Meaning of Ashrama System

The Ashrama society is very important among the basic foundation of Indian culture. This system
was developed by the ancient Indians after understanding the crux of human life. The ultimate goal of
a human in Hindu society is to attain salvation through religion. A human’s life is divided into four
parts (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyas Ashrama), in order to enable humans
to attain the proper status of their religion and avoid getting trapped in the trivial matters of life.
Therefore, we can say that the Ashrama Systemis a hierarchical history of the Hindu-life system,
whose purpose is to divide the life- journey into different levels, make human life meaningful and
proper human for the ultimate goal of life - Salvation (Moksha).
The Sanskrit word "Ashrama" literally denotes a halting or resting place. The word also means
‘stages’, ‘monastery’, duties etc. The word Ashrama comes from the Sanskrit term "Srama" which
means "making an effort”. In this way, "Ashrama" literally means a step in the journey of life.
According to the Hindu ethics, the final aim of life is liberation or 'Moksha'. Every Ashrama is a step
in the long journey towards the realization of that aim.
The Ashram system provides the best way to live life in an organized and systematic manner. It is
based on certain principles- Three Debts, five great Yajnas, sixteen Sanskaras and four
Purusharthas, the scheme of ashram system was started to implement these principles in life. Even
though its importance in today's era reduced, but in ancient times people used to have faith and
loyalty in it and try to live life on its basis.
Definitions of Ashrama
 According to Dr. Brijnath Yadav: "The meaning of the Ashram is that section of life in which
man strives."
 According to P.N. Prabhu: “Ashrams should be considered as the resting places in the middle of
the journey of human life to attain the ultimate goal of life (moksha).”
 According to Vedvyas Ji (Mahabharata): “The four resting places or ashrams of life should be
considered as a ladder with four tables.” This ladder is for reaching 'Brahma'. One reaches the
kingdom of Brahma through this ladder, that is, he attains liberation.
Origin of the Ashrama System
 In ancient India, a person’s activities were harmoniously regulated according to his or her stage
of life. Each stage had its own dharma, or duties, to be undertaken. These stages, called
Ashramas, were four in number-Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyas and
were to be strictly followed.
 The Ashrama System was fundamental in maintaining discipline, peace, and harmony in the
family and society. In family as well as social and public arenas, virtuous living, guided by noble
character, high values, and a sense of duty, was the norm, resulting in all round happiness,
peace, and harmony. But with the passage of time the meaning, interpretation, and practical
application of the Ashrama System changed, and gradually the whole system fell into disuse.
 The first reference of the Ashrama System has been recorded in the Jabala Upanishad. The
guidelines for an ideal arya-jivana, or life of an Arya, have been delineated in Manu Samhita,
 Bhrigu’s codification in verse of rules laid down by the ancient Indian law-giver Manu. Manu
clearly explains the significance of and duties pertaining to the four Ashramas. Though Manu and
the Manu Samhita have not escaped modern controversy, still, his work is a foundational
Dharmashastra, and forms the basis of Hindu law even today.
 Ashram-indicative words have been used at many places of the Upanishads, from which it is
known that by that era the ashram-system had been established.
 Yajnavalkya rishi had told his wife Maitrayi that, now I am going to take Pravjya from the
household. Yajnavalkya narrated the description of the four ashrams to King Janak. It is clear
from these passages that by the Upanishad period the ashram system had become prevalent.
Objectives of the Ashrama System
The main objective of the ashram system was to give an ideal form to the "social system" by making
individual life superior. Therefore, according to the interpretation of the Upanishads, the general
objectives are as follows-
 To determine the age-based objectives of the person's life.
 Ensuring all round development of personality.
 To determine personal responsibilities and to enable the individual to fulfill them.
 Ensure living life according to courage.
 Determining personal obligations.
 Achieving salvation.
 To maintain continuity of social order.
 To improve the present and future of the person.

