Samaavartana Sanskaara

INTRODUCTION

The Samaavartana Sanskaara is the 12th Sanskaara. It is performed on the graduation of the brahmachari, that is, the student who upkept his vows of the Upanayana and Vedaarambha sanskaaras.

This Sanskaara is also appropriate to mark the completion of graduate and post-graduate studies in modern world – most importantly so for those who have preserved their faith and their practice of Sanatan Dharma. 

While modern academia does not include direct studies of the Vedas, all sciences, arts, and logic emanate from the source of the Vedas. The Euro-centric version of science is found by students of the Veda in the Vedas themselves. Over the centuries, as people placed the Vedas aside, the gem of its knowledge comes down through our ancestors and forefathers who would have themselves been exposed to the Vedas. The innate wisdom of the Vedas continues to spring forth in the modern world.

The Almighty Creator does not give the Vedas as a “book” but as a wisdom that is acquired through intense studies, meditation, and focus. Those who meditate on the spiritual side of life will achieve spirituality. Those who focus on medicine, sciences, technology, engineering, and other fields will surely achieve mastery of those areas. 

Universities around the world celebrate graduation. They always include prayers and inspirational speeches as part of the Graduation. The Samavartana Sanskaara is the Graduation ceremony as designed by the Ancient seers and brought to us by Maharishi Dayanand. 

Being born again

Other religions copied and popularized the “born-again” phrase. However, this Samaavartana sanskaara is the literal अंतेवासी or twice-born moment for an individual – having been born again in the world of wisdom.

As a student leaves his ashram and his studies, his Aacharya (professor) tells the student:

Note on procedure:

This Sankaara is the actual departure of the graduate from the ashram/school. It is in two main parts: Prayers by the Acharya and a change of mode of dress of the graduate.

Hygiene 

This Sanskaara marks the return home of the initiate from Studies. The personal habits of the initiates, whether it be unkempt hair, beard, nails, or any such thing, are now discarded as they are ready for professional life, which will be presented by them to the people they meet, serve and teach people.

The Sanskaara Vidhi recommends a herbal bath, haircut, clipping nails, and changing the type of clothing as among the matters of hygiene that need to be taken care of as this change (from student to professional) occurs. 

While the Sanskaara Vidhi places the hygiene mantras at the middle and the end of the procedure of the Sanskaara, we have placed those verses to the beginning to accommodate the common practice of cleanliness before prayers.

Timing:

Depending on the student’s academic aim, the formal graduation enshrined in this Sanskaara should be performed when the studies have been completed. For example, a person who wants to become a medical doctor may complete all studies and be ready to fully practice after 8-10 years, while an accountant may be ready to practice in a shorter time. 

Whatever the choice of academic achievement, the Sanskaara should be completed after the studies are completed and before the practical use of the studies starts.

This Sanskaara allows 14 years for completion of graduate and post-graduate studies. After graduate and post-graduate studies are completed, the Sanskaara can be performed.