History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c93.424

v7.c93.424

One interesting *adhikaraṇa* is the Holākādhikaraṇa (Jai. I. 3. 15–23). It is said that Holākā should be observed by the easterners, Āhnīnaibuka by Southerners, Udvṛṣabhayajña by northerners. The established conclusion is that such observances are meant for all (and not merely for persons of the East or South &c.), if they are fit to be done by²⁰⁹² easterners or southerners (there is no reason why these should not be observances fit for all). The general rule about Vedic *vidhis* is that they are applicable to all Āryas, no cogent reason exists why a restricted Vedic text should be inferred in the case of the above observances. Vide H of Dh. Vol. III. pp. 851–853 for detailed explanation of this maxim and above pp. 237 ff. The Dāyabhāga (II. 40 and VI. 22–23) refers to this maxim in connection with a double share to be allotted to the acquirer and with reference to a person acquiring property without detriment to the ancestral estate and explains the purpose of the Holākādhikaraṇa.