For families in India and Indians living abroad

हिन्दी English
प्रतिष्ठान Tradition, sanskar, culture

The sixteen sanskars

Sixteen stages of a life

From Garbhadhan to Antyeshti — a general introduction to the Grihya memory. Whether the house is in India or abroad, understand the meaning first, and match the rite to your own family.

  1. 01 Garbhadhan The first sanskar joins the wish for a child with restraint and responsibility. In married life, before a couple seeks to conceive.
  2. 02 Pumsavana An early-pregnancy rite for the health of mother and child. Around the third or fourth month of pregnancy.
  3. 03 Simantonnayan A later-pregnancy rite to keep the mother glad and unafraid. Around the sixth or eighth month of pregnancy.
  4. 04 Jatakarma The welcome of a newborn, just after birth. At birth, as the family and the hospital allow.
  5. 05 Namkaran The name is the first gift a family gives a child. On the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth day — by family custom.
  6. 06 Nishkramana The child sees the sun and the world outside for the first time. Around the fourth month after birth.
  7. 07 Annaprashan The first grain: a step from milk to the family plate. Around the sixth month, alongside a doctor's advice.
  8. 08 Chudakarana The first haircut, a sign of leaving the old and beginning again. In the first or third year, by family custom.
  9. 09 Karnavedha Piercing the ears, an old custom of both ornament and care. In infancy or childhood; in many homes, along with mundan.
  10. 10 Vidyarambha The first letters, written before the goddess of learning. When the child is ready for letters, often around the fifth year.
  11. 11 Upanayana The sacred thread and the step toward a teacher — in families that keep it. By shakha and family. Not a rite of every community.
  12. 12 Vedarambha The formal start of Veda, or of the family's principal text. After upanayana, where that tradition exists.
  13. 13 Keshanta The first shave, a threshold into youth. Toward the end of student life, by family custom.
  14. 14 Samavartana Returning home from study: the rite of a graduate. When a stage of study is complete.
  15. 15 Vivaha Two families, fire as witness, and a resolve to walk together. The doorway into household life. Set the muhurat with your own acharya.
  16. 16 Antyeshti The last journey: a rite for the body, and a support for the family. After death, as promptly as family custom asks.

This is a general introduction. Sequence, materials, and timing change with family, region, and shakha. Your priest and your own custom have the last word.