History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c40.85

v3.c40.85

About fish there is no unanimity. Āp. Dh. S. I. 5. 17. 36-37 says 'among fish the *ceṭa* (long-nosed crocodile?) is forbidden, so also are fish with snake-like heads, the *makara*, fish that subsist on dead flesh, fish that have strange forms (such as those that have heads like men, or that look like elephants).' Manu on the other hand regards fish-eating as the worst form of flesh-eating and forbids all fish (V. 14-15), but then makes an exception (V. 16) in favour of fish called Pāṭhīna and Rohita if used in rites for gods and Manes and fish called *rājīva*, lion-faced fish and fish having scales. *Vide* Vas. Dh. S. 14. 41-42, Gaut. 17. 36, Yāj. I. 177-178 also.