Questions tagged [smriti]
For the questions about Smriti (Sanskrit:स्मृति) (literally "which is remembered") scriptures. These texts are usually attributed to an author and produced out of human intellect.
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What is difference between Shruti and Smriti?
The Hindu texts are classified in Shruti (श्रुति) and Smriti (स्मृति). I want to know:
What is the difference between Shruti and Smriti?
What scriptures are included in Shruti & in Smriti?
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Remarriage in Sanātana Dharma
Marriage in Sanātana Dharma was or is never a personal matter instead it is a social matter and responsibility. We all know that, there is no concept of "divorce" in Hinduism. But somehow, our law ...
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Which smṛtis (dharma śāstras) are to be followed in Kali-yuga?
Which smṛti or smṛtis (Manu, Parāśara, Yājñavalkya etc.) are to be followed in Kali-yuga§?
The Parāśara smṛti supposedly mentions that it is meant for Kali-yuga. Do we have similar statements in ...
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In Hinduism, what exactly is a lie? And is lying adharma?
I would like to know what is considered a lie in Hinduism? Sometimes we speak good but we speak the same thing in a different way which appears as a lie to the listener but it's not really a lie.
In ...
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Which Shastras are more authoritative,the Smritis(Dharma Shastras) or the Puranas?
In Hindu Dharma the Vedas,Upanishads,6 Vedangas,Smritis(or the Dharma Shastras),Puranas and the Itihasas(Ramayana and Mahabhartha) are usually together called the Shastras or Scriptures.
Among them, ...
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What are the after-effects of insulting gods or goddesses?
I'm witnessing upsurge in sacrileges, such as—
Demolishing idols of devatā-s or devī-s.
Profane acts targeting iconography of devatā-s or devī-s.
Making abusive versions of epics, purāṇa-s, etc.
I ...
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What is Hinduism's view on abortion?
What do Hindu scriptures says about abortion ("a deliberate termination of pregnancy")?
Was it a sin at some point in the past? If so, why?
Have any modern Hindu gurus, like Vivekananda, Ramakrishna ...
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What are some scientific facts described in Hindu scriptures? [closed]
Bṛhat samhita- chapter 35 (6th century CE) describes the formation of a rainbow. This was later proposed by Sir Issac Newton nearly after 11 centuries. The verse is as follows.
सूर्यस्य विवधवर्णाः ...
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Why did Lord Krishna kidnap Rukmini to get married?
As per the Vedas, getting married to a girl after kidnapping is considered devil or daemon (दानव dānava) Vivaha (marriage) which isn't righteous (धर्मानुकूलन dharmānukūlana).
And Lord Krishna ...
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What scriptures other than Dharma Sindhu say sins are stored in hair?
This answer says sins are attached to hair and devotees tonsure their hair when they visit temples to get rid of sins. It says Dharma Sindhu mentions the verse.
तीर्थोपवास कर्तव्य सिरसोमुन्दनानिच सि...
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Are married women allowed to fast religiously(vrata)?
In India a lot of women(both married & unmarried) fast for religious purposes.
Many Vratas are there all throughout the year viz:- Varalakshmi Vrata,Mangala Gowri Vrata,Rishi Panchami Vrata(...
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How many available smriti are there in total?
How many currently available smritis are there? Are there any smritis whose names are known but not available?
What are the names of smritis available along with the corresponding author names and the ...
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Which scriptures mention about Sutak dosha (various prohibitions on child birth)?
Generally there are various prohibitions when a child is born in a family. It goes upto several days like 11 days which is called Sutak period. There are also various community rules regarding no. of ...
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Is sanyāsaṃ prohibited in Kaliyuga?
Recently I have seen a video in which an elderly man says sanyāsaṃ is prohibited in Kali yuga. His statement is as follows:
Aśvamedha, Gomedha, sanyāsaṃ, offering meat to manes, Begetting children ...
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Any examples where a Smriti has contradicted a Sruti statement?
First of all,by Smriti here i mean only the Dharma Shastras like Manu Smriti,Parashara Smriti etc.
