Vrātyas
By Swami Harshananda
Vrātyas as per Manusmṛti[edit]
The Manusmṛti[1] declares that a brāhmaṇa, kṣattriya and vaiśya should undergo the upanayāna sacrament before the ages of 16, 22 and 24 respectively. If they do not, they become vrātyas, unfit to receive the Sāvitrīmantra.[2]
Origin of Vrātyas[edit]
According to this definition, the vrātyas were dvijas by birth but had neglected or ignored the upanayāna sacrament. They could however be re-absorbed into the society by the performance of Vrātyastoma sacrifice as expiation. They probably led a nomadic life not practicing either agriculture or commerce. They might have lived to the west of the Sarasvatī river.
Vrātyas as per Pañcavimśa Brāhmana[edit]
The Pañcavimśa Brāhmana[3] gives some interesting details about their dress and way of life. Their leader known as gṛhapati wore a turban,[4] carried a whip[5] and a kind of bow.[6] He moved in a wagon[7] covered with planks. He dressed himself well. His subordinates wore red-bordered garments.
After they were readmitted into the main Aryan fold, they had to surrender all these things and adopt the way of life prescribed for the dvijas.[8] The Atharvaveda[9] uses the word vrātya for God sounds interesting.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore