Vanaprasthin, Vānaprasthin: 1 definition

Introduction:

Vanaprasthin means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.

In Hinduism

Dharmashastra (religious law)

Source: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study (dharma)

Vānaprasthin (वानप्रस्थिन्) or Vānaprastha refers to the third of the four “stages of life” (aśrama), according to the 10th century Saurapurāṇa: one of the various Upapurāṇas depicting Śaivism.—From the times of the most ancient dharmaśāstras the number of āśramas has been four:—Brahmacarya, Gṛhastha, Vānaprastha and Sannyāsin.— When he sees that his head has grey hair and that there are wrinkles on his, body he resorts to the forest i.e. he becomes a Vānaprastha (vānaprastha).

Dharmashastra book cover
context information

Dharmashastra (धर्मशास्त्र, dharmaśāstra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

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