Samskaras are ceremonies marking important events, such as the birth of a child, in the life of a Hindu. The Sanskrit word samskara translates to mean “perfecting,” and is believed to raise one to a higher spiritual plane. Traditionally there are sixteen samskaras, and are compulsory for the three higher varnas (brahmana, kshatriya and vaishya.)
Reasons for Performing Samskaras
While the rites can vary with different traditions and areas, the main aim of samskaras is to uphold Hindu values and gain pious credits to bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the family. The popular ceremonies include a pre-birth ceremony (Shreemanth), the name giving ceremony (Nama Karana), first grains ceremony (Anna Prashanna), first hair cutting (Mundan), marriage (Vivaha) and the funeral (Antyesthi).
Samskaras Related to Birth
Hindu birth-related rituals can vary in different regions though the idea behind them usually remains the same. Here are the main ceremonies related to birth:
- "Garbhadana" the first samskara, means "purification of the womb," and takes place prior to conception. Hindu scriptures state that the mental states of both husband and wife is key to the type of soul that enters the womb.
- "Simantoyannayanam" or "Shreemanth." This ceremony is performed for the protection and health of the mother and the fetus. Taking place either in the sixth or eighth month of a woman’s pregnancy - it involves the husband placing vermilion in the parting of her hair while a priest chants purifying mantras and performs a fire sacrifice.
- "Jatakarma" welcomes the baby into the world. The father places a small amount of gold, ghee and honey on the baby's tongue and whispers the Holy name of God in his ear. Some may use a gold spoon to create an "aum" shape on the tongue.
- "Namakarana" is the name-giving ceremony where the parents dress the baby in new clothes and the family astrologer announces the child's horoscope.
Samskaras of Life
After the birth ceremonies others follow, including the first outing (takes place around five weeks) and the "Annaprashana" or first grain-eating ritual, which takes place when a child is six months old. Usually sweet rice (that is first offered to God) is given for good fortune."Upanayana" is when a child begins Vedic education and spiritual discipline. This essential rite is deemed to be a spiritual birth, and those who undertake the samskara are called "dvija" or twice born.
"Vivaha" is the marriage ceremony and an important step in both men and women's lives. A sacred fire is circumambulated by the couple while auspicious mantras are chanted. In Hinduism marriage is for life, and the husband and wife should not separate in any circumstances.
Hindu Rites of Death
"Antyeshti" is the act of burning the body after death. This samskara is not regarded as being a pure rite and thus is mentioned separately in Hindu scripture. In India a funeral is generally performed before the sun sets on the day of passing. It may be that the rituals are mainly for hygiene as a body can quickly begin to decay in hot countries. Offering sacred water of Ganga and a Tulasi leaf into the mouth of a dying person usually takes place prior to the cremation.
A period of contamination affects the family of the deceased and they cannot visit a temple or perform deity worship during this period.
Hindu rites of passage are an important cultural and social ceremony for many followers. Notably the wedding and birth samskaras have continued to be performed by most practicing Hindus.
Sources:
Hinduism.Iskcon.org. Samskaras: Rites of Passage (Accessed November 5, 2011).
HinduWebsite.com. Rites and Rituals in Hindu Tradition (Accessed November 19, 2011).
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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