3 Review(s)

Under the series of Smrtis collectively known as Dharma-sastra, Visnusmrti or Vaisnava Dharma-sastra occupies an unique place. There are many smrtis ascribed to the names of various Rsis like Vyasa, Parasara, Manu, Yajnavalkya, Atri etc. but Visnusmrti is famous after the name of lord Visnu himself. This foremost of the Dharma Sastras has been promulgated by the god himself. It contains one hundred chapters in total. In the beginning of this treatise, lord Visnu felt a desire for creating creatures; knowing the earth to be under water, he, as in the cycle before, uplifted the earth supported upon the auspicious (figure of the) boar, delighting to sport in the water. The initial chapters after chapter one describe the duties of the four-castes, duties of the king and also laws relating to treasure-finds.