The Ancient and Medieval Architecture of India: A Study of Indo-Aryan Civilisation c20.3

c20.3

According to the strict rule of his caste every Brahman, when he has fulfilled the duties first of a Brahmachârin, or student, and afterwards those of a father and householder, should on the approach of old age hand over charge of his family to his son, and, following the example of the Buddha, shave his head, discard the sacred cord which is the symbol of his order, and take the vow of a sannyâsin. Then with a pilgrim's staff and water-vessel, and with begging-bowl in hand,