SHODASHA SANSKAR

 

SHODASHA SANSKAR

 

Hindus believe that every aspect of life is sacred. That is why each significant stage, from conception to cremation, is celebrated as a reminder that life is a gift from God which should be duly respected and lived according to His wishes.This is the first installment describing the significance of the 16 Samskaras.

samskara is used to mean: education, cultivation, training, refinement, perfection, grammatical purity, polishing, embellishment, decoration, a purificatory rite, a sacred rite, consecration, sanctification, effect of past actions (karmas), merit of karmas,etc. A general definition of samskara, encompassing nearly all of the above is "to improve upon something while removing its undesirable attributes."

Purpose of Samskaras

(1) Cultural. The variety of rites and rituals related to the samskaras help in the formation and development of personality.

(2) Spiritual. According to the seers, samskaras impart a higher sanctity to life. Impurities associated with the material body are eradicated by performing samskaras.

1. Garbhadhana

This sanskar is performed by both parents and consists of a prayer for begetting a child in order to continue the traditions of a Hindu and also the progress of the human race.

2. Punsavana

This sanskara is performed during the third or fourth month of pregnancy by reciting Vedic hymns to invoke divine qualities in the fetus which is developing as a child.

3. Simantonnayana

(Satisfying the cravings of the pregnant mother)

This sanskara is performed during the seventh month of pregnancy when prayers are offered to God for the healthy physical and mental growth of the child.

4. Jatakarma

(Child birth)

Mantras are recited for a healthy and long life of the child at his birth.

5.Namakaran

(Naming the child)

The name for the baby is selected such that its meaning can inspire the child to follow the path of righteousness.

6. Nishkramana

(Taking the child outdoors for the first time)

This sanskara is performed in the fourth month after birth when the child is moved outside the house.

7. Annaprasana

(Giving solid food)

In the sixth, seventh or eighth month child is given solid food.

8. Mundan

(First Hair cutting)

This is performed during the first or third year of age when the child’s hair is completely removed by shaving.

9. Karnavedha

(Ear piercing)

This sanskara is performed in the third or fifth year.

10. Upanayana

(Sacred thread ceremony)

This introduces the male child to a teacher in order to receive education and marking the entry of the child to Brahmacharya.

11. Vedarambha

(Study of Vedas)

This sanskara is performed at the time of Upanayana or within one year. The Guru teaches the Gayatri Mantra.

12. Samavartana

(Returning home after completion of education)

This sanskara is performed at the age of about 25 years.

13. Vivaha

(Marriage)
This sanskar not only helps to tie the two persons for a life long journey with the witness of the sacred fire and the elders and with the chanting sacred Vedic hymns but also helps them undertake pledges to be fulfilled during this journey. There is no concept and ritual of divorce in Hindu Sanskars.

14. Vanaprastha

(Preparation for renunciation)

This sanskar is performed at the age of 50 years (now-a-days, 60 years) to celebrate the departure from the householder stage to the Vanaprastha stage when the person begins to engage in social and spiritual activities to help the society and mankind at large. Thus one moves away from the family as a unit to the Society as a unit.

15. Sannyasa

(Renunciation)
This sanskara is performed after Vanaprastha for spiritual accomplishment.

16. Antyesthi

(Cremation)
This is the final sanskar performed after death by his or her descendants and followers.

These samskaras, with their spiritual import, holistically 'samskarize' (edify) all aspects of an individual's life. Since each samskara ritual makes the individual the focus of the occasion, he/she is psychologically boosted. This strengthens the individual's self-esteem and enriches interaction with those around. The samskaras bring together family members, close relatives and friends, hence increase the cohesiveness of the family unit. Therein the unit harmonizes and strengthens the social structure. The consequence of this is a healthy society with a strong cultural identity which easily refines, boosts and perpetuates its traditional beliefs, customs, morals and values.

 

                                                                                                                      Shilpa Pandit