The Remembered Tradition
Smṛti ('that which is remembered,' from smṛ = to remember) is the class of authoritative religious literature composed by human sages based on their understanding and memory of the Vedic tradition — in contrast to śruti ('that which is heard' directly from the Lord), which is the Vedas themselves. In the hierarchy of scriptural authority, śruti supersedes smṛti, but smṛti is considered authoritative within its domain.
Contents of Smṛti
The smṛti literature encompasses: (1) Dharmaśāstra — the law texts of Manu, Yājñavalkya, Parāśara, and others that prescribe dharma for different varṇas and āśramas; (2) Purāṇas — the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas that contain theology, cosmology, and legendary history; (3) Itihāsa — the Mahābhāratam and Rāmāyaṇam; (4) various other texts including Āgamas and Tantras in some classifications.
Sri Vaishnava Prioritization
For Sri Vaishnavas, the relevant smṛtis for dharmic practice are primarily the Vaiṣṇava Dharmaśāstras and the Pañcarātra Āgamas. The Bhagavad Gītā (technically part of the Mahābhāratam smṛti, but treated as near-śruti in authority) is given the highest position among smṛtis. Where a smṛti conflicts with śruti, śruti prevails; where smṛtis conflict among themselves, the smṛti that accords best with the Vedic spirit is followed.
Smṛti and Prapatti
In the scraper texts, smṛti is frequently cited as the source of specific prescriptions about nitya-karma, āśrama-dharma, and ritual conduct — the framework within which the prapanna's daily life is organized.