[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c4.1397 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1397 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c4.1397 - **Language:** English ### [c4.1397](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1397) ĀŚRAMA. Asramites (inmates of an Āśrama) have to pass through four stages. The four stages of Brahmacarya, Gārhasthya, Vānaprastha and Sannyāsa are known as the four Āśramas. Viṣṇu Purāṇa, Part III, Chapter 9 describes each of the Āśramas as follows: - [Previous: c4.1396](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1396) - [Next: c4.1398](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1398) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4) ## Cites (1) - [Viṣṇupurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.visnu*vulgate.3.9) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1397](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1397) · Pramāṇa