Sixteen Rituals, Sixteen Rituals, Sixteen Rituals

The word SanskAra is driven from the root ‘kR’=to do with ‘sam’=properly. stands for to purify. Vedic (Hindu) culture has 16 rituals in person’s life beginning of the planning of the pregnancy till death.

1. GarbhAdhAn SanskAra.

Ritual performed to achieve a healthy and brilliant child. There is belief  that 4th to 16th nights are the best for pregnancy. Even there is another belief that odd nights are for girl and even nights are to achieve a boy child.

2. Punsavan SanskAra.

The ritual performed to achieve a healthy baby. Ritual period is recommended 2nd to 8th month.

3. sImantonnayana SanskAra.

Ritual is performed for happiness of the pregnant woman. In this ritual husband performs a hair makeup for his wife (mother to be). It was to make sure wife is healthy and happy. Ritual period: 5th to 8th month. This is very similar to now a days Baby-Shower. 

4. JAtakarma SanskAra

This ritual is performed at the birth of the baby. These days most of the part is done in hospitals, still some part of its need to be performed at home. It’s a welcome to the soul in your family, celebrating a birth and donating with generosity is the part of the ritual.

5. nAmakaraNa SanskAra.

Name is very important for everyone. It effects and reflects persons whole life. Its time is recommended from the 10th day of the birth till 100 days.

6. niSkramaNa SanskAra.

Ritual is performed to take the child out door. It is commanded the day of 12th to 4 months.

7. annaprAshana SanskAra.

Ritual is perform to feed solid food for the baby. Period is commanded the age of 4 months to one year or after the teeth comes.

8. ChuDAkarma SanskAra.

This ritual is performed to cut baby's hair first time. Time period is recommended the age of 1 year to maximum of the age 7 years.

9. KarNavedha SanskAra.

The ritual is performed to Pearce the ear of the child. Age is commanded 3 to 5 years.

10. upanayana SanskAra.

Ritual is performed to offer a yajnopavit to the child. This was also a sign of beginning of the official education. The age is commanded from 8 to 12 years.

11. VedArambha SanskAra.

The first day of the official education by the AchArya (Guru/teacher). It is started with Guru Mantra by the Guru. The age is commanded 8th 12 years. Mostly performed with the upanayana SanskAra.

12. samAvartana SanskAra (Graduation).

This ritual is perform when the student has finish his education. These days called ‘graduation’. No age is limited only education completion is the time.

13. vivAha SanskAra Marriage Ceremony.

Marriage ceremony. The ritual is perform to enter in the household life. This is very important ceremony and has most lengthy rituals than any other. Its time is commanded after finishing education or age of 25 for the boy and at least 18 for the girl.

14. VAnprastha.

The retirement. After achieving your goals let the new generation take their place and lead their lives own ways. Take your lead to ‘van’=Jungle and prepare to become and find yourself. The age is commanded of 50 or child’s child (after becoming grandfather).

15. SanyAsa.

This ritual is to become holy person. No one is yours everyone is yours and you are for everyone. Give to world whatever you have achieved in your life without any  expectations.

16. antyeshTi/DAha SanskAra.

This ritual is performed after the person’s life to justify with the deceased body. The soul is gone let the body take it’s place in nature. Soul never dies it might need body again let’s respect the material/mother nature made body and offer back to the nature.

Things to arrange   For Marriage Ceremony:

1. Havan Samagri one pack (approx 200gm)
2. Pure Ghee (Clarified butter oil) one pack (approx 250gm)
3. Camphor (Kapoor) one pack (approx 10 or 5gm pack)
4. Puffed rice, one small pack (approx 200gm, no salted).
5. Matches one or lighter
6. 2 flower garlands (Jay Mala)
7.  Sindoor (Vermilion) one small pack. (from groom’s side).

8. Yogurt (fresh), approx 200 gm.

9. Honey one small pack, approx 100 gm.

10. Stone, one small piece.

11. Towels, 2 full size, 2 small size.

12. Bowl, 4 (either steel or china).

13. Spoons, 4

14. Jug one.

15. Plates, 4

16. Serving spoons 2 (must be long handle)

17. Paper towels
18. Loose flowers (for blessings at the end of the Havan)

19. One coin or quarter (from Bride’s side).

20. Raw rice Approx 100gm
21. Aluminum foil roll one 

Note:  There is some other stuff required like: Havan Kunda, Woods/Samidha etc.
Havan Kunda and woods you should contact your Priest to make sure woods are non- sparkling.

Any question, call  your Priest or Coordinator.