It is very often that i find comments of the following nature here:
"In Hinduism Sruti is the ...
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Do farmers have the right to kill pests?
To control caterpillars, thrips, mites and whiteflies, farmers use insecticides and kill a large number of these insects.
It is in fact necessary to use these pesticides, otherwise crops will not ...
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Does Hindu morality come from scripture or is it the other way round?
Background:
The question Is the Gadhimai massacre a Hindu ritual? has an answer which says animal sacrifice is against the Hindu principles of ahimsa while the other answer says 'Animal sacrifice is ...
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Slavery in Hinduism
In Abrahamic religions, owning both ordinary and sex slaves was legal. What do Hindu scriptures say about owning people as slaves? Did Rama and Krishna free any slaves?
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Does one gain pāpa or puṇya by remaining neutral in a moral crisis?
I came across this quote today and am wondering what the Hindu scriptures have to say about this. Does one gain pāpa or puṇya by remaining neutral during a moral crisis?
The darkest places in hell ...
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What do ancient Hindu acharyas say about accepting the authority of Shruti but denying the authority of Smriti?
Some people nowadays say only the Shruti (Vedas) is the sole authority in regard to Dharma, and what is not Shruti, like the Smriti, Dharma Shastras, Puranas, etc. is man-made and can be rejected.
...
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Hanuman and Sagarollanghana
I read in this question that Sagarollanghana is prohibited and leads to a loss of caste. Now Sagarollanghana literally means 'leaping over the Saagara'. It appears from the answer that the Manusmriti ...
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What scriptures talk against tapta mudrAnkana practice?
Tapta mudrankana is a process of heating metallic religious symbols and touching on the skin so that a mark is produced on the skin.
It is usually followed by vaishnava tradition using shankha and ...
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Are curses(saapa) effective in Kali Yuga?
Our Puranas and other Mahagranthas like Ramayana & the Mahabharata contains numerous examples of curses(saap)(& boons ofcourse) and how their effectiveness shape future events.
In Mahabharata ...
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What are the meal timings according to Smritis?
While there is Intermittent Fasting and Time Restricted Feeding buzz going on in the fitness community, I want to know what is the take of Smritis regarding
Time of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Of ...
user13262
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If the Vedas say human lifespan is 100 years, how can humans live for thousands of years in previous yugas?
This answer says that the Vedas say the average human lifespan is around 100 years. If so, how can humans live for 10,000 years plus in previous yugas?
Since every word of the Veda is eternal, this ...
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Which scripture say any woman having intercourse with 5 different men is a prostitute?
From this answer, I found
The celebrated Pandu, tempted by the desire of having more children wished to speak again unto his wedded wife (for invoking some other god). But Kunti addressed him, ...
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Is it a sin to alter or tamper with scriptures?
If a person interpolates scriptures with a good intent e.g., by replacing offending/controversial words/verses that are not current with the times, but doesn't disclose the modifications to maintain ...
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What's the difference between Veda, Purana, upanishad, Smritis, Granth?
All these were written by great sages. When one sage writes something great then how his creation is being categorized among them? Means, if he writes something then after completion, how is it ...
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What are the counter-arguments within Hinduism against the Satī (sahamaraṇa) system?
Are there any counter-arguments within Hinduism against the concept/practice of Satī?
I heard that some commentators/interpreters of scripture believe the widow actually goes to hell since self-...
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Is hiding one's caste a punishable offense?
From this article:
Although the first Maratha ruler, Shivaji, freely recruited Mahars in his army, two centuries later, by the time of the Peshwas, the status of Mahars was lower than ever. The ...
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Intercaste marriage was not uncommon in ancient India. However, Smriti shastras criticize it. How to reconcile?
Smriti Shastras unequivocally criticize intercaste marriage.
However, there are many instances of intercaste marriage in Hindu Epics, where we get a sneak peek of ancient Hindu society. I can give ...
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What do scriptures say about transgenders?
Are there any references to transgenders or transgenderism in any of the Hindu scriptures? Is it supportive, or is it against it? What do they say about their way of living?
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Can a younger sibling marry before elder sibling in Hinduism?
