The classical order of life has four stages. But some traditions added a fifth — the final renunciation, beyond even the forest-dweller. The Pañcamāśramanirūpaṇa is a manual for that last crossing: when to undertake it, what to do, and what to leave behind.
The auspicious moment
The text opens with the timing — renunciation is not taken on a whim.
Now the procedure for the fifth āśrama (stage of life). The acceptance of the fifth āśrama through intense attachment or moderate attachment. When, during the waxing fortnight of the northern solstice, on an auspicious day, under a favorable constellation, with a specific yoga and zodiac sign, in the early morning, after completing one's daily duties — thereafter, one goes to the āśrama of the supreme Paramahaṃsa guru.
The choice matters — intense or moderate attachment to the world — and so does the calendar: the northern solstice, the waxing fortnight, the right constellation, the right morning.
The ritual of crossing
The crossing itself is a ritual of fire and cutting — a visible break with the old life.
One becomes an avadhūta. One becomes the renouncer of all resolutions. Thus the renunciation composed by Viśveśvara. From the fourth āśrama to the fifth āśrama I shall go. May the Lord be gracious — thus the disciple in the presence of the guru. Having established through a brāhmaṇa in the worldly fire with the five-element saṃskāra preceding, having cut the śikhā up to the ājyabhāga in that fire, one should offer oblations.
The topknot is cut in the fire; the oblations are offered; the renouncer of all resolutions is born. The text is careful to require a guru at this stage — as at every stage — because the last crossing, like the first, is not meant to be made alone.