Samskara (rites)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Part of a series on Hinduism |
|
 |
|
| History · Deities | |
| Denominations · Mythology | |
| Beliefs & practices | |
|---|---|
| Reincarnation · Moksha | |
| Karma · Puja · Maya | |
| Samsara · Dharma | |
| Vedanta · | |
| Yoga · Ayurveda | |
| Yuga · Vegetarianism | |
| Bhakti | |
| Scriptures | |
| Upanishads · Vedas | |
| Brahmana · Bhagavad Gita | |
| Ramayana · Mahabharata | |
| Purana · Aranyaka | |
| Shikshapatri · Vachanamrut | |
| Related topics | |
| Dharmic Religions · | |
| Hinduism by country | |
| Leaders · Devasthana | |
| Caste system · Mantra | |
| Glossary · Hindu festivals | |
| Vigraha | |
| Hinduism: Swastika |
|
|
|
|
In Hinduism, Samskaras are ritualistic practices a Hindu is expected to follow at various stages of his/her life. Gautama Dharmasutras specify 40-48 samskaras. However, the latter Smritis brought down this number to 16 (Shodasha Samskaras). These are as follows:
Pre-natal
- Garbhadharana: Conception
- Pumsavana: Rite for consecrating a male child in the womb
- Simantonnayana: Rite for parting the hair of a pregnant woman
Childhood
- Jatakarma: Birth ceremony
- Namakarana: Naming ceremony
- Nishkarmana: First outing
- Annaprasana: First feeding(solid)
- Chudakarana, or Mundan ceremony: First tonsure
- Karnavedha: Piercing of the ear lobes
Educational
- Vidhyarambha: Starting of education
- Upanayana: Thread ceremony(Initiation)
- Vedarambha: Starting of the study of the Vedas
- Keshanta or Godana: First shaving of the beard
- Samaavartana or Snaana:Ending of studentship
Adulthood
- Vivaha: Marriage
- Anthyesthi: Funeral rites
[edit] Other usages
- In Hinduism, the Samskaras are also the purificatory rites to be performed by a person during rites of passage.
- "Sanskaras" can also mean tendencies inherited from previous births. See Samskara
