170 KEEPING THE ANNIVERSARY
used formerly to exercise such supreme power over the kings and rulers of the country that they were looked upon by the latter as beings of a different order, and superior
to other mortals; princes accounting it an honour to receive some mark of distinction from them. And the Brahmins,
on their part, either to enhance their own dignity, or perhaps from gratitude for the favours they received from the Rajahs, granted them the special privilege of wearing, like themselves, the triple cord.
As for the Vaisyas, they do not receive it till the day of their marriage, when the officiating Brahmin presents it to them. The Panchalas are also decorated under similar circumstances, but it is conferred on them by the guru, or priest, of their own caste.
After a Brahmin has been invested, he is expected to keep the anniversary every year at the time of the full moon in the month of Sravcma, or August. This anniversary is always celebrated by a feast, for which there are many prescribed ceremonies; but I will spare the reader any further wearisome details. Suffice it to say that the
Brahmin has to change his cord, the small rag in front of his private parts, and the cloth with which his loins are
girt, all of which is done with much solemnity. The performance of this periodical duty obtains for him the remission of all the sins committed during the year, and it is therefore called the Feast of the Annual Atonement.
The Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas also keep this annual feast like the Brahmins.
CHAPTER II
Conduct of the Brahmachari.— Rules to be followed.— Rights acquired by investiture with the Cord.— The Six Privileges of Brahmins.
The Vedas.
The state of Brahmachari continues from the ceremony of the wpanayana until marriage. This period of his life is looked upon as a time of study, of trial, of subordination, and of initiation into the rules and regulations of caste.
To learn to read and write; to commit the Vedas and mantrams to memory; to study in those branches of