[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) › c4.2556 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.2556 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c4.2556 - **Language:** English ### [c4.2556](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2556) BRAHMACARYA. In ancient India an ideal life was considered to pass through four stages, and Brahmacarya is one of the stages of life. The four stages are Brahmacarya (Vedic student vowed to chastity), Gārhasthya (married householder), Vānaprastha (forest hermit) and Sannyāsa (an ascetic who has renounced the world). Brahmacarya, the first stage of the four is considered as the period of education. The rules and conduct of a Brahmacārī are given in Manusmṛti, Chapter 2. - [Previous: c4.2555](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2555) - [Next: c4.2557](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2557) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4) ## Cites (1) - [Mānava Dharmaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.dharma.manu) — Manu & Bhṛgu, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2556](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2556) · Pramāṇa