What does Parashara Smriti tell about untouchability?
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Like all other Smritis, the Parashara Smriti also is of the opinion that some human beings and some other beings are impure to touch.
Take a look at the following verse from the 6th chapter for example:
- On seeing a Chandala, let him look at the sun without a moment's delay. For touching a Chandala, let him bathe with his clothing on.
Some more references are as follows:
- A tree on a burning-ground, a funeral pile, pus, a Chandala, and a seller of the Soma plant ; having touched any of these, — a Brahman should plunge into water with his clothing on. (Chapter 12)
While a Brahman has not washed himself after taking his meals, if he chances to be touched by another yet unwashed after a meal, or by a dog, or by a Shoodra, he should fast for a single night, and then swallow the five articles derived from a cow, whereby purity is restored to- him.
If himself unwashed, he is touched by a Shoodra, who, however, is not unwashed, — the purification is to wash himself. If an unwashed Shoodra touches an unwashed regenerate man, the latter must perform the prajapatya penance. (Chapter 7)
Rickross
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Can you keep all reference – Pasham Vishnu Vardhan Goud Oct 18 '20 at 12:16
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You want to see more references? @PashamVishnuVardhanGoud – Rickross Oct 18 '20 at 12:18
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Yes brother I want reference – Pasham Vishnu Vardhan Goud Oct 18 '20 at 12:22
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No problem I have added a few more. Is that sufficient? @PashamVishnuVardhanGoud – Rickross Oct 18 '20 at 12:24
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@Rickross I am curious are their 5 types of Chandalas and other Varnas and Mixed Varnas like their are 5 types of Brahmins, also what are the 5 articles of a cow? – Haridasa Mar 11 '24 at 23:09
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Five articles of a cow are Panchagavya -- Gomutra, Gomaya, Ghee,milk and curd @Haridasa also there are various types of Varna Shankaras not limited to five. – Rickross Mar 12 '24 at 05:22
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For five products of the cow see this -- https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/q/14934/4732 @Haridasa – Rickross Mar 12 '24 at 05:26
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@Rickross understand why cow byproducts would be seen as holy, but aren't those unhealthy and bad for health? – Haridasa Mar 12 '24 at 11:02