Brahmin An Outcast ,Vratya, Manusmriti

The much maligned  Manusmriti  reserves the strictest sanctions for Brahmins.

 

There are many citations in the Manu Smriti where these are mentioned.

 

In general, punishment for a Brahmin is thousand fold for an offense than what is being sanctioned for a Sudra.

 

 

In this article we shall see how a Brahmin is declared  as an Outcast in one instance, which is very serious.

 

That instance is Upanayana, wearing of the Sacred Thread)Ceremony)

 

 

 

36. In the eighth year after conception, one should perform the initiation (upanayana) of a Brahmana, in the eleventh after conception (that) of a Kshatriya, but in the twelfth that of a Vaisya. 

37. (The initiation) of a Brahmana who desires proficiency in sacred learning should take place in the fifth (year after conception), (that) of a Kshatriya who wishes to become powerful in the sixth, (and that) of a Vaisya who longs for (success in his) business in the eighth. 

38. The (time for the) Savitri (initiation) of a Brahmana does not pass until the completion of the sixteenth year (after conception), of a Kshatriya until the completion of the twenty-second, and of a Vaisya until the completion of the twenty-fourth. 

39. After those (periods men of) these three (castes) who have not received the sacrament at the proper time, become Vratyas (outcasts), excluded from the Savitri (initiation) and despised by the Aryans. 

40. With such men, if they have not been purified ac cording to the rule, let no Brahmana ever, even in times of distress, form a connexion either through the Veda or by marriage. “

Manu Smriti Chapter 2:31;39

 

Citation.

 

http://www.hindubooks.org/scriptures/manusmriti/ch2/ch2_31_40.html

 

 

Comments

One response to “Brahmin An Outcast ,Vratya, Manusmriti”

  1. The Anonymous (@naaperuenti) Avatar

    Funny how you say Brahmins were dealt the worst of punishments compared to others.
    Greater the reward, greater the risk. No Kshatriya would be fine if brahmins said they will grab all the rewards and have the leeast risk. they would rip a hole six inch wide in your abdomen with their shiny swords.
    You practice endogamy and define strict rules in your community only for this reason.
    For the benefit of the may a few sacrifices are ok. Hence you outcast those who disobey and thereby give excuse to your tyrranical rules.

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