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varna  Term Image (varṇa) Script Image
(Language:  Sanskrit)
Alternate Spellings:
Short Description: Caste; class; the four major social divisions in Hindu society.
Long Description: Caste; class; the four major social divisions in Hindu society include (in descending order): brāhmaṇas (priests), kṣatriyas (royals and warriors), vaiśyas (merchants and farmers), and śūdras (servants and laborers); situated outside the caste system are the caṇḍālas (outcastes and "untouchables") and mlecchas (foreigners and "barbarians"); members of the three upper castes are called "twice-born" (dvijā) and are permitted to study the Vedas.
Example(s):
Source(s): Lamp of Non-Dual Knowledge, Cream of Liberation Translated by Swami Sri Ramanananda Saraswathi
Notes & References:
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Related Terms: brahmana kshatriya vaishya shudra chandala mleccha
Provided By: Dictionary of Spiritual Terms