292:3 The Pákayajna, or sacrifice in which food is offered, implies either the worship of the Viśwadevas, the rites of hospitality, or occasional oblations, on building a house, the birth of a child, or any occasion of rejoicing. It is to be understood, however, that this injunction intends his performing these ceremonies through the agency of a Brahman, as a Śúdra cannot repeat the Mantras or prayers that accompany them; and it might be a question how far he might be present, for he ought not even to hear such prayers repeated. The performance of funeral rites involves some personal share, and the Śúdra must present the cakes, but it must be done without Mantras; as the Mitákshara; 'This rite (the presentation of cakes) must be performed by the Śúdras, without formula:, on the twelfth day.' The Váyu P. directs the performance of the five great sacrifices by Śúdras, only omitting the Mantras: It may be suspected that the Puráńas relaxed in some degree from the original rigour; for it may be inferred that the great ceremonies were altogether withheld from Śúdras in the time of Manu, who declares that none have any right or part (Adhikára) in his code except those who perform rites with Mantras, or the three regenerate castes (II. 16); and denounces as heinous sins teaching the p. 293 Vedas to Śúdras, performing sacrifices for them, or taking gifts from them. X. 309, 110, 111. Yájnawalkya, however, allows them to perform five great rites with the Namaskára, or the simple salutation: which Gotama confirms. Some restrict the sense of Mantra, also, to the prayers of the Vedas, and allow the Śúdras to use those of the Puráńas; as Śúlapáni: and the Titthi Tatwa is cited in the Śúdra Kamalákára as allowing them any Mantras except those of the Vedas.

293:4 This last clause reconciles what would else appear to be an incompatibility with Manu, who permits the Vaiśya in time of distress to descend to the servile acts of a Śúdra. X. 98.

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Hinduism

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