Dharma Sūtra – Praśna 1, Paṭala 1, Khāṇḍa 1, Sūtra 27
Sūtra
ā ṣoḍaśād brāhmaṇasya-anātyaya , ā dvāviṃśāt kṣatriyasya-ā caturviṃśād vaiśyasya yathā vrateṣu samarthaḥ syāt-yāni vakṣyāmaḥ || 27 ||
Telugu
ఆ షొడశాద బ్రాహ్మణస్య-అనాత్యయ , ఆ ద్వావింశాత క్షత్రియస్య-ఆ చతుర్వింశాద వైశ్యస్య యథా వ్రతెషు సమర్థః స్యాత-యాని వక్ష్యామః || 27 ||
Translation
There is no dereliction [of duty, if the initiation takes place], in the case of a Brāhmaṇa before the completion of the 16th year, in the case of a Kshatriya before the completion of the 22nd year, in the case of a Vaiśya before the completion of the 24th year. [Let him be initiated at such an age] that he may be able to perform the duties, which we shall declare below.
Commentary / Explanation
The meaning is, that the initiation shall be performed as soon as the child is able to begin the study of the Veda. If it is sufficiently mentally developed at eight years, the ceremony must then be performed; and if it be then neglected, or, if it be neglected at any time when the capacity for learning exists, the expiation prescribed in the following Sūtras must be performed. The age of 16 in the case of Brāhmaṇas is the latest age until which the ceremony may be deferred, in case of incapacity for study only. After the lapse of the 16th year, the expiation becomes also necessary. (Manu 2:38; Yājñ. I:37.
Source
Āpastamba Dharma Sūtra
Source Page
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