Brahmacari, aka: Brahma-cari, Brahmacārī, Brahmacāri; 8 Definition(s)

Introduction

Brahmacari means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Buddhism, Pali, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Alternative spellings of this word include Brahmachari.

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Brahmacāri (additional aspect of Subrahmaṇya, according to the Śrītatvanidhi) Subrahmaṇya in this aspect should have two eyes, two arms and be standing upon a padma. He must have a tuft of hair on his head, a yajñopavīta, mauñji (grass girdle) and kaupīna. The right leg should be firmly placed upon the padma and the left one slightly bent and rested upon it. In the right hand there should be a daṇḍa and in the left a vajra. His complexion should be red.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

1) Brahmacāri (ब्रह्मचारि).—See Brahmacarya.

2) Brahmacāri (ब्रह्मचारि).—A devagandharva (a class of Gods) born to Kaśyapaprajāpati of his wife Pṛthā. He took part in the Birth festival of Arjuna. (Mahābhārata Ādi Parva, Chapters 65 and 122).

Brahmacāri (ब्रह्मचारि).—A son of Krodhā and a Devagandharva.^*

• * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 6. 39; Vāyu-purāṇa 68. 38.

Brahmacārī (ब्रह्मचारी) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. I.59.45, I.65) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Brahma-cārī) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

General definition (in Hinduism)

Brahmacārī (ब्रह्मचारी).—A celibate student under the care of a spiritual master. One in the first order of spiritual life; In the Vedic social order, the student class who strictly accept the vow of celibacy, in the case of brāhmaṇas, up to the age of 25, at which time they may marry or continue the life of celibacy; a celibate student of a spiritual master; A member of the first spiritual devision of life, according to the Vedic social system of four āśramas. See Gṛhasta, Sannyāsī, Vānaprastha.

Languages of India and abroad

Pali-English dictionary

brahmacārī : leading a chaste life.

context information

Pali is the language of the Tipiṭaka, which is the sacred canon of Theravāda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.

Marathi-English dictionary

brahmacārī (ब्रह्मचारी).—m (S) A Brahman from his investiture with the sacrificial thread until marriage; during which period he is enjoined to observe the strictest chastity. 2 A Brahman that religiously abstains from all sexual commerce with women; either for a time or through life. sōḷā sahastra gōpī bhōgūna bra0 (Allusively to the numberless fornications of kṛṣṇa.) Used ironically of one who revels in sensuality or impurity and yet affects chastity and sanctity.

brahmacārī (ब्रह्मचारी).—m A brāmhaṇa from his muñja until marriage.

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