Characteristics of the Ashrama System

 The ashram system is concerned with the individual and not with the group.
 It is age based. Therefore, the determination of work and responsibilities is found according to
age.
 It is a gradual process i.e. its life is divided into four ashrams.
 In this each past ashram is a preparation stage for the future ashram.
 This system divides the Hindu life into various stages.
 This system prepares mankind for the future life.
 This system provides help in enabling man to acquire Moksha.
 Ashrama System has split the whole life expectancy of 100 years into four parts.
 In it, the material and spiritual, both types of progress has been balanced.
 The first two Ashrama are related to material progress and the last two pertain to spiritual
advancement.
 Every part out of the four divisions of life has been treated to be a specific Ashrama.
 Fundamentally, the Ashrama System is a psycho-moral system.
 It is a sort of training field in which man is prepared and fully trained to achieve Moksha.
 This system in only limited to the high class (Brahmana, Kshatriya and Vaishya).
Philosophical Basis of theAshrama System
 The Hindu Thinkers have divided human life under four Ashramas to give a holistic order. They
have considered the goal of life to follow the spiritual path and more towards salvation
(Moksha).
 Satvik and pure life of man builds his personality and helps in his spiritual progress. From this
point of view, the philosophy of Ashrama System is a symbol of the unique knowledge and
wisdom of the ancient managers.
 Indian thinkers have considered human life to be one hundred years and divided it into four
parts, which can be said to be the tendency to attain enlightenment, enjoy worldly life, abandon
the world, worship God and attain salvation (Moksha).
Significance of the Ashrama System
We can understand the importance of the ashram system on the basis of the following points-
 The Overall Development of Man’s Life: Human life is never static. It doesn’t ever remain the
same or unchanged. It changes from time to time and variations occur in the attitudes,
experiences, interests etc. of people, along with advancement in age. Actually the four divisions
of life may accordingly be divided into childhood, young age, adulthood and old age. In
childhood, the children have enough strength but they lack in experiences. In the young age, there
is enough of vigour and excitement but these are mostly uncontrolled. In the adult age, the
physical strength begins to get reduced though people become matured. In the old age, man
totally loses the bodily strength and stamina. In view of all these conditions, the Indian
philosophers had recommended this system for the best utilization of man’s capacities and
qualities.
 Stress to the Group Welfare: This system provides an important contribution to the collective
welfare. It evaluates social welfare as higher enough than the individual welfare. Through this
system all the components of society are so blended together with each other that all begin to
think each other indispensable for one’s progress. One can’t make up the deficiency of any other
member. All the Ashramas are complementary to each other. In the absence, neither of his
personality development is possible nor to achieve Moksha.
 Significance of the Ashrama System
The Overall Development of Man’s Life

Stress to the Group Welfare

Helpful in Maintaining Mental Balance

The life becomes meaningful and Hopeful

Destroying the Tendency of Monopoly

Helpful in Knowledge and Educational Expansion

The Mutual Inter-dependence of Individual and Society

The Development of Humanitarian Qualities

Significance as a Practical System

 Helpful in Maintaining Mental Balance: If a man can mould his life as per instructions laid
down in the Ashrama System, he must get mental stability and self satisfaction. It takes out man’s
narrow and rigid attitudes and directs him to carry out his duties in a broader perspective. As
such, man remains mentally definite since he knows how he has to leave one Ashrama and enter
the next or the coming one.
 The life becomes Meaningful and Hopeful: The attainment of Moksha is very much stressed
upon in the Ashrama System. In opinion of K. M. Kapadia, the principle of the Purushartha
directly reflects the Ashrama System. Every Ashrama is associated with certain duties of its own.
By properly following up the usual duties of human life, and controlling the basic tendencies and
thus seek in to get relieved from the cycle of re-births, i.e. Moksha, one makes on life quite
purposeful. Thus the attainment of Moksha is a sort of hope and confidence to mankind.
 Destroying the Tendency of Monopoly: Since the material comforts and worldly pleasures only
have not been treated as the basis of life, this view checks up the monopolistic attitude among
human beings. That is why, some of our thinkers and philosophers have designated Ashrama
System as the socialism of the sages and all saints, since in socialism, the monopolistic
approach gets weakened and discouraged.
 Helpful in Knowledge and Educational Expansion: In the Vanaprastha man attempts to leave
the house and live in the jungles. Thus his main duty becomes public help and service. He
continues to preach the people leading Grihasthashrama. Mostly the task of educating, training
in the study of Shastras etc. was done by the Vanaprastha. Thus the Ashrama System may, to
some extent, be considered as the arrangement for spreading of knowledge and wisdom.
 The Mutual Inter-dependence of Individual and Society: In this connection, P.N. Prabhu has
expressed and supported the view that Ashrama System occupies the most important place
 regarding the mutual dependence of the individual and society. Although in various Ashramas,
the duties or functions of individual viz-a-viz the group are quite different and separate in nature,
yet they depend mutually upon each other, as a result of which the development of collectivistic
culture could be possible in our society.
 The Development of Humanitarian Qualities: The system of Ashramas encourages the
development of various humanitarian qualities among the people. These qualities mainly include
the piety, generosity, sincerity, sacrifice, service, charitableness, fraternity, simplicity,
spiritualism etc. These qualities extend a great help to mankind in the proper socialization of his
life.
 Significance as a Practical System: The Ashrama system is a practical system and it has an
important aspect of social utility too. The four Ashramas required by mankind to follow and
practice accordingly, do accomplish four important needs of human life. Every Ashrama has
likewise a practical side of it. By it, the qualities of doing social work and leading a life of
abandonment themselves emerge automatically. Thus, the scheme is not merely a theoretical
device but a matter of practical system.
The Four Ashramas
It is considered unusual for a person to attain the age of 100 in today's circumstances. In the past, the
average age of individuals to be 100 years does not seem impossible due to the then environment and
food. This is the reason why the standard age of 100 years was fixed for the ashram to divide the life
of a person into different levels. The concept of 'Jiveta Sharadah Shatam' also had been expressed
in the Rigveda. Keeping this in mind, the age of 100 years was divided into four periods of 25 years
each and a period of 25 years was fixed for each ashram.

