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450
LAWS OF MANU.
XI, 94.
94. Surâ, indeed, is the dirty refuse (mala) of grain, sin also is called dirt (mala); hence a Brâhmana, a Kshatriya, and a Vaisya shall not drink Sura.
95. Surå one must know to be of three kinds, that distilled from molasses (gaudi), that distilled from ground rice, and that distilled from Madhukaflowers (mâdhvi); as the one (named above) even so are all (three sorts) forbidden to the chief of the twice-born.
96. Surâ, (all other) intoxicating drinks and decoctions and flesh are the food of the Yakshas, Rakshasas, and Pisâkas; a Brâhmana who eats (the remnants of) the offerings consecrated to the gods, must not partake of such (substances).
97. A Brâhmana, stupefied by drunkenness, might fall on something impure, or (improperly) pronounce Vedic (texts), or commit some other act which ought not to be committed.
98. When the Brahman (the Veda) which dwells in his body is (even) once (only) deluged with spirituous liquor, his Brahmanhood forsakes him and he becomes a Sudra. to 'others' quoted by Medh. and Râgh., for drinking gaudi or mådhvi surâ; according to Nâr., for intentionally drinking water mixed with madhusura. Medh. himself says idam prânâtyaya aushadhârtham, 'this is intended) as a medicine for death.'
94. This verse shows, as the commentators point out, the distinction between spirituous liquor distilled from ground grain, paishki surâ, and the other two sorts mentioned in the next verse. The first alone is forbidden to all Âryans, the other two sorts to Brâhmanas; see also Gaut. II, 20.
95. Mâdhvi, 'distilled from Madhaka (Mauâ) flowers' (Kull.), means according to Medh. distilled from honey,' according to Når. 'distilled either from grapes or from Madhûka flowers or from honey.'
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