Sankha Smriti
Written by Sage Sankha brother of sage likhita and son of sage Sandilya. The Smriti contains 18 chapters and 350 verses are prose-verse. The Varna subjects of its 18 chapters include " Kartavya Karma" of the four Varnas, the description from conception to the Yajnopavit-Sanskar, Brahmachari's religion, Ethics, Short description of Ashtavidhi marriages, Legislative rituals of Panchamahachagnas, Vanaprastha-Sanyas Dharma formulation-Yoga-Pranayam , Importance of meditation, Nityanamittika Kamya, Description of Kriyanga conspiracies, Kriyasana, Tirthasthan method and glory, Representation of diversities in hands, Achman method, Angashparsh, Glory of evening, Agamadhar method, Gayatrijap method.
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Shankha Smriti, a Hindu scripture that outlines the duties and rituals for different stages of life. The Shankha Smriti provides guidance on various aspects of life, including the duties of different castes, rites and ceremonies related to birth and marriage, the importance of preceptors, rules for maintaining celibacy, and the stages of life including Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest-dweller), and Sanyasa (renunciate).
Here's a breakdown of the chapters and their key points:
1. The duties of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, along with the importance of forgiveness, truthfulness, forbearance, and purity.
2. Rites and ceremonies related to conception, pregnancy, and birth.
3. The significance of the preceptor (guru) and the importance of right conduct, havana (sacrificial offerings), and Sandhyopasana (worship during dusk).
4. Detailed information on marriage, including the disapproval of marriages within the same lineage and the various types of marriages.
5. The five yajnas (sacrifices) for atonement of sins and the importance of hospitality in the life of a householder.
6. The transition from householder to forest-dweller (Vanaprastha) and the rules and practices associated with this stage of life.
7. The life of an ascetic (Sanyas Ashram) and the practices of pranayama, dharana, and dhyan leading to salvation.
Additionally, the passage mentions specific rituals such as Punsawan Sanskar, Seemantonnayan, Jaat Karma, Naamakaran Sanskar, Surya Darshan, Annaprashan, Chudakaran Karma, and Upanayana ceremony (sacred thread ceremony).
It's important to note that the Shankha Smriti is not one of the well-known Smritis (legal texts) in Hinduism, and its authenticity and historical context may vary. Different regions and communities within Hinduism may have their own specific rituals and customs that may not align exactly with the Shankha Smriti.
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