socio II (Project)

8/12/2019 socio II (Project)

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National law institute university, Bhopal

A project on

SHODASH SAMSKAR-SIXTEEN SACRAMENTS-: AN INTRODUCTION

Sociology II

SUBMITTED BY-: SUBMITTED TO-:

DHEERESH KUMAR DWIVEDI DR.BIR PAL SINGH

2012 B.A.ALL.B.65 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

II TRIMESTER


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able of content

1.Aknowledgement.. 03

2.Introduction.04

3.Objects of SAMSKARS...05

4.History and Sources.06

5.Kinds of SAMSKARS.0

6.Spiritual and Social significance07

7.Conclusion08


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AKNWOLEDGEMENT:

I would like to thank my Sociology II teacher Dr. BirPal Singh for allowing me to pick up such

an interesting topic. I would also like to thank my seniors as well as my friends for providing

valuable inputs during the course of this project.

I am also thankful to my parentsfor their constant inspiration & moral support.

Thank you,

Dheeresh Kumar Dwivedi


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Introduction-:

Sage Gautamasays-

Samskaras along with the eight Atma-gunas take one to Brahman (Supreme-Self) or Moksha.

The Samskaras (Sanskrit: saskra) are rites of passage finding varied acceptance

among religious adherents of Hinduism (Vedic), Jainism and some schools of thought in

Buddhism.Sanskris a commonly-usedHindipronunciation of the word and signifies "cultural

heritage and upbringing" in modern speech.

Samskaras (Sacraments) are rituals and sacrifices. By virtue of their performances the life of the

performer receives a higher sanctity. Samskaras cover the entire life of a Hindu from the moment

he is conceived in the mothers womb till his death- inclusive of his funeral ceremonies and

thereafter, for the smooth passage of his soul to another world.

Just as gold and diamonds that are dug out from the ore need refining and polishing in order to

shine in all their splendor, man too needs these Samskaras or purificatory ceremonies in order to

shine in his best form physically, psychically and spiritually.

The samskraare series ofsacraments,sacrifices and rituals that serve asrites of passage and

mark the various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particularAshrama.All human

beings, especially theDvija1or twice-born are required to perform a number of sacrifices with

oblations for gods, Ancestors and Guardians in accordance with the Vedic dictums for a

Dharmicor righteous life. Basically all these rituals are of the nature of purification, and theyremove sins (ppa) and/or bestow good qualities (gunas

2).

Most Vedic rituals consist of Homa3- fire sacrifices of elaborate and intrinsic designs and

complex methodology, accompanied by recitation of Vedas by qualified Priests in honor of a

particular Demigod or god, fire offerings of various ingredients, gifts to be given in charity,

presence of elders for blessings, amidst sanctified sacrificial grounds, sacred herbs and good

omens. Each important milestone of a Human life is to be celebrated by undertaking a particular

Samskara wherein the significance of that milestone is ritualistically conveyed.

1After the Upanayan Samskar,it is considered that Brahman,Kshatriya and Vaishyas gets another life and hence

becomes Dvija.2A sacred belief that every human being contains three guna or qualities i.e.rajogun,tamogun and satogun.

3Sacred sacrifices.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rites_of_passagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rites_of_passagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashramahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashramahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashramahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homa_%28ritual%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homa_%28ritual%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homa_%28ritual%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashramahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rites_of_passagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rites_of_passagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanskrit_language


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Objects of SAMSKARS-:

There are several objects of the Samskaras, as can be seen from theMantrasand symbolism used

in the ceremonies. These can be broadly divided into two categories; to invoke beneficence fromthe kindly gods and to keep away or remove hostile or evil powers that beset human life at

various stages.

Samskaras aim in the first instance at material gain to the individual. During some ceremonies

prayers are offered to gods for health, wealth, children, intellect etc., which contribute to

domestic and social felicity. Samskaras mirror self-expression of joys and sorrows, hopes and

ambitions, which man exhibits in a dignified way when he celebrates these functions with feasts,

presents, decoration, music and also in funeral ceremonies in an appropriate mood.

Samskaras also create an awareness of the attainment of social status and privileges for theindividual. The boy who is given the sacred thread acquires the right to study the Vedas

4; the

married man gains the title to perform the Dharmasmentioned in the Vedas. Samskaras bring

about cultural gains. The ancient lawgivers underscored the introduction of higher religion and

sanctity in the lives of those who undergo Samskaras. Some impurity is inherently attached to the

pre-natal stage of birth andManu5and Yajnavalkyasee in the Samskara ceremonies, the removal

of those impurities, so that mans body is made fit to become a temple for God to reside.

