Understanding the Panchang (Hindu Lunar Calendar)

In Sanatan culture, Samskaras are rites of passage; they are rituals or ceremonies that are to be undertaken during various stages of life. They can also be termed as life events which have been devised by the learned through their wisdom, knowledge and experiences and passed on through generations. Samskara or Sanskara can be described as various rituals or customs that are to be performed to live a life in accordance with Dharma. At various stages of life and spiritual journey these Samskaras are recommended by ancient sages for purification and other benefits. Samskaras help an individual live a balanced and grounded life and become a member of the society and community. Ancient sages thousands of years ago recommended these Samskaras in Vedic scriptures such as Grihasutras and others. Sage Aswalayana recommends 11 customs, Sage Bauddhayana, Paraskar and Varaha recommend 13, Sage Vaikhana talks of 18 and Maharishi Gautam about 40 sanskaras. But the most widely accepted list of Samskaras are the 16 Samskaras that are recommended by Rishi Veda Vyas. Samskaras, also known as Sanskaras have profound physical, spiritual and emotional benefits for an individual. In Sanatan Dharma, there are sixteen primary Samskaras that are to be conducted during different stages of an individual’s life. Many a time conducting a particular Samskara signifies that a particular stage in a native’s life has begun or has ended. The word ‘Samskaras’ is a Sanskrit word which roughly means preparation or ‘getting ready’. It can also be termed as a purification process by cleansing or refinement. The 16 Samskaras in themselves encompass within themselves various physical, spiritual, mystic and Divine aspects and dimensions.

The significance and importance of undertaking the 16 Samskaras are mentioned in numerous Vedic scriptures along with the methodology of conducting them. The benefits are implication of the 16 Samskaras traverses through more than one life-time. They help one grow spiritually, learn and break the cycle of life and death (reincarnation) and ultimately achieve Moksha or liberation. Vedic scriptures mention how the Samskaras help a native free themselves from the bondages and karmic debts and propels his soul on the path of purification and spiritual enlightenment. Generally speaking, all aspects of human life are being covered by the Samaskaras. It addresses the Adhyatmik (Spiritual), Adibhautik (Physical) and Adhideivik (Divine) aspects of life. By adhering to these rituals at different stages of life, an individual can destroy negative karma and purify and cleanse themselves and grow spiritually as well as materially. Out of these 16 Samskara, 8 are primary or very important in nature and these are known as Ashtasamskaras or eight Samskaras. These eight Samskaras are Namakarana, Anna Prasana, Karnavedha, Keshanta Karma, Vidyarambha, Upanayana, Vivaha and Antyeshti.

Significance and Benefits of the 16 Samskaras

Conduction the 16 Samskaras have numerous physical and spiritual benefits, primarily it blesses one with peace of mind, stability and spiritual growth. Subconsciously, they create memories that help shape distinct positive behaviors and perspectives. Undertaking the Samskaras are in themselves accumulation of good karma, an act of purification that causes destruction of negativities and ignorance. The also help give proper perspective and direction during various stages of life especially when there is confusion or period of uncertainty or problems. As per Vedic scriptures there are a total of forty Sanskaras that are to be undertaken. Out of these forty, sixteen are considered as most pious, major or primary ones; together they are referred to as ‘Shodasha Sanskaras’. In Sanatan Dharma, life is considered as sacred and every part of it is to be celebrated. Thus the 16 Samskaras can also be termed as celebration of an individual’s journey of life through various phases, from birth to death.

What are the 16 Samskaras

Mentioned below are the sixteen Samskaras in Sanatan Dharma and their details:

1. Garbhadhana

Garbhadhana samskara is the first amongst the 16 samskaras. It is conducted when a married couple decides to start a family i.e. before conceiving a child. The word Garbhadhana is made using two words ‘Garbha’ meaning womb and ‘Adhana’ meaning receiving. The Taittiriya Upanishad stresses the importance of carrying on the bloodline and advises against ending it. The ritual helps bestow peace of mind, spiritual augmentation and blessings of a healthy child. During the ritual various Gods and Goddesses are invoked and worshipped such as Goddess Shakti, Ashwinikumar, Guru Brihaspati, Indra, Agni, Mitra, Varuna and Brahma and their Divine blessings are sought. The ritual ensures a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy child with a long and happy life.

2. Pumsavana

Pumsavana are done during a woman's first pregnancy. It is performed in the third month of pregnancy for safety of the child; again Lord Brahma is worshipped during the ritual. The ritual is believed to help the infant in the womb grow health and normally both physically and mentally. The ritual is done to ensure the good health, well-being, and auspicious development of the unborn child. Rooted in ancient Ayurvedic and spiritual practices, it is believed to promote the desired qualities and vitality in the baby while invoking divine blessings for a smooth pregnancy.

3. Seemantonnayana

The ritual is performed in the seventh or the ninth month of pregnancy for safe delivery of the baby. During the sanskara Lord Dhata (one of the twelve Adityas) is invoked and worshipped. The ritual ensures a safe and healthy delivery and also provides the expectant mother a sense of peace, especially during the final month(s) of pregnancy. This ceremony is also a social and festive like baby showers, providing joy and happiness to the expecting mother.

