Now let us further see what are the laws contained in the Manu’s code and how far they are just and fair. The courts decide matters strictly conforming to the laws laid down in the Manu’s code, forgetting the fact that the Manu’s code is mainly intended to make a particular community (Brahmins) prosperous.
Origin: Brahma is the creator of the Manu Dharma. Later it was strictly disclosed by him to rishis. (Chap. 1.5.59).
Atheists: Vedas and Dharma sastras should not be questioned or debated. He who does so will be considered an atheist (Chap.2.5.11).
Such an atheist who blames the vedas will be considered as accuser of god. (ibid).
Brahmins should not disclose this Manu Dharma Sastra to any other people. (Chap.1.5.103).
A King’s duty is to excommunicate the gamblers, actors, musicians, bad elements, those who defy the vedas and rituals, those who change their trades, and those who are found to consume intoxicating drinks. (Chap.9 S.226).
Division by birth: To safeguard the world, Brahma, created the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Sudras from his face, shoulders, thighs, and feet respectively and evolved different duties and responsibilities for each section separately. (Chap.1.5.87).
Because a Brahmin is born in the face of Brahma, because he is born of the highest caste, he alone has the right to receive and enjoy the wealth and property of all other castes and communities. (Chap. 1.S.100).
Pride in begging: Even if a Brahmin begs for alms and receives help he eats his own. He wears his own clothes. He donates his own property. Others enjoy such things only at the mercy of Brahmins. (Chap 1.5.101).
Even if a Sudra were to do the work of a Brahmin, he will not become a Brahmin, because he has no right to do the work of a Brahmin. Even if a Brahmin were to do the work of a Sudra, a Brahmin will not become a Sudra, because even if he does a low work, he belongs to the highest caste. (Chap 10.5.73).
Brahmins once non-vegetarians: All sorts of dishes as Vadai, Payasam and tasty flesh and sweet smelling waters are for the Brahmins. (Chap.5.5.227).
A Brahmin could eat any living being every day for the sake of his health. There is no sin attached to Brahmins eating the flesh of living beings. (Chap.5.5.30).
Particulars are given in the Manu Sastra, to please the dead forefathers by offering meat. Felsh of different birds and animals were also offered by Brahma to please god for different periods. Here are the details:
(1) Paddy, rice, water, black gram, roots and fruits satisfy the dead for one month.
(2) Fishes please the dead of two months.
(3) Stag’s flesh pleases the dead for 3 months.
(4) Goat’s flesh pleases the dead for 4 months.
(5) Bird’s flesh pleases the dead for 5 months.
(6) Whitegoat’s flesh pleases the dead for 6 months.
(7) Reindeer’s flesh pleases the dead for 7 months.
(8) Black stag’s flesh pleases the dead for 8 months.
(9) Kalaiman flesh pleases the dead for 9 months.
(10) Flesh of porcupine, pig, bison, pleases the dead for 10 months.
(11) Flesh of rabbit, tortoise pleases the dead for 11 months.
(12) Cow’s milk, curd, ghee, pleases the dead for 1 year.
(13) A male goat’s flesh pleases the dead for 12 years.
(14) With vegetables grown in the season, a fish variety valai, flesh of a red coloured lamb, rice grown in forest lands, please the dead eternally.
In the month of Purattasi after the full moon on the 13th day, if honey, and Payasam are offered to the dead, that offering gives them full satisfaction. (Chap3.5.267 to 273).
If the Brahmin refuses to eat the flesh offered at the ceremonies he will be born as a cow 21 times. (Chap5.5.35).
A Sudra should be away from the house on the day of the performance of the ceremonies. (Chap.3.5.242).
