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SaskraThis article is about the Hindu rituals. For other uses, see Samskara (disambiguation).

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The Samskaras (Sanskrit: saskra) are rites of passage finding varied acceptance among religious adherentsof Hinduism (Vedic), Jainism and some schools of thought in Buddhism.Sanskr is also a commonly used Hindi pronunciation of the word and signifies "cultural heritage and upbringing" inmodern speech. Samskaram is the proper and commonly used word that would be universally understood and refersto someone having proper upbringing and behaviour.

HinduismThe samskra (sanskaar) are a series of sacraments, sacrifices and rituals that serve as rites of passage and mark thevarious stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular Ashrama (i.e. stage of life). All human beings arerequired to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for gods, Ancestors and Guardians in accordance with theVedic dictums for a Dharmic or righteous life and become Dvija or twice-born by the performance of these acts.Basically all these rituals are of the nature of purification and/or bestow good qualities (gunas). A person does nothave to foster a relationship between religious-spiritual knowledge and the practice of religious-rituals. It means aperson having deep religious spiritual knowledge may or may not be involved in the ritual processes. Similarly aperson involved in rituals may or may not have the religious knowledge.[2]

Most Vedic rituals consist of Homa - fire sacrifices of elaborate and intrinsic designs and complex methodology,accompanied by recitation of Vedas by qualified Priests in honor of a particular Demigod or God (i.e. aspect ofdivinity), fire offerings of various ingredients, gifts to be given in charity, presence of elders for blessings, amidstsanctified sacrificial grounds, sacred herbs and good omens. Each important milestone of a Human life is to becelebrated by undertaking a particular Samskara wherein the significance of that milestone is ritualisticallyconveyed.

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The 16 SamskarasMost Brahmins communities used to follow complex rituals in connection with major events in their lives, such aspregnancy, childbirth, education, marriage, and death. Although, the number of major samskaras fluctuates between12 and 18 in the Grhya Sutras, later, it became 16 (Hindi: sola) in number,[3] generally known as "ShodashaSamskaras" (oaa Saskra).

GarbhadhanaGarbhadhana (IAST: Garbhdna) (literally, gifting the womb), is the act of conception. This is the first sacramentwhich 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 inManusmrti, 2.27).The different Grhyasutras differ in their point of view, whether the garbhadhana is to be performed only once, duringthe first conception, or every time the woman conceives. In the first case it is considered as a kshetra-samskara (oncethe kshetra, or 'field', has been purified, it remains pure), and in the second case as a garbha-samskara (every timethe garbha, or 'womb' conceives, it needs to be purified).

PumsavanaPumsavana (IAST: pusavana) (literally, engendering a male issue) is a ritual conducted in the third month ofpregnancy. If it is the first pregnancy, it can be in the fourth month also. The pregnant woman consumes one bead ofbarley and two beads of black grain, along with a little curd. This is accompanied by religious chanting. (in SEDMonier-Williams cites Grihya-Sutra,MBh.)The time prescribed for the pumsavana differs in different Grhyasutras, and can be extended up to the eighth monthof pregnancy, according to some. Some grhyasutras also give a later date for pregnancies after the first (which mightbe related to the fact that the signs of pregnancy are less prominent during the first few months, if the woman hasalready given birth once).

SimanatonnayanaSimantonnayana (IAST: Smantonnayana) (literally, parting the hair) sacrament is performed in the fourth or fifthmonth of a woman's first pregnancy. Simantonnayana is conducted for the protection of the mother at the criticalperiod of gestation. This samskara is performed to both invoke protection of the mother and unborn child fromdemons and spirits that might want to cause harm to the mother and child, as well as to ensure good health, successand prosperity for the unborn child.Fragrant oil is poured on the head of pregnant woman. A line of parting is drawn three times through her hair fromthe forehead upwards with three stalks of 'Kusha' grass bound together. The Pranava mantram Aum and the sacredwords called Vyahritis (Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah) are chanted during each operation. If the child is still-born, this has tobe repeated during the next pregnancy.

