13. Dharma Shastra

📘The Dharma of Purity, Precision, and Restraint 🧭 Introduction: A Sage of Law and Order The Saṅkha Smriti, attributed to the ancient sage Saṅkha, is among the oldest Dharma Shastras in Hindu tradition. Saṅkha, often mentioned alongside Likhita, was considered one of the early lawmakers, and many ancient Indian courts used the Saṅkha-Likhita codes as references for civil and ritual disputes. The style of the Saṅkha Smriti is notably concise, strict, and highly ritualistic, reflecting…

📘The Dharma of Compassion, Restraint, and Righteous Conduct 🧭 Introduction: A Sage Who Sang Dharma The Valmiki Smriti is a lesser-known but spiritually elevated Dharma text traditionally attributed to Maharṣi Vālmīki, the author of the Rāmāyaṇa and revered as the Ādi Kavi (first poet). Although the full manuscript of the Smriti is lost, several passages and teachings are preserved through quotations in classical digests and dharma commentaries such as: Unlike the more legalistic tone of…

📘Ancient Dharma Rooted in Cosmic Wisdom 🧭 Introduction: The Eternal Voice of Sage Bhṛgu The Bhrigu Smriti, attributed to Sage Bhṛgu, is one of the oldest and most foundational Smritis in the Dharmaśāstra tradition. Though the complete manuscript is no longer extant, numerous verses attributed to it are quoted across: Sage Bhṛgu is considered a pioneer in Dharma codification, a spiritual scientist who blended metaphysics, ethics, law, and psychology. 🪔 “Bhṛgu saw Dharma not merely…

📘The Dharma of Inner Fire, Purity, and Quiet Resolve 🧭 Introduction: The Fire Within as the Highest Yajña The Kratu Smriti, attributed to Sage Kratu, one of the ten original Prajāpatis born from Brahmā’s mind, is a lost gem of Dharma Shastra literature. Though the full text has not survived, scattered verses and quotations in ancient commentaries, especially in the Smṛticandrikā and Mitākṣarā, reveal Kratu’s focus on inward purity, austerity (tapas), food discipline, and righteous…

📘The Dharma of Restraint, Simplicity, and Self-Purification 🧭 Introduction: The Silent Flame of Righteousness Pulaha Smriti, though preserved in fragments and citations, is attributed to Sage Pulaha, one of the ten Prajāpatis created by Brahmā. Known for his quiet asceticism, self-restraint, and yogic disposition, Pulaha’s teachings emphasize the inner dimensions of Dharma—not just action, but attitude, awareness, and purity of intention. While the Pulaha Smriti doesn’t have a complete extant version, its verses survive in…

📘Echoes of Cosmic Order from the Sage of Silence 🧭 Introduction: Sage Pulastya and the Dharma of Order The Pulastya Smriti is a rare Dharma text attributed to Sage Pulastya, one of the ten Prajāpatis (progenitors) and a mind-born son of Brahmā. Though only a handful of verses survive through indirect references in later Smriti texts and legal digests, this Smriti holds a distinguished place in the spiritual memory of Sanātana Dharma. Pulastya is regarded…

📘The Voice of Vedic Discipline and Dharma Precision 🧭 Introduction: A Sage of the Cosmic Dawn Marīci Smriti is attributed to the ancient seer Marīci, one of the mind-born sons (mānasaputras) of Brahmā and a progenitor of the great ṛṣi lineages. While the text survives only in fragments today, it is often quoted in Dharma compilations and commentaries, particularly in discussions related to: Marīci Smriti emphasizes a disciplined life rooted in cosmic balance, reinforcing that…

📘Twin Pillars of Dharma in Law, Conduct, and Daily Life 🧭 Introduction: Dharma Spoken in Two Voices The Śankha-Likhita Smriti is one of the oldest and most authoritative Smritis in the Dharmaśāstra tradition. Uniquely authored by two sages — Śankha and Likhita, who were brothers — this text offers a balanced and realistic portrayal of Dharma, combining legal procedure, ritual purity, social ethics, and the importance of repentance. Though parts of this Smriti are lost…

📘 Dharma in the Age of Purity, Discipline, and Cosmic Balance 🧭 Introduction: A Rare Gem in the Dharma Shastra Tradition The Devala Smriti is a lesser-known but significant text in the vast ocean of Dharma Shastra literature. Traditionally attributed to Maharṣi Devala, a sage known for his deep insights into ritual purity, moral discipline, and daily conduct, this Smriti emphasizes the practical, personal, and cosmic dimensions of Dharma. Though not as voluminous as Manusmriti…

📘Dharma Rooted in Devotion, Law, and the Living Veda 🧭 Introduction: When Dharma Becomes Divine The Viṣṇu Dharmasūtra is one of the most holistic and spiritually enriched Dharma texts in Sanātana Dharma. Unlike earlier Dharmasūtras, which were highly ritualistic and often impersonal, this one brings together law, ethics, penance, and devotionalism under the divine eye of Lord Viṣṇu, the sustainer of the cosmos. Composed around 300 BCE to 100 CE, it is linked with the…