SamskarasThe sixteen samskaras
The sixteen samskaras, the life ceremonies of Hindu tradition, from before birth to the last rites, in order, with a plain explanation of what a samskara is.
Samskara means refinement or preparation. In Hindu tradition the sixteen samskaras are the rites that mark the stages of life, from before conception to death, to bring each stage under a blessing. The list is old, and some lists differ by a few items, but the sixteen below are the most common.
- Garbhadhana: Before conception
- Pumsavana: In the third month of pregnancy
- Simantonnayana (godh bharai): In the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy
- Jatakarma: At birth
- Namakarana (naming ceremony): On the 11th or 12th day, or later
- Nishkramana: In the fourth month
- Annaprashana: At about six months
- Chudakarana (mundan): In the first or third year
- Karnavedha: Between the first and fifth year
- Vidyarambha (aksharabhyasa): At about five years
- Upanayana (janeu or sacred thread): Between eight and twelve years, traditionally
- Vedarambha: After upanayana
- Keshanta (godana): At about sixteen
- Samavartana: At the end of study
- Vivaha (wedding): In adult life
- Antyeshti (last rites): At death
In daily life most families today keep only a few. What is kept, how it is done and in which language the mantras are said differs by region, caste, sect and family, so a priest from your own community is the best guide.
Questions people ask
How many samskaras are there?
Sixteen in the most common list; some old texts name forty.
Which are still common?
Naming, first food, first haircut, the sacred thread (in some families), marriage and the last rites are the most widely kept.
These pages describe common practice in plain words. Customs differ by region, community and family, and your own family's tradition and a priest of your community come first. Dates of auspicious times change every year: ask a priest or use a trusted panchang. Nothing here promises any result.