Samskaras are moulders of character.

SageAngiraspoetically refers to the development of personality that the Samskaras endow on its

adherents: "Just as a picture is painted with various colours, so the character of the individual is

formed by the proper performance of the Samskaras."

In short, the whole gamut of Samskaras is designed to channel the entire energies of man

towards the creation of a perfect secular as well as spiritual life in himself in a manner that is not

only ingenious but essentially practical, dignified and compulsory in the interest of all-round

human welfare. To quote MaxMuller6, the emphasis placed upon these ceremonies by the

ancients disclose "the deep-rooted tendency in the heart of man to bring the chief events of

human life into contact with a higher power, and to give to our joys and sufferings a deeper

significance and a religious sanctification.

4The most ancient religious scriptures of the world,written in Sanskrit language and in Dr-evenagari script.They are

four in number i.e.Rig Veda,Yajur Veda,Saam Veda and Atharva Veda.Among them,Rig Veda is the earliest one

written around 1500 B.C.5Raja Manu,considered as the great sage and scholar,writer of MANUSMRITI,one of the most accepted law code.

6The great western philosopher of 19

thcentury,scholar of many languages includinding Sanskrit and Hindi.


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History and Sources-:

The earliest suggestion of Samskaras are found in the Rig-Veda. Hymns now used in the rituals

of marriage, conception and funeral are to be found there, besides others that are generallyrecited during all rituals.

In the YajurvVedawe have references to the tonsure ceremony. This is common to the Shrauta

or Yaga ceremonies.The Atharva Veda is a rich source of Mantras relating to several of the

Samskaras like marriage, funeral, initiation for Vedic studies etc.

Various Hindu religious texts, from Brahmans to Smritis have references for various kinds of

SAMSKARS,as following -

Text Samskar

1.Gopatha Brahmana Upanayana or the thread-ceremony.

2. Sathapatha Brahmana. Brahmacharya7

3. Taittiriya Aranyaka8 Mantras for cremation.

4.Chandogya Upanishad How a Brahmacharin is admitted to

the Guru-Kula (boarding school).

5. Brahadaranyaka and other Upanishads Mention of Gayatri Mantra

6. Taittiriya Upanishad The famous convocation address.

This Upanishad9also contains Mantras used for begetting a learned son and also relating to

funeral ceremonies.

It is reasonable to conclude that Samskaras were developed, amplified, codified and given an

institutional bias in later years with the development of civilisation, catering to the needs of the

time for giving stability to the community.

7Brahmacharyais the term used for the practice of self-imposed celibacy that is generally considered an essential

prerequisite for spiritual practice.

8 Aranyak comprises the specific sets of laws of Nature that are engaged in promoting the quality of devta or truth.

9108 in number,considered as essence of Vedas,also known as Vedant.Written between 5

thcentury B.C. and 5

th

century A.D.


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Kinds of SAMSKARS-:

Opinion differs in regard to the number of SAMSKARS. Since ancient times there has remained

a dispute between experts on the total number of samskara that exist. As written in Gautamsmriti

there are 40 of them,Maharshi Agniranedirected of 25 of them, but according to thePuranas,12

or 16 of them are main and necessary. These ceremonies are enjoined on the first three (twice-

born) castes in Manusmrti and Grhya Sutras10

(Grihya Sutras) (esp. Praskar). Some list

42samskaras, i.e. the 16 listed above plus the 21 compulsory Yajnas, plus the 5

panchamahayajnas11

.

According to some of PURANS12

the number of Samskars is sixteen.

Garbhadhaan Punsavanam Seemanto jaatkarm cha,Naamkiiyaa Nishkramane annaashanam

wapanakriyaa

Karnavedho Brataadesho Vedaarambhakriyaavidhih Keshaantam snaanmuddaho

Vivaahagniparigrahah Tretaagnishangrahacheti Sanskaaraa Shodasha smritaah

i.e.the sixteen Samskars are namly Garbhadhaan or conception,Punsavanam or fetus

protection,Seemanta or seemantonnayan or satisfying wishes of pregnant mother,Jaatkarm or

child birth,Naamkarn or naming child,Nishkraman or taking the child outdoors,Annaprasan or

giving the child solid food,Mundan or Chaula or hair cutting,Karnvedh or ear

piercing,Yagyopveet or sacred thread,Vedarambh or study of Vedas and scriptures,Samavartan

or completing education,Vivaah or marriage,Sarvsamskar or preparing for renounce,Sanyas or

Awasthadhyan or renounce and Antyesthi or funeral ceremony or the last rite.

These are performed it two stages i.e. pre-natal and post-natal. Pre-natal samskars are the

Samskars those are performed between the fifth and eighth month of pregnancy while post-natal

Samskars are Samskars those are performed right from the birth of child till his death.

1.Garbhadhan-:

We can call it the conception ceremony. There are certain Dos and Donts during the Ritu13period of the woman, which are of great psychological significance. The propitious day and

time are fixed astrologically for Garbhadhana and the ritual follows a set pattern. The Mantras

uttered in this Samskaras are essentially prayers offered to God to help the bride conceive a good

10The grih sutras are collection of Vedic domestic ritual text composed during the same period when

Dharmasshastras were composed.11

Five sacrifices that every hindu is supposed to perform and these are Rishi Yajna,Bhut Yajna,Manushya

Yajna,Pitra Yajna and Deva Yajna.12

18 in number,written between 2nd

century B.C. and 5th

century A.D.13

Menstrual cycle of women.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manusmrtihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manusmrtihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grhya_Sutrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grhya_Sutrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grhya_Sutrashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manusmrtihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranas


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son. The Mantras make use of occasional metaphors of joint action. They can be freely translated

thus:

"May we produce strong and long-lived sons as fire is produced by friction; may he be well

behaved. I am part of God and I shall produce good sons to liberate my ancestors. May we beget

shining, wealthy children. May we donate liberally to the needy and attain moksha. May God

make you fit for conception. Let the evil spirit flee from you. Let your child be free from defects

like lameness, deafness etc. Be you like the divineKamadhenu14

etc."

2.Punsaavan-:

Brahaspatisays that the rite should be performed before the baby begins to grow and move in

the womb. The word Punsvana occurs in Atharvaveda, where it is used in the literal sense of

"giving birth to a male child:. The word "male means soul. The Punsavana is used for welcoming

the great sould. This is also called "Garbharakshan". Garbharakshana is performed to assure that

the infant is not miscarried.

3.Seemant or Seemantonnayan-:

The third in the series of pre-natalSamskaras, this is performed during the period between the

fifth and the eighth months of pregnancy. The specific materials used during this Samskara, that

are for the lady only, are, the quill of a porcupine, an ear of ripe paddy and some Udumbara

leaves. The deity invoked is Rika, the presiding deity of the full-moon. Their implications are:

that the pregnancy should be fruitful; the child should be endowed with sharp and penetrating

intellect (like the sharp quill of the porcupine). The child should be beautiful like the full-moon.

The gist of the Mantra is: "I beseech the goddess Raka15

. May she make this ceremony

blameless. May my son be endowed with sharp intellect."

4.Jatkarm-:

Jaat-karma performed on six or after 11 days from the birth of a child, is for the purification of

the house. This is done in order to keep a child in a clean atmosphere where he may not incur

any physical or mental problems. It is also called Shashthi. Goddess Shashthi is the protector of

children. Jaat-karma is followed with GrahPuja,Homa.

5.Naamkaran-:

14A devine cow also known as Surabhi of either Jamdagni or Vashishta with miraculous power who provide her

owner whatever he desires.15

Goddess presiding over actual day of full moon.


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(Naming) Sometime Jaatkarma and Naamkarma are performed together. This ceremony is

performed to give a sacred name to the child, assigned according to the 212 divisions of 27

Nakshatra16

and the position of the moon at the time of child's birth. An appropriate name is

given to the child according to the star of birth, and the first letter of the name is taken from the

HoraShatra.

6.Nishkraman-:

(Taking the child out of the house) This ceremony is performed on or after 40 days, but some

scruptures allow it at the time of naming ceremony. The child must be blessed with the holy

water and SuryaDarshan, with the prayer, "salutation to you, Oh divine Sun, who has hundreds

of rays and who dispels darkness, may you bring the brightness in the life of the child".

7.Annaprashan-:

(Making a child eat cooked food for the first time) Most of the Smritiesprescribe it the sixth

month from birth,when the child first develops teeth. Anna is considered as one of the main

reasons to make a person commence the good or bad things. The body is made of chemicals,

therfor, the kinds of chemical, we put in our bodies will bring out their effect. Sweet porridge or

rice pudding can be given to the chiled if parents are desirous of nourishment, holy luster,

swiftness, or splendor. One of them with curd, honey and ghee is given it to the child while

recitingPrasadMantras.

8.Chudakarm -:

Also known as 'Mundan'. The first time cutting of hair on the child's head. Churameans the lock

of tuft of hair, kept on the head when the remaining part is shaved (i.e. the Shikha). The

ceremony is to be performed on an auspicious day after one year to three year. This ceremony is

performed for the development of power better understanding, and for long life. The hair must be

disposed of at holy places where no one can find the.

9.Karnvedha-:

(Piercing the child's ear lobes). With the commencement of SuryaPuja; the father should first

address the right ear of the child with the mantra "Oh God may we hear bliss with our ears",

performed so that child may listen to good things and to have a good education.

16A sector along the ecliptic.


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10.Yagyopaveet-:

The sacred thread ceremony is very significant in the life of a Hindu man. This ceremony

initiates the child into an intellectual and spiritual journey. The mother gives birth to the child;

this is natural birth. However, when the Guru initiates him by giving Gayatri mantra17

, this

prayer for Buddhi18is considered a second birth of the child. His ceremony is known also as

Upnayan, 'the sacred vision' or 'new vision', the vision to se things in a proper way and to know

'wrong' and 'right'. Therefore, Upnayanis essential to handle household life.

'Yagyopaveet' (sacred thread) indicates that the child is qualified to perform all the traditional

Vedicrites includingPitraKriyaand Tarpanfor his forefathers.

Yagyopaveet symbolizes three formes of one supreme being, SatogunaBrahma (the creator),

Rajoguna Vishnu (the sustained) and Tamoguna Shiva (the destroyer). The knot is called

Brahma-Ganth, the Lord who controls these three faces of nature. It also symbolizes the three

duties for three debts.

(i) Pitra: Debt of parents and ancestors,(ii) Manushya: Debt of society and humanity,(iii) Dev: Debt of Nature and God. The twist in the thread symbolizes strength and

honesty

Gayatri Mantra is given to the child who promises to lead a good human life as per the rules of

Dharmashastra.

O! God Fiver of birth and life, the dispeller of ignorance, and bestower of light, we meditate

upon thee. O creator of ours! The most worthy and acceptable almighty, nay you inspire and lead

our mind and intellect.

Gayatri Mantra is simple prayer to the Sun God to brighten the intellect. The sun represents the

creator of the Earth, God. Just as we bathe our body to keep clean every day, so must we bathe

our mind with the Gayatri prayer, to keep our mind ever pure, ever inspired? Gayatri Mantra is

so powerful that it can destroy all negative forces.

17The Gyatr Mantrais a highly revered mantra, based on a Vedic Sanskrit verse from a hymn of the Rigveda

(3.62.10), attributed to the rishi (sage) Vivmitra,the guru of Lrd Rama, attributed to the Deva Savitr, it is often

calledSvitr.

18Jnan or wisdom.


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11.Vidyartambha-:

(Commencement of learning of the alphabet) On the third or fifth year, when Choula is

performed, this important ceremony can take place. the Brahman or teacher should start teaching

the first lesson after worshipping Saraswati19

.

12.Samavartan-:

(Taking the ceremonial bath after finishing Vedic study and returning from the teacher's house)

After learning the rules of life he returns home from his Teacher's Ashram20

. When he completes

his education about and religion the law of life, his first Ashram Brahmacharya is complete. He

is now eligible to enter into the householder stage, and considered a qualified man to get married.

13.Vivah-:

Vedic Hindu marriage is viewed as sacramental, which is a lifelong commitment of one wife andone husband. It is the strongest bond between a man and a woman, which takes place in the

presence of their parents, relatives, and friends. This an irrevocable commitment for a lifetime.

For a Hindu, marriage is the only way to continue the family, and thereby repay, his debt to his

ancestors. The most important thing is that all the Hindu God and Goddesses are also united in

this. Marriage is for spiritual growth and a way of learning many things in life through

experience. In other words, it is a perfect way of following the holy law of the Creator. There are

eight ways of getting married. They are:

1. Brahmaa: Kanyadan 21performed by holy parents2. Daiva: Kanyadan by God-fearing parents

3. Aarsha: Kanyadan by parents with five other gifts

4. Prajaapatya: Kanyadan by honor and respect

5. Asur: Love Marriage

6. Gandharv: Marrying for money

7. Raakshas: Forceful abduction of a maiden.

19Goddess of learning,daughter of Lord Brahma.

20 Various Stages of life,four in number i.e.Brahmacharya,Grihastha,Vanprastha and Sanyaas.

21The most important Hindu wedding ritual,means gift of a virgin or maiden.


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8. Paishaach: Intercourse in asleep, intoxicated situation

Saptpadi (Main part of the wedding ceremony):

This is the most important process of a hindu marriage ceremony without which a marriage does

not concluded.In this process,wife takes seven oaths or vritas following-:

1. In your grief, I shall fill your heart with courage and strength. In your happiness, I shall

rejoice, and I promise you that I will please you always with sweet words and take care of the

family and children.