Can a younger sibling marry before elder sibling in Hinduism?(Especially girls)What do sastras say about this?
user9554
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Do Hindus have specific dress code guidelines in their dharma shastras (scriptures)?
Are there any specific teachings related to how Hindus should dress in the public? In Islam, for instance, it has been outlined that women must wear a hijab or nikab. Islam has very clear instructions ...
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Does not performing the Garbhadana samskara result in Sudra progeny?
In Hinduism the Samskaras or the purificatory rituals (like Garbhadana,Upanyana etc) play pivotal role.
The complete list of such Samskaras are as given below :
Garbhaadaana Pumsavana ...
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Origins of the dowry system
In many religions, a practice/custom or tradition starts with a noble intention, mainly due to prevalent social needs. But with time it is corrupted, or digresses or even becomes obsolete.
With that ...
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Which scriptures say that the Kings and Kshatriyas are allowed to hunt animals?
Many people cite the example of the Pandavas hunting deers to prove that its ok for the Kshatriyas (& the Kingly classes) to hunt.
1) But are there any Scriptures which explicitly say that Kings ...
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Does Hinduism entertain new Smritis?
If a person were to write a new Hindu smriti, to what extent is that allowed and would that be appreciated by the Hindu community?
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If Devas and Rishis are self-realized, then why do they act contrary to it?
According to the Bhagavad Gita, a self-realized person is one who has gone beyond fear, anger, hatred, jealousy, pain and pleasure, etc. and all dualities of the material world. AKA he is situated in ...
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How do Rakshasas look? Physical appearance of Rakshasas?
What are the various physical appearances of Rakshasas?
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Can the "supreme authority" of Veda be proved from Veda itself?
We know that the Vedas are considered as both Apaurusheya and the most authoritative among all Hindu Shastras.
But do the Vedas themselves speak about their authoritative nature?
AFAIK, such ...
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English or Hindi translation of Vyasa Smriti
Is there any site or way to get a pdf or epub of Hindi/English translation of Vyasa Smriti?
I have searched many sites and couldn't find it.
Please if someone has it kindly provide a link.
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Relations with Cows?
........."The Atri Smriti also mentions homosexuality as a sin and prescribes an expiation measure for the same:
By discharging semen into inhuman females except a cow, into a woman in [her] ...
user9392
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Is there any correction for varnasankara?
Is it true that the varna sankara in a lineage gets cleared after 7 generations, if it is not repeated in successive generations?
If yes, please provide some scriptural evidence to support it.
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In their old age, who should take care of Hindu parents who don't have any sons?
We see many Hindu couples who don't have a single male child also.
Now assume one such couple have a single girl child and they find a suitable groom for her, get her married and send her off to the ...
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Except for baudhyana dharma sutras which other dharma sastras talk about loss of caste due to sea voyage? [duplicate]
Baudhayana Dharma-sutra, composed about 2,000 years ago, maybe
earlier, lists this "Samudrolanghana" or "Sagarollanghana" as the
first of many reasons for loss of castes (II.1.2.2).
Are there ...
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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 ...
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What is the Hindu(mainly Vedantic) opinion of lying to do good in the world?
Manu Smriti (4.138)
सत्यं ब्रूयात् प्रियं ब्रूयान्न ब्रूयात् सत्यमप्रियम् ।
प्रियं च नानृतं ब्रूयादेष धर्मः सनातनः ॥ १३८ ॥
satyaṃ brūyāt priyaṃ brūyānna brūyāt satyamapriyam |
priyaṃ ca ...
user13262
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Is BG 16.23 referring to Vedas or dharma śāstras?
BG 16.23
yaḥ śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya vartate kāma-kārataḥ
na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim
Ignoring the precept of the scriptures, he who acts under the impulsion of passion, ...
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Which scriptures contain information about Stri Rajya?
Stri Rajya is a matriarchal kingdom located somewhere in Uttarpath and mentioned in several Hindu Scriptures like Kama Sutra and Sanskrit works (based on Hindu Scriptures), like Raghuvamsa and ...
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