Snataka Dharma (स्नातकधर्मः)

Snataka Dharma (Samskrit: स्नातकधर्मः) refers to the code of conduct prescribed for those who have completed their education in the brahmacharyashrama (graduates) and who are awaiting their entrance into the responsibilities of the Grhasthashrama.

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

According to the Indian Education system, after the performance of Upanayana samskara, a child is sent to the Gurukula where he is trained in different shastras under the able guidance of a Guru. At the end of this training, the rite of Samavartana is performed to indicate completion of his training, and he is ready for the transition from brahmacharyashrama to the second phase of his life – the grhasthashrama.

The rite of samavartana includes a ritual abulation (स्नानम् ॥ snana) indicating the graduation of the student from the Gurukula. And such a student who has had the ritual abulation after completion of his study is called a Snataka (स्नातकः ॥ a graduate). The Manusmrti elaborates in detail about the code of conduct for a Snataka. His personal as well as social responsibilities have been enlisted therein.