In the Vedic tradition, there exist sixteen sacred ceremonies known as Sanskars or the Sacraments of Life. These Sanskars hold immense significance as they are conducted for the holistic development of individuals, encompassing physical, social, and spiritual dimensions. At Arya Samaj Gandhidham, our esteemed and knowledgeable priests are adept at conducting these sixteen Sanskars with utmost reverence and authenticity.
One of these significant Sanskars is performed after marriage and before the conception of a child. Known as the Garbhadhan Sanskar, it holds a pivotal place in Vedic rituals. During this Sanskar, the married couple recites Vedic mantras, invoking blessings for a healthy, loving, and joyful married life. Additionally, they express their heartfelt desires for the birth of a son or daughter, envisaging the arrival of new happiness and fulfillment in their household.
These sixteen Sanskars encompass a wide spectrum of life's milestones and are deeply rooted in ancient Vedic wisdom. They serve as guiding principles for individuals and families, nurturing their spiritual growth and fostering harmony in society.
This Sanskara Is Performed For The Fulfillment Of One's Parental Obligation And A Continuation Of The Human Race. This Is A Fervent Prayer For The Impregnation Of The Foetus With The Life-Giving Soul Force.
During The Third Or Fourth Month Of Pregnancy The Punsavana (Protection Of The Fetus) Sanskara Is Performed For The Physical Growth Of The Child.
This Sanskara Is Performed During The Seventh Month Of Pregnancy. The Parents To Be And Their Relatives Offer Prayers To The Almighty Mental Growth Of The Child.
The Jatakarma Sanskara (The Child's Nativity) Should Be Done Immediately After The Birth Of The Child. This Sanskara Is Done To Welcome The New-Born Child. The Father Writes AUM On The Tongue Of The Child.
Nama Literally Means 'Name' And Karan Means 'To Make, To Effect'. Thus, In This Sanskara The Child Is Given A Name. This Sanskara Should Be Performed On The 11th Day After The Birth Of The Child.
The 4th Month After The Birth Of The Child, The Nishkramana Sanskara Is Performed. Here The Child Is Taken Outside The Home For The First Time To Be Exposed To The Different Elements Of Nature.
Anna Means 'Food' And Prashana Mean 'Eating, Feeding' Thus, Giving Solid Food To The Child For The Very First Time Performs This Sanskara.
This Sanskara Can Be Performed Between The Ages Of 1-3 Years Old. In This Sanskara The Hair From The Child's Head Is Shaved Off For The Very First Time.
The Piercing Of The Lower Lobes Of The Child's Ears At The Age Of Three Performs The Karnavedha Sanskara. Prayers Are Offered To The Almighty For The Physical Well Being Of The Child.
Upanayana Or The Thread Ceremony Is Performed Anytime Between The Ages Of Five To Eight Years Old. Upa Mean 'Approaching Towards' And Nayanam Means 'Leading'. In This Sanskara The Child Is Given The Yajnopavit, Which Is Made From Three Strands.
This Sanskara Is Done Immediately After The Upanaya Sanskara. Now The Child Becomes A Student. The Child Will Now Gain Knowledge From The Vedas And Other Religious Text As Well The Other Branches Including Mathematics And Science.
Between The Ages Of Twenty-One And Twenty-Five Years This Sanskara Is Performed. This Student Should Have Now Completed All His/Her Studies And Start A New Life Of Self-Realization And Independence.
Vivaha Sanskara Is Performed When The Student Decides To Get Marry. This Is One Of The Most Important Sanskara Among The Sixteen Vedic Sacraments. This Is The Foundation That Forms The Very Basis For A Coordinated Family Life.
At Age Fifty-One Years Old, A Person Performs The Vaanaprastha Sanskara By Relinquishing All Livelihood From Which He/She Will Gain Personal Benefits. All The Family Responsibilities Will Be Given To The Children.
This Sanskara Is Performed At The Age Of Seventy-Five Years. In This Sanskara A Person Forsake All Material Things And Starts To Lead A Life Of Meditation And Contemplation Onto The Almighty.
The Antyeshti Is The Last Sanskara Performed When The Individual Dies. After Death This Sanskara Is Performed When The Body Is Cremated. As The Atma (Soul) Is Immortal, It Cannot Be Destroyed.