The Four Ashramas

Brahmachary Grihastha Vanprastha Sannyas

a Ashrama Ashrama Ashrama Ashrama

Brahmacharya Ashrama
It has been treated as the first Ashrama early life is related to the learning or studies, it in fact
commenced from a particular age of childhood, different in case of three Dwijas. Those entering this
Ashrama were so trained that they could pass their life in the forthcoming Ashramas properly
observing the rules and restrictions prescribed.
This Ashrama was very important since it was a determinant for the knowledge and education
imparted to the students in a particular environment. The other institutions of the society were also to
be affected by such training imparted to the disciples. The human society transmits its long
experiences, culture and civilization etc. to the coming generations through education itself. Since the
next to follow is the Grihasthashrama after completing of the studies, the students in Brahamcharya
Ashrama were sufficiently trained to be able to meet their future needs.
The entry to this first Ashrama was allowed after one’s early childhood, i.e. after the Upanayana
Sanskara when the teacher (Acharya) accepted the child under his supervision, as a disciple and then
the student could be designated as a Dwijas, i.e. the twice-born, thus entering into spiritual sphere,
after the physical birth. Many restrictions and regulations had to be followed. The food of
Brahamchari could be easily recognised. Besides the external appearance, he was required to resort
to Shrama, (i.e. always exerting, and controlling the senses), Tapa (i.e. practicing meditation) and
Deeksha (i.e. the begging of items of daily needs for passing the life, and remaining under strict
discipline. The practice of begging was given as a part of disciplined life).
Many rules and regulations in this regard have been enumerated in Dharma-sutras and Manu-
Samhita to be followed by the Brashamcharis. Early rising in the morning, before the Guru got up,
was strictly observed. Breach from this practice was punishable by keeping whole day’s fast and
reciting the Gayatri Mantra. They were refrained from taking heavy food or in big quantity, eating
meat, honey, and salt, sweets, chewing betels, or taking stale food. Only two times was the taking of
food permissible. He could not make use of cosmetics, or travel on some conveyance, or take the help
of an umbrella or put on shoes. He had only to walk on foot. The contact with any woman, sharing
the pleasures of music and dance etc. were totally prohibited. They were given training of simple
living and reducing the items for use as far as possible, for their life.
Importance of the Brahmacharya Ashrama
 For the acquisition of Knowledge.
 Mental and physical development of the person.
 In this Ashrama, person learns values and patterns of life.
 This Ashrama plays an important role in controlling human senses.
 The direction and condition of human life is determined by this Ashrama.
Grihastha Ashrama
After the Brahmacharya, the next to follow was this Grihasthashrama. For entry into it, the
performance of marriage was compulsory. As such, Vivah was supposed to be a very significant
physical Sanskara. It is essential that every male or female be married at proper age and occasion.
Manu had stressed upon the fact that it is required to maintain adjustment in the sexual relationships
between man and woman. They are born to become parents, i.e. father and mother of the progeny:
hence Vedas have directed them to observe religion properly. The marriage of woman is essential in
view of the fact that she plays a basic role in the Purusharthas; she not only helps in Dharma,
Artha and Kama, but also serves as means to achieving the Moksha.
The people during Grihastha Ashrama have to observe several Sanskars. A Grihastha has to seek
freedom from three types of Rinas (debts), i.e. the Rishi-Rina, Pitra-Rina and Deva-Rina. The
first of these might be performed by systematically studying the Vedas and observing the conditions
told to him during the Brahmacharya Ashrama. Thus he can seek relief against the Rishi-Rina. For
relief against Pitra-Rina, one has to enter the Grihastha Ashrama for giving birth to children
observing the rules of Dharma. Performing various Yagyas according to one’s capacity was required
to seek freedom against Deva-Rina. This Ashrama has been treated to be the most important, because
the Grihastha is supposed to look after the interests of people in the other Ashramas. Since, it is never
practicable for all to become Brahamcharis or Sanyasi. Grihastha Ashrama is inevitable in order that
the worldly life continues to exist. It is only this Ashrama where the regulations are less strict and
relaxations have sufficiently been granted to a Grihastha person.
Importance of Grihastha Ashrama
 It coordinates among the four Ashramas.