4. Jatakarma

Jatakarma samskara is performed after the child's birth; it represents the separation from the mother's womb. During the ritual Goddess Savita is worshipped. This ceremony symbolizes the child’s first introduction to family, culture, and spiritual values. Traditionally, it involves touching honey or ghee to the baby’s lips while chanting sacred mantras, signifying the wish for a sweet and righteous life. The father often whispers the name of God or sacred verses in the baby’s ear, believed to awaken spiritual consciousness from birth. Jatakarma also includes prayers for the child’s health, intelligence, and longevity, invoking divine protection and guidance.

5. Namakarana

In Vedic custom, a child is named on the eleventh or twelfth day after birth. In accordance with traditional naming practices, parents officially announce the child's name during the Namakarana ceremony. The newborn is given a unique identity by this momentous occasion, which occurs in front of family and friends. The ritual is significant from a cultural and social aspect since it officially presents the baby with the selected name to the community.

6. Nishkarma

Nishkramana, which means ‘going out, coming forth’, takes place during the fourth month following a baby's birth. The infant's parents formally introduce the baby to the outside world by taking them to a neighboring temple. The baby's mental development is encouraged by this practice since impressions are created by what they see and hear. It marks the start of the baby's interactions with the outside world, which will have an impact on their initial cognitive growth. During the ritual Surya Dev is worshipped.

7. Annaprasana

Annaprasana is conducted in the sixth month after the baby's first teeth grow. It represents the introduction of solid food, typically cooked rice. Before this, the newborn relies only on breast milk. The ceremony is intended to bless the infant with good health and power. The ceremony is an important milestone as the infant begins to eat a solid meal for the first time, signifying their growth and development.

8. Chudakarana

Chudakarma is popularly known as Mundan Sanskara. The tradition celebrates the child's first haircut and the beginning of a new stage in life. The baby's hair and nails are cut during the ritual, signifying purification, rebirth and growth. According to science, hair on the head improves beauty while providing protection from the elements. This sanskara is meant to support the development of healthy hair and general well-being.

9. Karnavedha

During the Karnavedha ritual, the child has ear piercing done. It is believed that the ritual has many spiritual and health benefits. It is believed that ear lobes have important acupressure point which stimulates development of intellect.

10. Vidyarambha

Vidyarambha is a ceremony that marks a child's official initiation into educational journey of learning and studying. It is usually performed when the child is five years old. The goddess of knowledge, Maa Saraswati is worshipped during this ceremony. In the past the students started their education under the guidance of a guru as prescribed in the guru-shishya parampara after the said sanskara. The ritual places a strong emphasis on living a disciplined life and committing oneself fully towards learning and developing wisdom.

11. Upanayana

Upanayana is regarded as one the highest sanskara. The sanskara is popularly known as the thread ceremony of the child when a sacred thread hung from one shoulder and passed around their front and back. During the ceremony Lord Indra is worshiped. ‘Upa’ means close and ‘nayana’ means to bring thus Upanayana can be translated as ‘bring close of Divine or Guru’. The ceremony is an integral custom in their spiritual and intellectual journey of an individual.

12. Vedarambha

The term Vedarambha represents the beginning of Vedic knowledge. Vidyarambha signified the first stage of education, whereas Vedarambha marks the start of Vedic learning precisely. Under the guidance of their ancestors and Guru, one explores the Vedic expertise in this sanskara. This ceremony highlights the important point at which every student sets out on the long path of comprehending and mastering the holy scriptures, highlighting the importance of Vedic education in spiritual and cultural traditions.

13. Keshanta

Kesh means hair, whereas anta symbolizes the end. The Keshanta sanskara is shaving one's beard for the first time when one reaches adulthood, usually when one's facial hair starts to grow. The rituals symbolize an important transition from childhood to adolescence, encouraging the person to recognize and understand the mental and physical changes that come during this period.

14. Samavartana

Samavartana means ‘going back home from the Acharya's house,’ signifies the student's departure from the guru's residence at the end of their education under the Gurukul system. At the end of formal education, this sanskara represents the student's readiness to go on to the next phase of their lives. When the student is ready to step away from the mentor's supervision and use the knowledge they have gained to navigate the next period, it is considered a transition in the traditional Gurukul system.

15. Vivaha

In Sanatan Dharma, the wedding ceremony, or Vivaha, is one the most significant ceremony. The engagement is the first step, and the Praavisya Homam or Nishekam ceremony is the last. The entire procedure takes place over several exciting celebration days. This unique union signifies the culmination of several ceremonies and shows a couple's commitment to one another. According to Hindu customs, the wedding ceremonies incorporate a variety of cultural traditions that strengthen the tie between the husband and wife.

16. Anthyeshti

Antyeshti is also known as antim sanskar meaning the last samskara. After a person dies, relatives perform Antyeshti, the last sanskara in a Hindu's life. The final ceremonies are systematically done with the assistance of Brahmin priests, in accordance with Vedic texts, which state that the soul undergoes reincarnation after leaving the old body. Following ten days of sorrow, a purification ceremony is held on the eleventh day. On the thirteenth day, a feast honors the soul's successful journey to its final resting place.