INTRODUCTION TO THE 16 VEDIC SANSKARAS

INTRODUCTION TO THE 16 VEDIC SANSKARAS

16-NOV-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYANN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Sanskaras play an important role in the development of the gross and subtle bodies and souls of humans.

The etymology of the word sanskara is derived from the prefix 'sam' and the suffix 'ghan' to the root 'kri', forming the word "sanskara." According to Panini's sutra "samparyupebhyah karotau bhushane," "Those things that adorn the body and others are called sanskaras."

"Sanskaranam gunantaradhanaam sanskaraah" (Sanskaras are the inculcation of virtues).

In the words of Sage Dayanand Saraswati, "By cultivating the body and soul through sanskaras, one can attain Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, and one's children become highly capable. Therefore, performing sanskaras is highly appropriate for all human beings."

01. Garbhadhan Sanskar: On the night when the husband and wife wish to conceive, perform a havan as usual and offer oblations with the mantras described in the ritual. Both the bride and groom circumambulate the Kunda and then gaze at the Sun. The time for the Garbhadhan ritual is between the end of the night and the remaining night. On the second day of conception or in the second month, oblations should be offered with the other mantras described in the ritual.

02. The time for the "Pumsavan Sanskar" is in the second or third month after the conception.

03. The time for the "Simantonayan Sanskar" is according to Ashvalayana: "In the fourth month of Garbhamas, during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) when the moon is accompanied by the original male and female stars." According to Paraskara, "The equivalent of the Pumsavan Sanskar should be performed in the sixth or eighth month on the day of the moon with the aforementioned Paksha (bright fortnight) constellations."

04. The "Jaatkarma Sanskar" is performed on the day of birth.

05. The "Naamkaran Sanskar" (naming ceremony) is performed on the day of birth, excluding ten days from the day of birth, or on the 11th or 101st day, or at the beginning of the second year, on the day of birth.

06. The "Nishkraman Sanskar" involves taking the child out of the house for a walk where the air is pure. The appropriate time for this is the third day of the bright fortnight of the third month after birth, or on the date on which the child was born, in the fourth month.

07. The "Annaprashan Sanskar" is performed in the sixth month after birth, when the child develops the ability to digest food.

08. The "Chudakarma Sanskar" (tonsuring ceremony) should be performed on the day of the month of Uttarayan, the bright fortnight of the child's life, in the third year or first year after birth, when the child has the ability to digest food.

9. The "Karnavedha Sanskar" (ear piercing ceremony) is appropriate to be performed in the third or fifth year after birth.

10. The "Upanayana Sanskar" (upper ceremony) according to Manusmriti, should be performed in the 5th year of birth/conceived for a Brahmin child, in the 6th year of birth/conceive for a Kshatriya child, and in the 8th year of birth/conceive for a Vaishya child, in the morning, with the desire for knowledge, strength, and behavior. According to Ashvalayana and Paraskara, the Upanayana Sanskar should be performed in the 8th year of birth/conceived for a Brahmin child or at most the 16th year, in the 11th year of birth/conceived for a Kshatriya child or at most the 22nd year, and in the 12th year of birth/conceived for a Vaishya child or at most the 24th year.

11. The "Vedarambha Sanskar," which involves taking the vow to study all four Vedas, starting with Gayatri, should be performed on any auspicious day within a year from the day of the Upanayana ceremony.

12. The "Samavartan Sanskar" refers to leaving school and returning home.

13. The "Vivah Sanskar" is considered the "youngest time" for marriage. The age of marriage is considered the "middle age" for men, from the age of 30 to the age of 38, and the age of 17 to the age of 19 for women. The best time for marriage is considered to be between the age of 40 to the age of 48 for men, and the age of 20 to the age of 24 for women. This ritual should be performed on any auspicious day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon), or in the evening on any day during the Uttarayan (the bright fortnight of the lunar month), or on any other day during the lunar month.

14. "Vanaprastha Sanskar" - When after the age of 50, the son also has a son, then one should go to the forest and live in solitude, practice yoga and meditate on the soul.

15. "Sanyas Sanskar" is that which means leaving behind all the coverings of attachment and prejudice, becoming detached and wandering the earth for the welfare of others. After spending the third part of one's life in the forests, i.e. minimum 12 years and maximum 25 years, in the fourth part of the life, i.e. after 70 years, it is time to become a Sanyasi.

16. "Antyeshti Sanskar" - In this, rituals are performed till the dead body is cremated; it is also called Narmedh, Purushmedh, Narayag, Purushyag.