The word sanskar means refinement. The shodasha sanskars are sixteen rites of passage that sanctify a person's journey from conception to the final farewell.
Before and at birth
- Garbhadhan, Pumsavan, Simantonnayan — prayers for the unborn child and mother.
- Jatakarma — welcoming the newborn.
Childhood
- Namkaran — the naming ceremony.
- Nishkraman — the child's first outing.
- Annaprashan — first solid food.
- Chudakarana (Mundan) — first haircut.
- Karnavedh — ear piercing.
Education
- Vidyarambh, Upanayan, Vedarambh, Keshant, Samavartan — beginning and completion of learning.
Householder and beyond
- Vivah — marriage, the foundation of the grihastha ashram.
- Antyeshti — the last rites.
संस्कारो हि नाम गुणाधानेन वा स्याद्दोषापनयनेन वा।
Even in modern life, families continue these sanskars as meaningful milestones that connect generations.
