Chapter 9

Vishnu Smriti 9

Now, the ordeals (samayakriyā). // Vi_9.1 //

In cases of treason and violence, as one wishes. // Vi_9.2 //

In cases of deposits and theft, according to the value of the property. // Vi_9.3 //

In all kinds of property, one should calculate the value in gold. // Vi_9.4 //

Therein, for the value of one kṛṣṇala, one shall make a Śūdra swear by holding dūrvā grass. // Vi_9.5 //

For two kṛṣṇalas, by holding sesame seeds. // Vi_9.6 //

For three kṛṣṇalas, by holding silver. // Vi_9.7 //

For four kṛṣṇalas, by holding gold. // Vi_9.8 //

For five kṛṣṇalas, by holding earth taken up by a ploughshare. // Vi_9.9 //

For less than half a suvarṇa, the ordeal of consecrated water (kośa) shall be administered to a Śūdra. // Vi_9.10 //

Beyond that, one of the ordeals of the balance, fire, water, or poison, as appropriate. // Vi_9.11 //

For double the amount, the prescribed ordeals are for a Vaiśya. // Vi_9.12 //

For triple the amount, for a Rājanya (Kṣatriya). // Vi_9.13 //

For quadruple the amount, for a Brāhmaṇa, with the exception of the ordeal of consecrated water. // Vi_9.14 //

One shall not administer the ordeal of consecrated water to a Brāhmaṇa. // Vi_9.15 //

Except when it is an ordeal based on an agreement for a future time. // Vi_9.16 //

In place of the ordeal of consecrated water, one shall make a Brāhmaṇa swear by holding earth taken up by a ploughshare. // Vi_9.17 //

For one with a previously known fault, even for a small amount, one of the ordeals shall be administered. // Vi_9.18 //

For one of known good character, not even for a large amount. // Vi_9.19 //

The plaintiff shall stake his head. // Vi_9.20 //

And the accused shall perform the ordeal. // Vi_9.21 //

In cases of treason and violence, even without the staking of the head. // Vi_9.22 //

The ordeal of the balance shall be administered to women, Brāhmaṇas, the disabled, the infirm, and the sick. // Vi_9.23 //

And it shall not be used when the wind is blowing. // Vi_9.24 //

The ordeal of fire shall not be administered to lepers, the infirm, or blacksmiths. // Vi_9.25 //

And not in autumn or summer. // Vi_9.26 //

The ordeal of poison shall not be administered to lepers, those suffering from bilious diseases, or Brāhmaṇas. // Vi_9.27 //

And not in the rainy season. // Vi_9.28 //

The ordeal of water shall not be administered to those afflicted with phlegmatic diseases, the timid, asthmatics, those who cough, or those who live by water. // Vi_9.29 //

And not in winter or the dewy season. // Vi_9.30 //

The ordeal of consecrated water shall not be administered to atheists. // Vi_9.31 //

And not in a place afflicted by disease or pestilence. // Vi_9.32 //

Having summoned the accused, bathed and in his wet clothes, fasting, at sunrise, One shall administer all ordeals in the presence of gods and Brāhmaṇas. || Vi_9.33 ||