Since eternity man has strived to improve his own self. This realization, unique only to mankind, has led him to think deeper about his physical, mental and spiritual well being. Towards this end, the Vedic seers prescribed a set of observances, known as Samskaras. (Though pronounced Sanskaras in Gujarati, we shall use the original Sanskrit form.)
The nearest English word for samskara is sacrament, related to the phrase 'rite of passage'. In the Oxford English Dictionary, sacrament is defined as a "religious ceremony or act regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward or spiritual grace." In classical Sanskrit literature texts, such as Raghuvamsha, Kumarsambhava, Abhijnan-Shakuntal, Hitopadesha and Manu Smruti, samskara is used to mean: education, cultivation, training, refinement, perfection, grammatical purity, polishing, embellishment, decoration, a purificatory rite, a sacred rite, consecration, sanctification, effect of past actions (karmas), merit of karmas, etc.
A general definition of samskara, encompassing nearly all of the above is "to improve upon something while removing its undesirable attributes."
The nearest English word for samskara is sacrament, related to the phrase 'rite of passage'. In the Oxford English Dictionary, sacrament is defined as a "religious ceremony or act regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward or spiritual grace." In classical Sanskrit literature texts, such as Raghuvamsha, Kumarsambhava, Abhijnan-Shakuntal, Hitopadesha and Manu Smruti, samskara is used to mean: education, cultivation, training, refinement, perfection, grammatical purity, polishing, embellishment, decoration, a purificatory rite, a sacred rite, consecration, sanctification, effect of past actions (karmas), merit of karmas, etc.
A general definition of samskara, encompassing nearly all of the above is "to improve upon something while removing its undesirable attributes."
Purpose of Samskaras
- Cultural. The variety of rites and rituals related to the samskaras help in the formation and development of personality. In the Parashar Smruti it is said, "Just as a picture is painted with various colors, so the character of a person is formed by undergoing various samskaras." Thus, the Hindu sages realised the need of consciously guiding and molding the character of individuals, instead of letting them grow in a haphazard manner.
. - Spiritual. According to the seers, samskaras impart a higher sanctity to life. Impurities associated with the material body are eradicated by performing samskaras. The whole body is consecrated and made a fit dwelling place for the atma. According to the Atri Smruti a man is born a Shudra; by performing the Upanayana Samskara he becomes a Dvija (twice born); by acquiring the Vedic lore he becomes a Vipra (an inspired poet); and by realising Brahman (God) he becomes a Brahmin. The samskaras are a form of spiritual endeavor (sadhana) - an external discipline for internal spiritual edification. Thus, the entire life of a Hindu is one grand sacrament. The Isha Upanishad reveals that the final goal of the samskaras, by observing the rites and rituals is "to transcend the bondage of samsara and cross the ocean of death." To this we can add that after transcending the cycle of births and deaths, the atma attains Paramatma - the Lord Purushottam.
- Garbhādhāna Conception
- Pumsavana Fetus protection
- Simantonayana Satisfying the cravings of the pregnant mother
- Jātakarma Child Birth
- Nāmakarana Naming the child
- Nishkramana Taking the child outdoors for the first time
- Annaprāshana First feeding of solid food
- Chudakarma (or Chaul) Shaving of head
- Karnavedha Piercing the earlobes
- Vidyārambha Learning the alphabet - or initiation of learing
- Upanayana Sacred thread initiation
- Vedārambha Beginning Vedic study
- Keshānta(Godāna) Shaving the beard
- Samāvartana End of studentship
- Vivāha Marriage Ceremony
- Antyeshti Death Rites
Related Books:
| 16 Hindu Samskaras by PROF. SHRIKANT PRASOON | 
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| Hindu Samskaras A study of sacraments by Pandey Rajbali |
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| हिन्दू धर्म के सोलह संस्कार by SACHCHIDANAND SHUKLA |
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| हिन्दू सोलह संस्कार - वैज्ञानिक आधार by K.K. Publications |
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