History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v2.c24.20

v2.c24.20

Janamejaya Pārikṣita asks the haṁsas (who were the Āhavanīya and Dakṣiṇā fires) 'what is holy' and the latter reply 'It is *brahmacarya*' (vide Gopatha Br. 2. 5). Gopatha (2. 5) further says 'the period of studenthood for the mastery of all Vedas is 48 years, which, being distributed among the Vedas in four parts, makes *brahmacarya* last for 12 years, which is the lowest limit; one should practise *brahmacarya* according to one's ability before taking the ceremonial⁶²⁸ bath.' The same work says that the *brahmacārī* should fetch *samidhs* every day for worshipping fire and beg and that if he does not do so continuously for seven days he has to undergo *upanayana* again (2. 6) and that the lady of the house should daily give alms to a *brahmacārin* with the idea that he may not deprive her of her wealth, of merit due to *iṣṭāpūrta*. It also says that a *brahmacārī* should not sleep on a cot, should not engage in singing and dancing, should not roam about, should not spit about nor go to a cemetery.⁶²⁹