2. We promise that we shall discharge all responsibilities of the household life.

3. You shall be the only person to whom I shall love and respect as my life partner. I will love

you with single-minded devotion.

4. I will decorate your life.

5. I will share both in your joys and sorrows. Your love will make me trust and honor you. I will

carry out your wishes.

6. In all acts of righteousness, in every form of enjoyment and divine acts, we promise that we

shall partcipate.

7. As per God and Holy Scriptures, I have become yours. Whatever promises we gave, we have

spoken in pure mind. We will be truthful to each other in all things. We will love, respect andhonor each other and our marriage will be forever and ever.

14-:Sarvasamskar-:

This ceremony is performed at the age of 50, in osme cases at the age of 60. With the

commencement of his ceremony, a man completes his Grahastha Dharma and enters inot

Vanprastha Ashram (forest hermit). Ganesh Puja havan and Gayatri Yajna is performed. The

Priest gives the new uniform and the rules are explained. Yajaman should agree to follow the

rules of Banprastha life. There are 17 rules for a Vanaprasthi.

Some of them are as followes-:

1. No attachments with wife and children.

2. Love in forest or in most simple way.


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3. Think before consuming the things where from they are, and by which mean they came.

4. Stay away from violence and the food earned by violent means.

5. Follow the system of sacrifice, Full Moon day fasting, and other monthly observance.

6. Always keep the Lord in the mind.

15.Sanyas or Awasthadhyan-:

To become a Sanyasi one should perform Prajapatya Yajna and the eight kinds of Shradh before

death.At the last stage of his life,one should completely renounce the world and should live an

ascetic life after abandoning all typoe of worldly attachment. He should be indifferent, firm of

purpose, meditating and concentrating his mind on Brahman22

.

16.Antyeshthi-:

Hindus believe that the dead body is like a piece of cloth or dress which has been given up; that

dead body is not going to be revived. There is no particular Day of Judgment: there is no eternal

Heaven and no eternal Hell: Left to itself, the dead body will decompose and pollute the

environment.

The Antyeshthi is performed on three types i.e. Jal Samadhi or water burial,Bhoo Samadhi or

ground burial and Agni Samadhi or Agni Daah or cremation.On the among,the last one is

performed by large number of Hindus.

After the death of a person,his eldest son gives him Mukhagni and then performe certain types of

rituals for 10 to 13 days.At the tenth day of Antyeshthi,all relatives of deceased save their hair

and the Pind-Daan23

ceremony is performed on the eleventh day.On the thirteenth day of the

death,a special rite is performed after that,the family of the deceased become SHUDDHA.

Spiritual and Social significance-:

These Samskars have enormous social and spiritual significance.By performing each and everySamskar one is become able to perform certain rites and duties in the society.To take an

example,only after the Upanayan Samskar,a hidu boy could join school or by Vivaah he becomes

22The supreme-self or the supreme creator,Parmatma.

23A ceremony performed by the eldest son of deceased by donating something to Mahabrahman or Mahapaaatra.


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able to enter in Grihasth aashram and can by performing various rites he can pay his debt or rin

that ispitra rin,dev rin and guru rin and hence can attain salvation or moksha.

Thus they ensure a systematic and well established society where each and every individual

perform his duty according to his capacity which leads to the highest welfare of society as a

whole.

The Samskars are the steps by going through which an individual could with enjoying Kaamor

material pleasure andArthor luxury performs his sacred duties or Dharma and attains salvation

or refuge inBrahamanthat isMoksha.

Conclusion-:

Man Making is a science. Like a gardener, parents & teachers work on a person so that the best

can flower out from him or her. The whole thrust is to help bring about greater awareness & love

in the mind, and channelize the interest & energies into positive fields. The whole work is on

the mind alone, and is comparable to the work of a genetic engineer. The only difference is thatiwhile a genetic engineer plays & transforms with the basic structure, a teacher works to manifest

the basic inherent beauty, freedom & potential which facilitates to carve out a dynamic, creative,

intelligent & magnanimous personality.

Samskaras are the turning points of life and need to be celebrated. Celebrations are very

important ingredients of Samskaras. They directly or indirectly involve our respected elders,

scholars, near & dear ones. Everyone gets together to convey their best wishes & blessings to the

person concerned and thus there is social & religious sanction for the act & ceremony.

Samskaras are great, time-tested tools in our traditional systems which help carve out a great

personality. Apart from scriptural validation, history also proves to us the great effectiveness of

these methods. When Vedic Masters had their way, India was on top of the world. The people of

the far off land prayed that they will one day see this great land of plenty, prosperity &

righteousness.

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