Sanskaras refers to sacraments undertaken at special moments or points in our lives, which leave an indelible impression but also provide protection and guidance as we undertake our journey in life.
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati gave the world the 16 codified sanskaras, which are recommended for specific moments in the life of those who follow Vedic Science and philosophy.
The Manusmriti 2.26 says:
वैदिकैः कर्मभिः पुण्यैर्निषेकादिर्द्विजन्मनाम् ।
कार्यः शरीरसंस्कारः पावनः प्रेत्य चैह च ॥
Those who are born again (twice-born)1 should perform all of the sixteen sanskaaras, from conception to cremation…”
The performance of a Sanskaara creates an indelible lifelong protective positive force field of bliss on the person for whom it is being done. Sixteen sanskaaras span human life. These sanskaaras have been researched and formed into unique acts and performances that must be done at particular times during one’s life.
The sixteen sanskaaras start from the time of conception and end with the cremation of the dead. Sanskaaras have scientific, logical, and psychological meanings that relate to the very core of human life. They impact our individuality, intelligence, ability to control the mind, and physical and spiritual development.
The Sanskaaras also include important rituals like Prayers to be recited for taking a bath, prayers for renewing vows, prayers for laying the foundation of new construction, housewarming, house-opening prayers, and so on. We have included these as separate headings to allow everyone to use these essential rituals in everyday life.
This compilation provides the essence of the performance and is meant as an essential interface between the performer and the original Sanskaara Vidhi. The translations provided give the general substance of the mantras and are not meant to represent the literal meaning of the Sanskrit words.
The Sanskaaras are:
1 Garbhadaan: performed after marriage and before conception of a child. Garbha – womb daana – giving
2 Punsavan: 4th month, for protection of the fetus
3 Simantonayana: 7th month, for the last trimester and safe delivery.
4 Jaatkarma – at birth
5 Naamkaran – 11th day
6 Nishkraman 4th month
7 Annapraashan
8 Choodaakarma (Mundan) 1-3yrs
9 Karnavedh –
10 Upanayana 5-8
11 Vedarambha
12 Samaavartana
13 Vivaaha
14 Vaanprashtha
15 Sanyaas
16 Antyeshti
The Additional Rituals provided here are taken from within the Sanskaaras. These are:
Foundation laying ceremony for new construction
Housewarming and house opening ceremony
Grihishuddhi or house purification after a cremation
Balivaishvadev Yagya
- In Sanatan Dharma, those who complete the upanayana sanskaara are considered as being twice-born, that is, having been born from the parents and being borne into spiritual awakening
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