[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) › c7.1383 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.1383 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.1383 - **Language:** English ### [c7.1383](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1383) Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya and Vaiśya brahmacāris (celibates) could use the hides of black antelope, spotted deer or goat as upper garment and clothes made of silk thread, flax or wool of sheep or red leopard. To tie round the waist, Brāhmaṇas have to make belts out of Muñja (grass), Kṣatriyas, out of Mūrva (grass) and Vaiśyas out of flax. When these are not available, Brāhmaṇas may use Kuśa grass, Kṣatriyas ñānal grass and Vaiśyas Darbha grass called balbaja to make belts of customary three darns or five darns with a knot. A celibate should have a stick. For Brāhmaṇas the stick should be made of Bilva (Aegle marmelos) or “palāśa” (butea frondosa) and for Kṣatriyas, of banyan or blackwood (Mimosa catechu) and for Vaiśyas, of Dillenia speciosa (Uka tree) or fig tree. For Brāhmaṇas the stick should reach up to the top of the head, for Kṣatriyas up to the forehead and for Vaiśyas up to the nose. Before going for alms, the celibate should take his stick, bow before the sun, go round the fire and only then set out. The alms received should be offered to the teacher as oblation, then he should turn to the east and wash hands and mouth and eat it. Brāhmaṇas should wear the upper garment or their sacred thread (Yajña-sūtra) on the left shoulder and under the right arm and then it is called ‘Upavīta’; if it is on the right shoulder and under the left arm it is called “Prācīnāvīta” and if it is round the neck it is called “Nivīta”. - [Previous: c7.1382](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1382) - [Next: c7.1384](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1384) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1383](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.1383) · Pramāṇa