Samvarta Smṛti
By Swami Harshananda
References by Authors[edit]
Samvarta-smrti is a fairly ancient work. Samvarta is quoted by many authors of dharmaśāstras like:
- Aparārka
- Haradatta
- Medhātithi
- Viśvarupa
- Others
His 200 verses have been given in their works. There is a printed text which appears to be an epitome of a portion of the original smṛti of Samvarta.
Teachings of Samvarta Smṛti[edit]
The smṛti is in the form of Samvarta’s teachings to Vāmadeva and others. The topics dealt with may be summarised as follows:
- Rules of conduct for a brahmacārin
- Prāyaścittas or expiations for various kinds of sins
- Duties of a householder
- Forest hermit and a sanyāsin
- Special duties of a king
- Age of girls for marriage
Samavarta Smṛti as per Mahābhārata[edit]
According to the Mahābhārata[1] Samvarta was a son of Añgiras. Bṛhaspati and Ucathya were his brothers. It is difficult to say whether this was the same Samvarta who authored this smṛti.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore