Vedarambha (वेदारम्भ)

This is the twelfth of the sixteen samskaras, the life-cycle ceremonies of Hindu tradition. It is performed after upanayana.

What it is

The start of the study of the Vedas under a teacher. In practice, it is now seen as the start of serious study for the child and is joined to the upanayana for most families.

What is usually done

A prayer to the teacher and Saraswati; in modern times, usually a blessing before school begins.

Why it matters to families

The samskaras mark the stages of a life and bring the family and community together at each of them. Families keep as many as suit their tradition and their circumstances. Many keep the ceremonies that remain popular (naming, first food, first haircut, the thread, wedding and last rites) and treat the rest as a prayer of blessing.

See the full list of sixteen.

Read next

• Keshanta (godana) (केशान्त)
• Upanayana (janeu or sacred thread) (उपनयन)

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.