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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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