Smriti Tattva is a significant text within the dharmashastra tradition of Hinduism. It is authored by Raghunandana (1510-1580 CE), recognized as the last great writer on dharmashastras in Bengal. This comprehensive work is organized into 28 sections, each referred to as a 'tattva'.
Authorship and Historical Context: Raghunandana, the illustrious author, is a prominent figure in the dharmashastra literature of Bengal. His contributions are crucial in understanding the legal and religious codes that shaped the social and spiritual fabric of Hindu society during his time.
Structure of Smriti Tattva: The text is methodically divided into 28 sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of religious and social life. These sections include:
- Tithi Tattva: Detailed guidelines on the observance of various lunar days (tithis) and their religious significance.
- Durgapuja Tattva: Instructions and rituals related to the worship of Goddess Durga, especially during the festival of Durga Puja.
- Daya Tattva: Principles and practices concerning charity and compassion.
- Other sections cover a wide range of topics including purificatory rites, sacraments, festivals like Janmashtami (celebration of Lord Krishna's birth), civil law, public utility works, religious observances, establishment and maintenance of temples, and rituals like shraddha (rites performed for deceased ancestors).
Key Topics and Themes:
- Purificatory Rites and Sacraments: These sections provide elaborate procedures for rites of passage, from birth to death, ensuring the individual's life is aligned with dharma (righteousness).
- Festivals and Religious Observances: Instructions for celebrating major Hindu festivals, underscoring their spiritual importance and the proper methods of worship.
- Civil Law and Public Utility: Guidelines for civil conduct, legal matters, and the establishment of public utilities, reflecting the integration of religion with everyday life.
- Temple Establishment: Norms for constructing and consecrating temples, highlighting the centrality of temples in communal worship and social life.
- Shraddha: Detailed rites for performing shraddha, emphasizing the importance of honoring ancestors and the continuity of familial and social bonds.
Significance: Smriti Tattva is not just a religious text but a comprehensive guide that influences various aspects of Hindu life. It encapsulates the dharmic values and practices that are essential for maintaining social order and spiritual well-being.
Raghunandana's Smriti Tattva stands as a monumental work in Hindu dharmashastra literature. Its detailed exposition of various facets of life, through the 28 tattvas, offers invaluable insights into the religious, social, and legal practices of Hindu society during the 16th century. The text remains a crucial resource for understanding the application of dharma in both personal and communal contexts.