The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c11.51

v1.c11.51

**Reply to the second objection:** The second argument may be met by opposing the ordinance of Manu against that of Vaśiṣṭha. Manu says, “Śambhu (Śiva) is the god of the Brāhmans; Mādhava, (Viṣṇu) of the Kṣatriyas; Brahmā of the Vaiśyas, and Gaṇeśa of the Śūdras”;¹⁹ and inasmuch as of all Smṛtis, the *Saṃhitā* of Manu is the most authoritative, it should override the work of Vaśiṣṭha. It is true that this verse is said to occur in *Vṛhad Manu*, and not in the current compilation, but its authenticity has not been questioned by the Hindus. The Purāṇic denunciations on the subject are obviously founded on sectarian jealousy, and the *Bhāgavata* may be opposed to the *Śiva*, *Liṅga* and other Śivite Purāṇas.