मनुस्मृति

Manu Smriti

धर्मशास्त्र - The Laws of Manu

Manu Smriti is the most authoritative ancient Indian legal text, attributed to the progenitor of mankind, Manu. Containing approximately 2,685 verses across 12 chapters, it provides a comprehensive guide to dharma, social conduct, governance, and spiritual liberation.

Thematic Overview

The Manu Smriti covers six major themes that encompass all aspects of dharmic life.

Dharma & Ethics

Foundation of righteous living and moral conduct

Chapters: 1, 2, 4

Social Structure

Family, marriage, and social organization

Chapters: 3, 9, 10

Governance & Law

Royal duties and judicial procedures

Chapters: 7, 8

Rituals & Purity

Sacred ceremonies and purification

Chapters: 2, 5

Spiritual Path

Renunciation and liberation

Chapters: 6, 12

Penance

Atonement and expiation

Chapters: 11

Content Analysis

The radar chart shows thematic coverage across different domains. The bar chart displays verse distribution across all 12 chapters.

Thematic Coverage

Six domains of dharmic knowledge covered in the text.

Verse Distribution

Number of verses in each of the 12 chapters.

The Twelve Adhyayas

Chapter 1 • Cosmology

सृष्टि प्रकरण

Creation & Origin

The creation of the universe, origin of Manu, and the cosmic order establishing the foundation of dharma.

119 Verses

Chapter 2 • Rituals

संस्कार प्रकरण

Sacraments & Education

The sacred ceremonies from conception to initiation, student life, and duties towards teachers.

249 Verses

Chapter 3 • Family

गृहस्थ धर्म

Householder's Duties

Marriage rites, selection of spouse, duties of householders, and hospitality towards guests.

286 Verses

Chapter 4 • Ethics

वृत्ति प्रकरण

Livelihood & Conduct

Righteous means of livelihood, daily conduct, self-discipline, and moral guidelines for life.

260 Verses

Chapter 5 • Purity

आहार नियम

Dietary Rules

Rules regarding food, purification rituals, pollution and cleansing, and women's duties.

169 Verses

Chapter 6 • Renunciation

वानप्रस्थ संन्यास

Forest Dweller & Ascetic

The third and fourth stages of life - retirement to forest and complete renunciation.

97 Verses

Chapter 7 • Governance

राज धर्म

King's Duties

The sacred duties of kings, administration of justice, warfare, and protection of subjects.

226 Verses

Chapter 8 • Law

व्यवहार प्रकरण

Judicial Procedure

The eighteen titles of law, judicial procedure, evidence, witnesses, and civil matters.

420 Verses

Chapter 9 • Family Law

स्त्री धर्म

Women & Inheritance

Laws concerning women, marriage, inheritance, partition of property, and family disputes.

336 Verses

Chapter 10 • Social Order

वर्ण संकर

Mixed Classes

Rules regarding mixed castes, occupations in times of distress, and social interactions.

131 Verses

Chapter 11 • Atonement

प्रायश्चित्त प्रकरण

Penance & Expiation

Various forms of penance for sins, purification through austerity, and restoration of purity.

266 Verses

Chapter 12 • Philosophy

मोक्ष प्रकरण

Karma & Liberation

The doctrine of karma, transmigration of souls, supreme knowledge, and path to liberation.

126 Verses