Shodasha Samskaras

A very brief description about 16 samskaras :

1. Garbhadhana- gifting the womb :

Garbhadhana (literally,, is the act of conception. This is the first sacrament which followed immediately on every matrimonial union. There are a

number of rites performed before conception. The act of first sexual intercourse or insemination is known as nishekam.

(Garbhdhanasamskaram is cited in Manusmrti, 2.27).

2. Punsavana – settling the foetus

This ceremony was performed by the husband for the wife beseeching the birth of a healthy child.

3. Simantonnayana – hair-parting
This ancient ceremony of parting the hair of the pregnant wife was performed to bring cheer as well as ward off evil spirits.

4. Jatakarma - Natal rites
During the later days of pregnancy, a woman may have the jatakarma samskara performed. This rite, based on a verse from the Atharva Veda

written specifically to assure safe childbirth, was designed to yield blessings for life as well as protection from harm for both mother and child.

5.Namakarana, Name-Giving
The Hindu name-giving rite, namakarana samskara, is one of the essential rites of passage. It is performed in the home or the temple, usually

when the child is 11 to 40 days old. The father whispers the infant’s name in his right ear.

6. Nishkramana – first outing
Nishkramana  is taking the child outside the house for the first time. The child is usually taken out into the open only in the fourth month after

birth.

7. Anna Prasana – First Solid Food
During the anna prasana samskara, solid food is fed to the child for the first time. This is done by the father or the mother in the temple or at

home. The choice of food, such as rice, offered to a child at this crucial time of life is said to help forge his or her destiny.

8. Chudakarana – Head-Shaving
Ceremonial head-shaving is usually performed before the end of the third year in the home or temple. The shaven head denotes purity and

egolessness and is said to mitigate past life karma.

9. Karnavedha – Ear-Piercing
The ear-piercing ceremony, for both boys and girls, is performed in the temple or the home, generally on the child’s first birthday. Health

benefits are said to derive from this ceremony.

10. Vidyarambha – Learning Commencement
The official beginning of the child’s education is performed in the home or temple, during the fourth year,when he or she writes the first letter of

the alphabet in a tray filled with uncooked rice.

11.Upanayana – Initiation
The ceremonial presentation of the sacred thread is performed in the temple or home between the ages of 9 and 15, when a boy begins the

study of the Vedas. Thereafter,he is considered “twice-born.”

12.Keshanta Kala
When a boy first shaves his facial hair, this indication that he has come of age is celebrated in the temple or at home with the keshanta

samskara. It is a joyous time of gift-giving, yet it is serious as well. Often a vow of brahmacharya (celibacy) is taken at this same time.

13. Ritu Kala
As puberty dawns for a young girl, the ritu kala home ceremony is performed to acknowledge her first menses.  New clothing and jewelry are

given as she joyously and openly joins the young adult community.

14. Samavartana – returning home from the house of the guru
This ceremony marks the end of studentship and indicates formal closure to the brahmacharya period of life. The young person now must

choose one of two paths: the grihastha path (family life) or the renunciate path (monastic life).

15. Vivaha – Marriage
The marriage ceremony is performed in a temple or special hall around the sacred homa fire. Lifetime vows and seven steps before God and

the Gods consecrate the holy union of husband and wife.

16. Antyesti – Funeral
The funeral ceremony is performed or arranged by the relatives according to local traditions. It includes preparation of the body, cremation,

rites of mourning, purification and remembrance.