What was an Ashrama? Describe the functions of each ashrama.

The life of the Aryans was divided into four stages of 25 years each. Each stage was called an Ashram. These were:

1. Brahmacharya — It was the first stage when a person had to go to the Acharyas (teachers) and the Gurukul (household of the teacher) to receive education. He was supposed to stay in the Gurukul till his education was complete.

2. Grihastha — It was the second stage during which a man was allowed to lead a married life and have children.

3. Vanaprastha — It was the third stage when a man would give up his wordly life and go to the forest to meditate.

4. Sanyasa — It was the last stage of life when a person was supposed to renounce all the wordly life and become an ascetic.