varna
वर्ण varṇaThe fourfold ordering of society in the classical texts (Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra); an idealised scheme distinct from lived caste (jati) and much contested.
Where this term appears
- The caste system: what Hinduism says Essentials
The first idea is varna : a fourfold theological model of society, four broad classes, described in scripture.
- The Gayatri Mantra Worship
One wrinkle worth naming: Shankhayana Grihyasutra 2.5.4 to 7 assigns different savitris by varna, as Jan Gonda documents ( Oriens 16, 1963, p.
- Āgama and Veda: two revelations Lineages
The great Vedic learning and sacrifice were, in the orthodox rule, the preserve of the upper varṇas , and women and śūdras were barred from Vedic recitation.
- Dharma, Karma and Rebirth Essentials
And there is duty specific to one's varna , one's class, and stage of life.
- The Four Ashramas: the stages of life Essentials
The formal ashrama system was framed for the upper varnas , the classes entitled to study the Veda.
- The History of Sanatana Dharma: A Timeline History
It set out the orders of society, varṇa , and the stages of life, āśrama , in an idealised scheme.
- The Pāñcarātra Saṃhitās Lineages
The Pāñcarātra uses Vedic and tantric mantras both, is entered by dīkṣā , initiation, and in principle admits worshippers of every varṇa .
- What is Jyotisha? Scriptures
The varna koota grades compatibility on an explicitly caste-derived scale.