The word 'Sanskar' has a different meaning too but here it is used for rituals that mark the significant stages of life. Sanskars are mentioned as early as 1st millenium BCE. Throughout the ages, the number of sanskars and method to perform them were modified. Between forty to ten sanskars are mentioned in different scriptures. I’ve witnessed only 8 of them. Multiple invadors, imposition of their religion and language people stowly began to forget the deapth of theses sanskars. What I've also realized that there was never a fixed rule. There were a lot of variations and flexibility.
In addition to other things water, fire, and specific mantra are important in most rituals. Today the priest chants Sanskrit mantra and instructs set of actions without explanation and people follow them mechanically. Rituals are significant only if they are meaningful to the person performing it. Vivek finds them meaningful. So, I am creating this page for him. The appreciation and respect develops with understanding the deeper meaning behind them. They make us mindful towards the transitions of life or any action.
Keeping in mind, today’s busy lifestyle, I am listing some of the rituals for major stages of life. Interested person may select their own intentional actions.
Before conception: (Garbhaadhaan) prepares a couple for parenthood. This very important sanskaar is lost. While growing up, I had never heard about this. This sanskar should be private and performed only by the couple.
a. Punsawan – It is recommended during 2nd or 3rd month of pregnancy in order to nurture the physical development and protection of the fetus. This ritual may be performed privately- perhaps with 1 or 2 close family members. This is also not commonly practiced.
b. Seemantonnayan – is recommended in 5-8 month for a healthy mental development of the fetus and safe delivery as well as to cheerup the mother. The other word for this is godbharaii (filling up the lap) which is similar to baby shower.
Towards the end of 8 month, a room for delivery is prepared.
At Birth ritual is called Jaatkarman: scriptures mention that before cutting the cord with golden stick, honey/ghee are applied on the lip/tongue of the baby. then baby is bathed with milk and water. jaatkarma: Brihdaranyakopanishad- father holds, mentally havan, says something in right ear 3x, praises wife, names the child etc.
To Bless the Newborn Child. Whisper into the ear of a newborn or place over cradle.
शतायुर्वै त्वं भूयाः, शतं जीव शरदः समाः। शतं त्वेन्द्रियं अस्तु ते॥ “May you live a hundred full years. May your senses remain strong. May your life be long, clear, and whole.”
Source: Atharva Veda 6.113.2
My family emphasized on special food with turmeric, ginger power, nuts and ghee for the mother. The baby and the mother were massaged several times a day. Only selected people were allowed in the room after they changed their cloths and washed hands. People sang sohar continuously. The fire was kept at the door of the room and some offered mustard seeds and herbs in the fire. Kalash filled with water was kept near the head of the mother for 10 days. The baby was massaged with mustard oil, mustard paste and chiraunjee paste which is small nut that grows in mirzapur. Homemade kajal was applied to baby's eyes.
this should be a private and include Namkaran (naming the baby)
Birth to 3rd year
a. Sixth day (chatthi) and twelfth day (barahee) were important in my family but scriptures mention 11th day. The mother takes complete shower on 6th day. on 12th day after a small puja, the priest suggests some names or the letters based on the time of the birth. Meaningful name is selected which is believed to create harmony with the universe. This is called Naamkaran which means giving name. the priest also creates a birth chart (kundali)
b. It is not recommended to expose the baby to the outside world for the first 2-3 months. A ritual called Nishkraman (to come out) is performed to bring the baby outside. The recommendation is to first show sun and/or moon or bring to temple.
c. In or after 6 months or when the first teeth show up, a ritual called Annprashan (first introduction to grain) is performed. The baby is fed solid food cooked rice pudding (kheer).
d. During the 1st or 3rd year, Choodakaran/mundan/Karnvedhan are recommended. This is the first hair cut which is held in a roti by the sister of the husband. She receives gifts for that the hair is wrapped and offered to the goddess. Some believe that it helps keep the head cool during the teething period and makes the hair growth healthier.
-Karnwedhan or ear piercing is believed to activate the gateway of listening and has some relationship to stomach ailments such as hernia.
e. During the 3rd or 5th year prayer to saraswati specially on vasant Panchami marks the beginning of education which is called Vidyaarambh. In front of her picture people chant ‘Ya kundendu’ and help the child with holding pencil and write. Some also spread many items and determine the tendency determined by the item the child grabsthe child pick up up from a book, pen, weapon or toy.
Later years
Yagyopaveey or upanayan is one the most important sanskaar. this is similar to bar mitzwah. it is recommended between 8-12 years of age specially 9th year. This is considered rebirth to become adult, learnand come closer to teacher/guru. The child takes vows to follow the path of (dharm, artha, kam and Moksha) and understands the importance of four stages of life. He learns gayatri mantra. The hair is shaved and the meaning of 3 threads are explained. He wears thread as a constant reminder on his shoulder. in ancient days he left to study and live with the guru in his gurukul. now a days many combine this with wedding.
keshant and ritusuddhi are for first shaving and first period around 13th year
samawartan is graduation when student returns home from gurukul at 23rd or 24th year
vivah marriage is recommended at 25th year. see modified wedding
Vanprastha retirement - live a life to grow spiritually and consutant, practice detachment. transfer responsibility to newer generation. do social work. take care of grandchildren. counscious preparation for death.