Solah Sanskar Vidhi

Solah Sanskar Vidhi

The Solah Sanskar Vidhi is a series of rituals performed at various stages of life in accordance with Hindu dharma. Below is a step-by-step explanation of each samskara (rite) and its vidhi (procedure):

1. Garbhadhana Sanskar (Conception Ritual)

• When: Before conception.
• Vidhi:
  • Couple offers prayers to deities, especially Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, for virtuous offspring.
  • Recitation of Vedic mantras and performance of a small havan.

2. Pumsavana Sanskar (Fetus Development)

• When: During the third or fourth month of pregnancy.
• Vidhi:
  • A ritual is conducted for the health of the fetus.
  • The expectant mother consumes a herbal mixture blessed with mantras for the baby’s well-being.

3. Simantonnayana Sanskar (Baby Shower)

• When: In the fifth or seventh month of pregnancy.
• Vidhi:
  • The mother is adorned with new clothes and jewelry.
  • Mantras are recited for safe delivery and protection from negative energies.
  • Family members bless the mother and offer gifts.

4. Jatakarma Sanskar (Birth Ceremony)

• When: Immediately after the child is born.
• Vidhi:
  • The father performs a ritual of touching honey and ghee to the baby’s lips while chanting mantras.
  • Prayers are offered for the child’s health and long life.

5. Namkaran Sanskar (Naming Ceremony)

• When: On the 11th day after birth or an auspicious day.
• Vidhi:
  • The priest conducts a puja to invoke blessings for the child.
  • The chosen name is whispered into the child’s ear and announced to family members.

6. Nishkraman Sanskar (First Outing)

• When: In the fourth month after birth.
• Vidhi:
  • The baby is introduced to sunlight and moonlight in a brief ceremony.
  • Family members offer prayers and blessings.

7. Annaprashan Sanskar (First Feeding)

• When: In the sixth month after birth.
• Vidhi:
  • The priest conducts a puja, and the baby is fed a small portion of kheer (sweet rice pudding) for the first time.
  • Family members take turns feeding the baby and offer blessings.

8. Chudakarana Sanskar (Mundan Ceremony)

• When: Between the first and third year of the child.
• Vidhi:
  • The child’s head is shaved while chanting mantras to symbolize purification.
  • The hair is offered to a holy river or buried ceremonially.

9. Karnavedha Sanskar (Ear Piercing)

• When: In infancy or early childhood.
• Vidhi:
  • The ears are pierced while mantras are recited.
  • The child is blessed for a sharp intellect and good health.

10. Vidyarambha Sanskar (Beginning of Education)

• When: Around the age of 5.
• Vidhi:
  • The child writes their first letter, often in rice grains, under the priest’s guidance.
  • Prayers are offered to Goddess Saraswati for wisdom and learning.

11. Upanayana Sanskar (Sacred Thread Ceremony)

• When: Between the ages of 8 and 16 (for boys, and optionally for girls in modern traditions).
• Vidhi:
  • The child is given the sacred thread (yajnopavita) and initiates their spiritual learning.
  • The Gayatri Mantra is taught, and the child takes vows of discipline and learning.

12. Vedarambha Sanskar (Start of Vedic Studies)

• When: After Upanayana Sanskar.
• Vidhi:
  • The student begins learning scriptures under the guidance of a guru.
  • A havan is performed, and mantras are recited for knowledge and concentration.

13. Keshanta Sanskar (First Shaving)

• When: During adolescence, typically at puberty.
• Vidhi:
  • The first beard or moustache is ceremonially shaved.
  • The young adult is reminded of their responsibilities toward family and society.

14. Samavartana Sanskar (Graduation Ceremony)

• When: After completing Vedic or formal education.
• Vidhi:
  • A ceremonial bath signifies the end of education.
  • The graduate seeks blessings from the guru and parents before starting a new phase of life.

15. Vivaha Sanskar (Marriage Ceremony)

• When: At the time of marriage.
• Vidhi:
  • Includes rituals like Ganesh Puja, Kanyadaan (giving away the bride), and Saptapadi (seven steps around the fire).
  • The couple vows to support and respect each other.

16. Antyeshti Sanskar (Last Rites)

• When: After death.
• Vidhi:
  • The body is cremated, and mantras are recited for the peace of the departed soul.
  • Ashes are immersed in a holy river, and Shraddha rituals are performed to honor the ancestors.