Following is a detailed description of the ashram system of the Vedic period: 

1. Bramcharya Ashram- This is supposed to be the first part of life. From yagyopaveet to attaining the age of 25, a person remained unmarried and obtained education at Gurukul. Whatever was learnt there was then practised in ‘Grihastha Ashram’.

2. Grihastha Ashram – From the age of 25 to 50, a man was supposed to live in Grihastha. All the social responsibilities were supposed to be of a Grihastha. Marriage was the main religious ceremony of this Ashrama. A Grihastha had to take responsibility of looking after the other three ashrams.

3. Vanprastha Ashram – This Ashram supposed to be from 50 to 75 years of age. As it appears from the name itself, a person being free from the responsibilities of family life, used to live in a jungle near a village. He used to share his experiences of Grihastha Ashram period with the people of the society for their well-being. Here, he used to think about the society instead of the -family. Giving advice to the Grihastha of the society was the chief aim of this ashram.

4. Sanyas Ashram – Man between the age group 75 to 100 years is said to be in Sanyas Ashram. In his journey up to Vanprasth Ashram, man gets all the education about karma and gyan. During this period, the person devotes all his time and energy to the service and welfare of the society. During this period, a person used to travel different places and used to give moral education to the people living there.