[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) › c7.497 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.497 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.497 - **Language:** English ### [c7.497](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.497) GRHASTHA. In ancient India the life of a male person was divided into four stages, namely, Brahmacarya Gārhasthya, Vānaprastha and Sannyāsa. He who is in the second stage of life is called a Gṛhastha. - [Previous: c7.496](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.496) - [Next: c7.498](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.498) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.497](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.497) · Pramāṇa