Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c12.47

c12.47

‘Daṇḍa.’ The Brahmachārī is also to be equipped with a *daṇḍa* or staff of wood of lengths which are different for different castes. The different woods mentioned are Bilva, Palāśa, Vaṭa, Khadira, Pilava, Udumbara, Plaksha, Nyagrodha, Vetasa, Aśvattha, and, failing these, any wood fit for use in sacrifice (*yajñīya*). It should reach up to head in length for a Brāhmaṇa, up to forehead for a Kshatriya, and up to nose for a Vaiśya.