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JatakarmanJatakarman (IAST: Jtakarman) (literally, natal rites) is meant for the development of the intellect of the child. Whena male child is born, the ritual connected with birth is performed immediately (within 90 Naazhika). A small portionof a mixture of gold, ghee and honey is given to the new born infant. This rite symbolises good fortune. (Cited inManusmrti 2.27)

NamakaranaNamakarana (IAST: Nmakaraa) (literally, naming) ceremony is performed to name the child. It is performed onthe 11th day after birth.

NishkramanaNishkramana (IAST: Nikrmaa) (literally, first outing) on the fourth month after birth, the child is taken out intothe open for the first time.

Annaprashana

Annaprashanam offerings

Annaprashana (IAST: Annaprana) (literally, feeding food) ritual,which takes place when a child is six months old, is the first time thechild eats solid food, in India, rice. A few grains of rice mixed withghee are fed to the infant. This is an important ritual among all sectionsof Hindus. (Cited in Manusmriti 2.34)

Chudakarana

Chudakarana (IAST: Ckaraa) (literally, arrangement of the hairtuft), also known as choulam or mundana (literally, tonsure) is theceremony of cutting child's hair for first time. In the child's third or fifth year, the head is shaved, leaving behind asmall tuft of hair. (Cited in Mn.2.27,35)

KarnavedhaKarnavedha (IAST: Karavedha) (literally, ear-piercing) is piercing the ears. This is done with a particular thorn.Butter is applied to the wound. It is applicable to both male and female children. (MW cites Purna-Sarvasva.)

VidyarambhaVidyarambha (IAST: Vidyrabha) (or Akshararambha) (literally, commencement of studies) is done either whenthe child attains three or five years. On the tongue of the child the letters "Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah Avignamastu"and all the alphabets are written with a piece of gold. The child is made to write the same letters from "Hari Sri"onwards with its index finger on raw rice in a bell metal vessel and the child is made to utter each word when it iswritten. Either the father of the child or an eminent teacher officiates at this ritual. (Citation Mn.2.69)

UpanayanaUpanayana (IAST:Upanayana) is the ceremony of wearing the sacred thread called Yajopaveetam. When male childattains eight years, the wearing of the sacred thread Yajopavita, is ceremoniously done. It is taking the child to theteacher for initiation of formal education. Along with the sacred thread, the hide of the antelope called Krishnajinamis also worn by the boy. The upanayanam ceremony is followed by brahmopadesham - teaching Gayatri mantra tothe boy. (Cited in Manusmrti 2.27)

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PraisharthaPraishartha (or Vedarambha) is the learning of Vedas and Upanishads inGurukulam or Phala. In the beginningof each academic period there is a ceremony called Upakarma and at the end of each academic period there isanother ceremony called Upasarjanam. ( Mn.2.71)

Keshanta and RitusuddhiKeshanta (IAST: Kenta) (literally, getting rid of hairs) is the first shave. It is ceremoniously performed for a boy athis age of 16. (Citation: Mn.2.65)Ritusuddhi is a ceremony associated with a girl's first menstruation.

SamavartanaSamavartana (IAST: Samvartana) (literally, graduation) is the ceremony associated with the end of formaleducation of Vedas in Gurukula or Phala. This ceremony marks the end of studenthood. This also marks theend of Brahmacharyaasrama of life. (Citation: Mn.3.4)

VivahaVivaha (IAST: Vivha) (Marriage) (Citation: Mn.3.4). The Ritual of marriage. There were 8 forms of marriagepracticed in Ancient India.

AntyeshtiAntyesti (IAST: Antayei) (literally, last rites), sometimes referred to as Antima Samskaram, are the ritualsassociated with funeral. This samskara is not mentioned in the lists of samskaras in most of the grhyasutras and othertexts that speak about samskaras. The details and procedures of this rite are given in separate texts, dealing only withthis topic. The reason for leaving this rite out is that it is not considered as a pure and auspicious rite, and it shouldtherefore not be mentioned along with the other, pure, samskaras.

