Home > Indian History > History of India > Brahmacharya - Vedic Ashram System
Brahmacharya - Vedic Ashram System
Brahmacharya is the first of the four stages of life and it was popularized in the Vedic Age.

Share this Article:

Brahmacharya , Vedic Ashram SystemBrahmacharya refers to that Vedic stage of life when we are still students. This is the first of the four stages of life. The ashram system originated in the Vedic age and was widely followed throughout India. The reference of such a system is found in ManuSmriti. Brahmacharya literally means the search of Brahma or the absolute spiritual power with the help of a teacher. This phase constituted of the first 20 to 25 years of an individual`s life. After the thread ceremony or the Upanayanam, Brahmacharya ushers in.

According to the Vedic Indian society to practice Brahmacharya the student needs to go and live with his teacher. Thus evolved the Gurukul system in ancient India. Although widely stated that Brahmacharya means celibacy what it really means is self-restraint. Hence it is not limited to sexual connotation. For leading the life of Brahmacharya one needs complete dedication to his Guru, discipline and concentration. Education contributes a lot to the character and growth of an individual and hence he needs a guru or a teacher who would guide him successfully. For this he also heeds to stay away from distractions and hence the practice of celibacy is strictly to be followed.

Brahmacharya , Vedic Ashram System In Gurukul system the knowledge of Vedas, Sashtras and Upanishads are imparted to the students or brahmacharis. These teachings are to guide him in leading the next three stages of life. The term Brahmacharya also means sexual continence according to yoga. This is a way of preserving sexual energy. Celibacy has a scientific foundation. Over indulgence in sexual activities can lead to loss of energy and health hazards. As a result it is a crucial stage for the teenagers. Besides this Brahmacharya also helps to develop the prowess to abstain form materialism. Vices like greed, anger, envy, pride, sloth and possessiveness can be curbed through the practice of Brahmacharya.

The concept of Brahmacharya is not restricted to Hinduism only. Buddhist monks and Jains have a similar commitment to life. Hence the later Vedic Age supported a way of life that would lead to higher consciousness and life. Brahmacharya, in a way, thoroughly prepared the young minds for the world.


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India

History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.