Four ashrams were recognised by Brahmins around the time when Jainism and Buddhism were becoming popular. Which of the following was NOT a recognised ashrama? 

The correct answer is Parmarth.Key Points

• Parmarth was not a recognised ashrama.
• The four recognised ashramas were Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Brahmacharya, and Sannyasa.
• These ashramas were recognised by Brahmins as stages of life that an individual would pass through in order to attain spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Additional Information

• Grihastha was the householder stage, where an individual would get married and fulfill their worldly duties.
• Vanaprastha was the retirement stage, where an individual would withdraw from worldly affairs and focus on spiritual pursuits.
• Brahmacharya was the student stage, where an individual would study under a guru and learn the scriptures.
• Sannyasa was the renunciate stage, where an individual would renounce all worldly possessions and dedicate themselves completely to spiritual pursuits.