The sacred sacraments of life
Conception ceremony. Performed for the fulfillment of parental duty and to invite a noble soul into the family.
Performed in the 3rd or 4th month of pregnancy for the physical growth and protection of the fetus.
Performed in the 7th month. Parents offer prayers for the mental growth of the child and peace of the mother.
Birth ceremony. Done immediately after birth, welcoming the child by writing 'AUM' on the tongue with honey.
Naming ceremony performed on the 11th day. The child is given a name that inspires a righteous path.
The 4th month outing. The child is taken outside for the first time to be exposed to nature's elements.
First solid food. Performed in the 6th month, giving solid food to the child for the very first time.
Tonsure ceremony (ages 1-3). Shaving the birth hair for hygiene, purity, and better growth.
Ear piercing. Done at age 3 for physical well-being and acupuncture benefits.
Sacred Thread ceremony (ages 5-8). Initiation into formal education and receiving the Yajnopavita.
Beginning of Vedic studies. The child starts learning scriptures and sciences to progress in life.
Convocation (ages 21-25). Completion of studies and returning home to start independent life.
Marriage. The most important social sanskar, forming the foundation of family life and society.
Retirement (age 51). Relinquishing personal livelihood to focus on social service and guidance.
Renunciation (age 75). Forsaking all material things to lead a life of meditation and contemplation.
Last Rites. The final sanskar performed after death, returning the body to the elements.