16 SANSKAAR EVERY HINDU SHOULD FOLLOW
Hindu scriptures describe many rites to be performed during the many important phases of life. The rites, of which 16 are the most significant, hold both a scientific as well as a pious meaning:
(1) Garbhaadaan - at the time of conception; the couple is righteously guided, and the child prepares for a spiritual life.
(2) Punsavan - when the fetus completes its first trimester; emphasizing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the child and mother.
(3) Simintonnayan - approximately when the fetus completes the second trimester.
(4) Jatakarma - the birth of the child.
(5) Namakaran - custom of naming the newborn child.
(6) Nishkraman - when the child first leaves the home to get the blessings of saints or to visit a temple.
(7) Annaprasan - at around six months, when the child starts eating food and teething.
(8) Chudkarma (or mundan) - at around the first to third year, the child's hair is cut for the first time.
(9) Karnavedh - piercing of the child's ears (this and other customs are performed according to different family traditions).
(10) Upanayan - when the child is ready to begin his spiritual studies with a guru; brahmin also bear a sacred thread.
(11) Vedarambha - the commencement of spiritual studies (e.g., at a Gurukul).
(12) Samavartan - at the end of studies, with the guru's blessings the person is ready to enter the life of a householder.
(13) Vivaah - or marriage; many customs guide the occasion that carry a person from the brahmchaari aashram (celibate phase in life) to the gruhasth aashram (married phase).
(14) Vanaprashta - literally, entering the forest, commencing the 3rd phase of life when one begins to detach from the family and focus on God.
(15) Sanyaas - entering the fourth phase of total devotion to God.
(16) Antyeshti - the rites when a person passes away.
