya? Does this verse of Manu allow a Bramhana to commit all bad acts and escape punishment?

Manu Smriti verse 9.319 says : Similarly even though they betake themselves to all sorts of undesirable acts, yet Brāhmaṇas should be honoured in every way; for they are the greatest divinity. But ...
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Does Manu Smriti mention Lord Shiva?

In Manusmriti, Brahma and Narayana are mentioned. But i didn't found mention of Lord Shiva. Is he also mentioned there?
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Is following atheistic like Samkhya wrong, according to manu Smriti?

Manu Smriti 11.66 11.66. Stealing grain, base metals, or cattle, intercourse with women who drink spirituous liquor, slaying women, Sudras, Vaisyas, or Kshatriyas, and atheism, (are all) minor ...
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Does Puri Sankaracharya or other teachers say what aspects of the British Raj were divine and based on Manusmriti?

Hindi video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9eI-hC7Aqs around 8:05 Their (British) rule had its glaring negativities thanks to their mental devilry, but whatever trace of divinity it had was due to ...