 In this Ashrama, three Purusharthas- Dharma, Artha and Kama are followed.
 This Ashrama curbs individualism and provides inspiration to live family and group life.
 It presents the ideal of becoming a partner in social life.
 In Grihastha Ashrama, a person becomes free from all three debts.
Duties of a Grihastha (Householder)
 Honour parents, teachers, saints, guests and elders.
 Do not use intoxicant and respect other women.
 Enjoying sexual pleasure not as a goal but as a mean of childbirth.
 Keep away from partiality, jealousy, enmity and feeling of revenge.
 To stay away from killing, untruth, incontinence and malice.
 To behave with wife in accordance with Dharma, Artha and Kama.
Vanaprastha Ashrama
There was no definite or fixed age for entering into this third Ashrama. It is usually followed by the
Grihastha, after calculating the physical capacities, the age and the needs of continuing or giving up
the married life and pleasures of having within family. Normally, the Vanaprastha must commence
after 50 years of age or at any stage later on.
The Vanaprasthi sacrifices not only the members of the family but even leaves the home or village
and attempts to live in the Vana (forests) for the object of controlling his senses. This is a very tough
task and such person had to work hard. He could pass his life on vegetables and fruits, collected from
the jungle. The use of meal or sweets was prohibited. He could wear the skin of deer instead of using
clothes, or put on the bark of the trees. He could sleep under the shade of any tree on the ground.
Thus he again entered a sort of Brahamchari’s life, and had to avoid the comforts.
The significance of this Ashram lies in the fact that it could grant freedom to the coming (new)
generations and relieving the adults from further responsibilities. By this arrangement, both the old
and new generations could get enough satisfaction. The younger ones maintained due respect toward
the elders and the parents. Whereas in the Grihastha, one could enjoy the physical (biological) as well
as material pleasures, he was granted an opportunity in the Vanaprastha to move toward achieving
spiritualism.
Importance of Vanaprastha Ashrama
 This Ashrama is very important to transfer the culture of society from one generation to another.
 This Ashrama is very important for the progress and welfare of the people of the society.
 A person attains knowledge by whatever means propagates to other people.
 In this Ashrama, a person works free from worldly concerns.
Sannyas Ashrama
This is the last, i.e. the fourth Ashrama of man’s life which paves the way to the final disappearance
from this world. If a Vanaprastha successfully passes the third span of his life and remains alive, he
enters this Ashrama. ‘Sannyas’ refers to complete abandonment and avoidance (tyaga). The Sanyasi
keeps himself totally away from all the worldly things. The entry to this Ashrama was open at any
age and Manu had declared that if a Grihastha so desired, he could enter this Sannyas Ashrama after
leaving the marital and family life. This view has also been supported by Yajnavalkya and
Bodhayana.
This stage is concerned with total departure from worldly pleasures. The Sanyasi has in fact no
existence for the material world and could for all practical purposes, be treated as having expired. His
funeral rites were performed by the other existing members of the family. He was believed to have
born out of the funeral pyre and so such it was treated as a re-birth. It is thus evident that the Sanyasi
becomes fully detached from the family and society with which he had remained associated so far. He
also gave up his family name and the personal name and adopted a fresh name for being addressed.
Since all the rites of a Sanyasi were performed on his entry into this last Ashrama, he was not burnt to
ashes on his physical death. Instead, he was buried into the ground, and a ‘Samadhi’ was erected as a
structure upon that spot.
To conclude, the saints of Indian society had kept into consideration the full and overall development
of human personality by dividing the total life expectancy (100 years) into four significant parts. In
Indian culture, the highest ideal has ever been the abandonment (Tyaga) and service (Seva) and the
attempt has been made to enable people to reach this goal. That is why; Ashrama-Dharma has been
designated as the ‘Socialism’ of the Saints.
Importance of Sannyasa Ashrama
 This Ashrama inspires to abandon attachment, greed, hatred, etc. in the society.
 This Ashrama inspires religion and contemplation.
 It removes the temptation of materiality in people and presents the ideal of a life of sacrifice.
 This Ashrama reminds a person for the last phase of the life.
 Note- A person could also directly enter Sannyas Ashram after Grihastha Ashram instead of
Vanprastha.

