A History of the Mahrattas v1.c7.75

v1.c7.75

¹ Though this be a name for those devotees who are rigid students for twelve years, all Bramin boys are termed Brimhacharee [Brahmāchārī] from the time of their admission into their cast, that is, from the period at which the ceremony of the Moonj is performed until the consummation of their marriage, when they become Grehusth, or householders. The ceremony of the Moonj is performed in all Hindoo families of the higher casts, of which the males may be entitled to use the Janwa, or distinguishing thread worn next the skin. This takes place when the boy is five or six years old, and the occasion is celebrated with more or less pomp, according to the wealth or poverty of the parents. The ceremony is performed by the household priest, who is called Gooroo, or Oopadheea, and, in itself, is merely fastening a piece of cloth about the child’s middle, and tying the Janwa diagonally across the body, over the right shoulder; whilst the Gayetri, a mystical Sanskrit verse, is pronounced by the child’s father, which all Bramins know, but none ought to disclose. Previous to this, the child is not a Bramin, or accountable for omissions or infringements in eating, bathing, &c. &c. [Wan Prist, i.e. Vānaprastha signifies ‘forest-dweller.’ Vānaprastha is a Brahman who has passed through the stages of student (Brahmāchārī) and householder (Grihasta) and has left his house and family for the woods. Sunneashee, i.e. Sanyāsī, signifies one who has adopted sanyās, i.e. resignation or relinquishment of all worldly possessions and earthly affections; in brief, a professional ascetic. I once had a Brahman head-clerk who, on earning his pension after thirty years’ service, became a Sanyāsī. Dr. V. A. Smith mentions the case of a man who was Postmaster-General of the North-West Provinces some years ago and became a wandering friar. (Sleeman’s Rambles (1915), p. 591 n.)]