G
Garbha means fetus, Matha means mother and Samskara is the process of inculcating specific qualities and stimulating early learning in the fetus.
There are about 16-40 Samskaras according to Hindu rituals, mainly there are 16 samskaras called as Shodasha Samskaras.
- Garbhadana Samskara :
It literally means attaining the wealth of the womb. It is a private passage, Making the intent of a couple to have a child. It is performed before conception and impregnation.
2. Pumsavana Samskara :
It is performed between the second and fourth month of pregnancy, Purpose of this samskara is to ensure the good health of the fetus and the proper formation of its organs.
3. Semanthonyana Samskara :
Semanthonaya means good luck, The purpose of this sacrament is to protect the fetus and its mother as well as to prevent abortion.
4. Jatakarma Samskara :
It is performed after the birth of a child, the child is given a secret name. it is given a taste of honey and ghee.
5. Namakavana Samskara :
It is performed on the eleventh day after the childbirth. It is a ceremony in which the child receives its name.
6. Nishkramana Samskaram :
It is the Samskara in which the baby first outing into the world. In this, the formal Darshana of sun and moon is done to the child.
7. Annaprashana Samskara :
In which the first feeding of solid food to the baby usually in the sixth month after birth
8. Karnavedha :
Usually performed in the 6 or 7 months after birth. In which the piercing of the baby’s ear lobes is done.
9. Chudakarma Samskara :
It is done at the end of the first year after the birth or during the third year, in which the hair is shaved.
10. Upanayana Samskara :
It initiates the formal study of the Vedas. A boy traditionally moves for from home to live in the ashram of the guru.
11. Keshanta :
It is the first shave. It is ceremoniously performed for a boy at the age of 16.
12. Vedarambha :
It is the learning of Vedas a Upanishads in gurukulam. At the beginning of each academic period, there is a ceremony called upakarma and at the end of each academic period, there is another ceremony called upasarjanam.
13. Vivaha (marriage): The ritual of marriage.
14. Grihastha: family life, responsibility, and enjoyment.
15. Vanaprastha: Thinking of god moving towards moksha
16. Antyeshti: Last rites (sometimes referred to as antimsamskara) are the rituals associated with the funeral.