Memorable Facts
Ashrama System
 It is the method by which a person stops for some time while practicing.
 Ashramas are considered as a resting place in the middle of the life journey performed by human
beings for achieving the ultimate goal of life, salvation (Moksha).
 Under this, life has been divided into four Ashramas-Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and
Sannyas in 25-25 years, assuming 100 years of life.
 Significance of the Ashrama System
 The Overall Development of Man’s Life
 Stress to the Group Welfare
 Helpful in Maintaining Mental Balance
 The life becomes Meaningful and Hopeful
 Destroying the Tendency of Monopoly
 Helpful in Knowledge and Educational Expansion
 The Mutual Inter-dependence of Individual and Society
 The Development of Humanitarian Qualities
 Significance as a Practical System
Objectives of the Ashrama System
 To ensure complete development of personality.
 Determining personal obligations.
 Achieving salvation (Moksha).
 To maintain continuity of social order.
 To improve the present and future of the person.
Characteristics of the Ashrama System
 The life is divided into four parts (Ashramas).
 In it, determination of work and responsibilities is found according to age.
 It was limited to Brahmin, Kshatriya and Vaishya Varna only.
 This system divides the Hindu life into various stages.
 This system prepares mankind for the future life.
Brahmacharya Ashrama
 This Ashrama was generally considered till the age of 25 years.
 It is an Ashrama for the practice of learning and power.
 Brahmacharya means walking on such a path, so that man can become great in all respects,
physically, mentally and spiritually.
 The main purpose of Brahmacharya Ashrama is to provide study to child.
Grihastha Ashrama
 The age group of 25-50 years is known as Grihastha Ashrama.
 Grihastha Ashram is the basis of all Ashramas.
 It holds events for deities, forefathers and guests.
 Under this, a person has to lead a life according to religion.
Vanaprastha Ashrama
 Vanaprastha means departure to the forest.
 Age group of 50-75 years is called Vanaprastha Ashrama.
 After completing the duties of the Grihastha Ashrama, the person takes up the Vanaprastha
Ashrama.
Sannyasa Ashrama
 Sannyasa Ashrama is the fourth part of life and the last stage of life.
 Age group of 75-100 years is known as Sannyasa Ashrama.
 After following all the Ashramas, the person enters this Ashrama.
 After renouncing all desires, a person enters the Sannyas Ashrama.
Probable Questions
1. Very Short Questions
 Ashrama System.
 What does the term ‘Ashrama’ mean?
 What is the basis of division of Ashrama?
 Objectives of Ashrama System.
 Characteristics of Ashrama System.
 Significance of Ashrama System.
 Brahmacharya Ashrama.
 Grihastha Ashrama.
 Vanaprastha Ashrama.
 Sannyasa Ashrama.
 Write the names of four Ashramas in chronological order. (RAS-2016)
2. Short Questions
 Explain the importance of Ashrama System while explaining it.
 Write the types of Ashramas.
 Write a comment on Brahmacharya Ashrama.
 Explain the duties of Grihastha.
 Explain the purpose of the Ashrama System.
 Explain the characteristics of the Ashrama System.
 Explain the philosophical basis of the Ashrama System.
 What are the duties assigned for different Ashramas?
 What is the opinion regarding the origin of Ashrama System?
 What are the duties determined for different Ashramas?
 Explain Brahmacharya Ashrama in brief.
 Explain Grihastha Ashrama in brief.
 Explain Vanaprastha Ashrama in brief.
 Explain Sannyas Ashrama in brief.
 Importance of Brahmacharya Ashrama.
 Importance of Grihastha Ashrama.
 Importance of Vanaprastha Ashrama.
 Importance of Sannyas Ashrama.
 What is the importance of ashram system in Hindu social life?
 Briefly explain Brahmacharya Ashram.
 Briefly explain Grihastha Ashram.
 Briefly explain Vanprastha Ashram.
 Briefly explain Sannyas Ashram.
 What are the views regarding the origin of the Ashram System?
 What is Brahmacharya Ashram? State its importance.
 What is Grahastha Ashram? State its importance.
 What is Vanprastha Ashram? State its importance.
3. Long Questions
 Explain the different forms of Ashrama System.
 Explain the Ashrama System and throw light on its importance.
 “For the purpose of human life, the Ashrama System was suitable with a view of planning life in
order to development.” Review.
 Write an essay on the Ashrama System.
 Discuss the different types of Ashrama.
 Explain the meaning of ashram and write its types.
 What is the Ashram System? Explain the importance of Grihastha Ashram in the Ashram system.
 Explain the concept of ashrams and write the characteristics of each of them.