16 Sanskaras in Indian Culture | Importance

of Rituals in Hinduism

Introduction:

The Sixteen Rituals of Hindus are the activities performed to elevate the
body, mind and soul. They alter the nature of an object and give it a new
shape. Just like a goldsmith burns the gold in fire to purify it, similarly
in Vedic culture; an infant is put in a furnace of excellent impressions
(Sanskar). His flaws are burnt out and attempts are made to incorporate
virtues into him. This attempt takes the form of ritual.

Meaning Of Sanskar:

Sanskar means well established, organized, in simple words purifying

and enhancing process.

Vyas Smriti of Vedic culture has 16 rites or Sanskar from conception to

death, which is important to follow lawfully. These rituals are designed
for the healthy living and high progress of human.
 16 Rituals in Hinduism:

1. Garbhadhan Sanskar (The ritual of conception):

This is the First ritual or Sanskar in sixteen and is about conception. The
ritual or sanskar, the principles and the rules are mentioned so that best
child can be born.

2. Punsavan Sanskar:

The ritual performed for the physical health of the foetus. In this, for the
safety of the womb before the fetus starts movements. This ritual is told
about the method and rules to be followed, which is done in the fourth
month of the conception.

3. Seemantonnayan Sanskar (Srimant):

The ritual performed for the mental development of the fetus. The
marginal part of women that is the middle of head is cremated. In this
section, the marm point related to the brain's influence on the neurons of
the fetus. It has important of teaching fetus through the mother of the
fetus by her mother.
 4. Jaatakarm Sanskar:

The ritual performed at the time of birth and only performed for male
child. In which there is a ritual with various mantras before umbilical
perforation. It has rituals of giving honey and ghee and other worship.

5. Naamakaran Sanskar:

The ritual of giving the child a name. In this rite, the method of naming
and the mantras are told. It is based on the science of the effect of the
sound of the name.

6. Nishkraman Sanskar:

This is the ritual of taking an infant out of the house for the first time.
This is done in the fourth month of birth in which the infant is brought
out of the house and exposed to the sun and external environment. Along
with this, there is a mention to sit in the cradle, to drink cow milk, to lay
on the ground.
 7. Annaprashan Sanskar:

This is the ritual of giving solid grain to an infant for the first time. It is
about feeding grains in the sixth month of birth or after them. In this,
apart from mother's milk, what else should be fed is mentioned. 

8. Choodaakarm Sanskar:

The ritual of shaving the child's head for the first time, it is also called
Mundan Sanskar. In which the hair of the baby is taken off the head and
a chudha (hair on top of head) is kept. It is said to do in the first or third
year of birth. This rite is performed for the increase of strength, age and
agility.

9. Karnavedh Sanskar (Ear Piercing):

This is the method of ear piercing is described as Karnavedha. It is done

for the health of the body and the development of the mind. This is
related to the acupressure point associated with the ear.
 10. Upanayan Sanskar:

This is the ritual of investiture with the sacred thread. In this Sanskar the
child goes to Acharya/ Guru to study knowledge and is organized by
special karma. It is also called Yajnopavit Sanskar. 

11. Aksharambh Sanskar (Vidyabharam Sanskar):

In this, the learning of reading and writing started by Gurus with

worship.  It is done in the 5th year.

12. Vedarmbha Sanskar:

This is the ritual of initiating Vedic Study. In this rite, Acharya or

mentor prepares a child as the Brahmachari for the study of Vedas and
begins to impart knowledge of Vedic conduct.

13. Samavartan Sanskar:

The ritual of completion of Education. In this, when the learning ends in

the Gurukul, the disciple receives the teachings for the upcoming life by
the Acharya or Master. Then after child is authorized to enter into the
Grihastha Ashram.

14. Vivaah Sanskar (The Wedding Ritual):

This rite is performed to initiate the household, in which information is

available about the marriage method, worships and preaching of the
groom and bride.

15. Vivah Agnipraigra Sanskar (Tretagni):

According to the marriage fire ceremony, the householder has to

perform these two deeds Srota and Smarta. In which the smarta is
performed in the fire of marriage ceremony and the 'srota' karma takes
place in Tret agni or fire.

There are three other Agni (fire) in addition to the marriage fire, which
is called Dakshinagni, Garhapatya and Aahvanya. These three are
collectively called Treta-agni. In the method described for the
householder , The establishment, reputation and defense of these three
fires and and the Havana Karma is called Treta Agni Samskara.
 16. Antyeshti sanskar (Cremation Ceremony):

This is the last and funeral ritual. This rite is for the salvation of the
organism, in the pre-death stage. It mentioned about the donations made
in the pre-death stage and the post-death cremation, pind daan etc.

Conclusion:

Friends, this was information about the Sixteen Rituals or Sanskaras of

Hindu Vedic culture. I think day by day we are forgetting our culture
and we can see that few in areas and communities there are following
these rituals. Share your thoughts regarding these rituals and subscribe
this website to learn about Hindu culture and the science related to it.

Thank You!

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