A 16 SAMSKARAS

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Certainly! The 16 Saṁskāras (Ṣoḍaśa Saṁskāras) are sacred rites of passage in Sanātana Dharma (Hindu tradition), meant to purify and sanctify key stages of a person’s life — from conception to death.

Here’s a bullet-point summary list of the 16 Saṁskāras with brief meanings:

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🙏 Ṣoḍaśa Saṁskāras – The 16 Hindu Rites of Passage

1. Garbhādhāna – Conception Rite

   • Ritual for sanctifying procreation; performed before conception to invoke noble souls.

2. Puṁsavana – Fetus Protection Rite

   • Performed in the 3rd month of pregnancy to promote the health and vitality of the fetus.

3. Sīmantonnayana – Parting of the Hair Ceremony

   • Done in the later stage of pregnancy; blesses the mother and baby with well-being.

4. Jātakarma – Birth Ritual

   • Welcoming the newborn with mantras; initiates baby into the world of dharma.

5. Nāmakaraṇa – Naming Ceremony

   • Performed on the 10th or 12th day; baby is given a meaningful name.

6. Niṣkramaṇa – First Outing

   • Baby is taken outside, usually to view the sun and moon, symbolizing entrance into the world.

7. Annaprāśana – First Feeding of Solid Food

   • Marks the transition from mother's milk to solid food (usually around 6 months).

8. Cūḍākaraṇa – Head-Shaving Ceremony

   • Removal of birth hair, symbolizing purity and letting go of past karmas.

9. Karna-Vedha – Ear Piercing

   • Both for ornamentation and said to have subtle health and spiritual benefits.

10. Vidyārambha – Beginning of Education

• The child begins formal learning, usually by writing first letters (often "Om").

11. Upanayana – Sacred Thread Ceremony (Initiation into Study)

• Initiates the child (mainly boys) into Vedic studies and the life of a Brahmachārī.

12. Vedarambha – Start of Vedic Study

• Follows Upanayana; begins actual chanting and study of the Vedas.

13. Samāvartana – Graduation Ceremony

• Marks completion of Brahmacharya stage and Vedic education.

14. Vivāha – Marriage

• Most elaborate saṁskāra; sanctifies the union and entry into householder life.

15. Vānaprastha – Retirement Ritual (symbolic or internal)

• Gradual withdrawal from worldly duties; focuses on spiritual contemplation.

16. Antyeṣṭi – Last Rites / Funeral

• Final purification of the body; prepares the soul for its next journey.

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Would you like a visual flowchart or deeper explanation of specific saṁskāras like Upanayana or Antyeṣṭi?