This is a conversation between Arjun and Avni.
They are discussing about the concept of Sixteen Samskaras in Sanatana Dharma.
Hello Avni. Let’s begin our discussion on sixteen purificatory rites.
In Sanātana Dharma, there are sixteen purificatory rites called śōḍaśa samskārās, performed at various stages of an individual's life. They begin before birth and end after death.
Right. Parents are responsible for pre-natal samskārās, and children handle the ones after death. Even today, these samskārās are practiced, though not always fully as prescribed.
Let's list them out. First, there's garbhādhāna, the first conjugal meeting after marriage for conception. Then punsavanam, performed after pregnancy is confirmed for a healthy child, though this ritual has disappeared in modern times.
Next is sīmantham, for the health of the pregnant woman and baby. It's like a modern-day baby shower. Jātakarma happens at the cutting of the umbilical cord and casting the child's horoscope.
Naming the baby, nāmakaraṇa, is still practiced, though some parents alter traditional names. Names have a lifelong impact, so parents must choose carefully.
Then there's nishkramaṇa, the ritual of taking the baby out for the first time, which is less significant today since women usually deliver in hospitals.
Annaprāśana, the first feeding of solid food, happens around the sixth month. Cūḍākaraṇa (tonsure) and karṇavŗdha (ear piercing) are still practiced, though ear piercing is now more common for girls.
Aksharābhyāsa, sending a child to school for the first time, has evolved with modern pre-schools. Upanayana, the investiture with the sacred thread, is still performed but often as a formality.
Vēdārambha, the study of the Vēdas, has declined with modern education focusing on secular sciences. Kēśānta, the first shaving of a young man's beard, has disappeared but shaving continues regularly.
Samāvartana, or graduation, marks the completion of education. It's crucial as students enter their professions, often taking oaths of professional ethics.
Marriage is central in Sanātana Dharma. It involves selecting a suitable bride and groom, with practices like avoiding sagōtra (same gotra) marriages to prevent genetic disorders.
In the marriage ceremony, the couple takes seven steps (saptapadi) around the fire, making vows for mutual fidelity and support. This bond is eternal and the cornerstone of Dāmpatya Dharma (married life).
One crucial point is that personalized wedding vows have become common. However, the traditional vows highlight the inseparable bond of wedlock.
Finally, antyēshṭi, the funeral rites performed after death by progeny, wishing for the departed soul's peace and heavenly abode.