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The Eight Sacraments
Namakarana Samskar
This is the Hindu name-giving
ceremony, performed in the home or temple 11 to 41 days after
birth. The father whispers the auspicious new name in the
infant’s right ear.
Annaprasana Samskara
The first feeding of solid
food is a sacred event performed by the father in the temple or
home. The choice of food offered to a child at this crucial time
is said to help forge his or her destiny.
Karnavedhna Samskara
The ear-piercing ceremony,
given to both boys and girls, performed in the temple or the
home, generally on the child’s first birthday. Health and
wealth benefits derive from this ancient rite.
Chudakarana Samskara
The head is shaven and
smeared with sandalwood paste in this rite performed in the
temple or home before age four. It is a very happy day for the
child. The shaven head denotes purity and egolessness.
Vidyarambha Samskara
The official beginning of
primary education. In this rite, performed in the home or temple,
the chiled scribes his or her first letter of the alphabet in a
tray of unbroken, uncooked, saffron rice.
Upanayana Samskara
The ceremonial investment of
the “ Sacred thread” and inititation into Vedic
Study, performed in the home or temple, usually between the ages
of 9 and 15, after which a youth is considered “ twice
born.”
Vivah Samskara
The marriage ceremony,
performed in a temple or wedding hall around the sacred homa
fire. Lifetime vows, Vedic prayers and seven steps before God and
Gods consecrate the union of husband and wife.
Antyeshti Samskara
The funeral rite includes
preparation of the body, cremation, home-cleansing and dispersal
of ashes. The purifying fire releases the soul from this world
that it may journey unhindered to the next.
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