Controversy in the total number of samskarasSince ancient times there has remained a dispute between experts on the total number of samskara that exist. Aswritten in Gautamsmriti 8.8 there are 40 of them, Maharshi Agnirane directed of 25 of them, but according to thePuranas, 12 or 16 of them are main and necessary. These ceremonies are enjoined on the first three (twice-born)castes in Manusmrti and Grhya Sutras (Grihya Sutras) (esp. Praskar). Some list 42 samskaras, i.e. the 16 listedabove plus the 21 compulsory Yajnas, plus the 5 panchamahayajnas .Vidyrambha, Vedrambha and Antyeti are not enumerated as separate samskras in ancient texts like Manusmritior Grihya Sutra (Praskaram). To this list may be added Karavedham too, which reduces the list of most essentialsamskras to 12 only.

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Notes[1] http:/ / en. wikipedia. org/ w/ index. php?title=Template:Hinduism& action=edit[2] http:/ / ijsme. org/ a-study-of-the-effect-of-religiosity-on-social-support-life-satisfaction-and-coping-behavior/[3] Pandey, R.B. (1962, reprint 2003). The Hindu Sacraments (Saskra) (http:/ / books. google. com/ books?id=iHG3mhGrKw4C) in S.

Radhakrishnan (ed.) The Cultural Heritage of India, Vol.II, Kolkata:The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, ISBN 81-85843-03-1,pp.391-2

References Translation by G. Bhler (1886). Sacred Books of the East: The Laws of Manu (Vol. XXV). Oxford. Available

online as The Laws of Manu (http:/ / www. sacred-texts. com/ hin/ manu. htm) Monier-Williams, Monier (1899). A Sanskrit-English Dictionary (http:/ / www. ibiblio. org/ sripedia/ ebooks/

mw/ ). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass..

External links HinduCulture (http:/ / www. hinduculture. info) Hindu Tradition Forum (http:/ / www. hinduculture. info/ p/ hindu-forum_28. html)

Article Sources and Contributors 6

Article Sources and ContributorsSaskra Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=605322506 Contributors: A8UDI, Academic Challenger, Aervanath, Ambalavasi, Asuribharath, BD2412, Bidhan Singh,BookWormmm, Carlossuarez46, Chris the speller, Closedmouth, Cminard, Colonies Chris, Crusoe8181, DaGizza, Dangerous-Boy, Dazedbythebell, Dbachmann, Drjagan, Editor2020,Ekabhishek, Faizan, Harisingh, Hunnjazal, Imc, Jbsteiny, John Carter, Jonathansammy, Joy1963, Kunjethy, LessHeard vanU, Lostprawn, Materialscientist, Mattisse, Monkeyfox, Mz7, NaveenSankar, Ogress, Ohconfucius, Pearle, Picaroon, Pigman, RR911, Redtigerxyz, Rjwilmsi, Salih, Satyavrat.chaturvedi, Tassedethe, Theman244, Tolly4bolly, Vieque, Vinay Jha, Wednesday Next,Wiki-uk, Xumm1du, Zerokitsune, , 66 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Om.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Om.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: AnonMoos, Ashkan P., BRUTE, Bdk, Davin7, Dbachmann, Editor at Large,Exact, Gregory Orme, Herbythyme, Jafeluv, JurgenNL, Marshie, Michaeldsuarez, Mystical Sadhu, Nilfanion, Nishkid64, Om.sukanta, Rugby471, Sahaguru, Tangopaso, The Evil IP address,Toyboy84, Trelio, Wutsje, Xhienne, 67 anonymous editsFile:Aum red.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Aum_red.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: DoSiDoFile:Annaprashan offerings.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Annaprashan_offerings.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0 Contributors:Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier from Bruxelles, Belgium

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SaskraHinduismThe 16 SamskarasGarbhadhanaPumsavanaSimanatonnayanaJatakarmanNamakaranaNishkramanaAnnaprashanaChudakaranaKarnavedhaVidyarambhaUpanayanaPraisharthaKeshanta and RitusuddhiSamavartanaVivahaAntyeshti

Controversy in the total number of samskarasNotesReferencesExternal links

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