[Skt.] n. Abode, cell, hermitage, retreat (equivalent to a Living, rectory or see). State, stage, period or time of life from a religious point of view. There are four such stages, viz, 1. brahmacaryamu bachelorhood or studentship. 2. garhasthyamu house-holdership or being head of a family. 3. vanaprasthamu being an anchorite. 4. sanyasamu being a recluse. asramadharmamu the duties peculiar to each stage of life. asramasvikaramu asrama-svikaramu. n. Embracing the ascetic condition: bidding farewell to the world.