16 Samskaras of Santana Dharma

Santana Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism, states 16 samskara to mark the important event in the life of an individual. They are:

1. Garbhadan

The first coming together of the husband and wife for bringing about conception.

2. Pumsvan

Ceremony performed when the first signs of conception are seen, and is to be performed when someone desires a male child.

3. Seemantonayan

A ceremony of parting of the hair of the expectant mother to keep her spirits high and positive. Special music is arranged for her.

4. Jatakarma

After the birth of the child, the child is given a secret name, he is given a taste of honey and ghee, mother starts the first breast- feeding after chanting of a mantra.

5. Nama-karana

In this ceremony, the child is given a formal name. Performed on the 11th day.

6. Nishkramana

In this, the formal darshan of the sun and the moon is done for the child.

7. Annaprashana

This ceremony is performed when the child is given solid food (anna) for the first time.

8. Chudakarana

Cuda means the lock or tuft of hair kept after the remaining part is shaved off.

9. Karna-vedha

Piercing of the ears done in the 7th or 8th month.

10. Upanayan & Vedarambha

The thread ceremony. The child is thereafter authorized to perform all rituals. Studies of the Vedas begins with the guru.

11. Keshanta or Ritushuddhi

The first shave in the case of boys, Keshanta, is generally observed at the age of 16 or the celebration after the first period or coming of age in the case of girls, usually done at the age of 13 or on any auspicious day after the completion of their first menstrual cycle - ritushuddhi.

12. Samavartan

Returning to the house after completing the education. Graduation ceremony indicates end of formal education and a celibate or single way of life. Generally observed at the age of 25-samavartana.

13. Vivaha

Marriage ceremony.

14. Vanprastha

As old age approaches, the person retires for a life of tapas and studies.

15. Sannyasa

Before leaving the body, a Hindu sheds all sense of responsibility and relationships to awake and revel in the timeless truth.

16. Antyeshthi

The last rites or the cremation rituals.

Thanks For Reading 

By Abhishek

kumarsumanabhishek4@gmail.com