anupravraj

 “Anupravraj” is a Sanskrit term meaning "to follow into exile" or "to become an ascetic after another," describing the process of entering a monastic or ascetic life in succession.

Definition and Etymology

The term anupravraj (अनुप्रव्रज्) is a compound of “anu” (meaning “after” 

or “following”) and “pravraj” (from the root √vraj, meaning “to go forth” 

or “to leave”). Literally, it conveys the act of following someone

into exile or undertaking ascetic renunciation after another

person

Sanskrit Dictionary+1

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Usage in Religious Context

In Hinduism anupravraj refers to the formal transition into an ascetic 

life, often following a teacher or a precedent ascetic. It can signify:

• Becoming an ascetic after another in a tradition, sometimes the
• immediate predecessor or guru

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• Following into exile, emphasizing the renunciation of worldly life 
• and the adoption of spiritual austerity

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  3 Sources
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The noun form anupravrajana denotes the event or process itself: 

the act of becoming an ascetic after another

University of Hyderabad

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In sacred texts, anupravraj may appear in lists of monastic terms or 

discussions of the stages of spiritual initiation and

renunciation

Wisdom Library+1

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Related Terms

• Pravraj / Pravrajana: the general act of leaving worldly life for
• ascetic practice.
• Vipravraj / Abhipravraj: other variations used in monastic or ritual 
• contexts.
• Anagariya / Anagarika: referring to someone who has taken a vow
• of renunciation but not yet fully ordained.

In short, anupravraj encapsulates both the literal act of following and 

the spiritual notion of sequential ascetic renunciation, emphasizing 

the continuity of renunciant traditions in Hindu contexts

For a detailed explanation, etymology, and examples from Sanskrit

texts, resources like Wisdom Library and the Monier-Williams

dictionary provide comprehensive entries.