Hindu Samskaras

by Rajbali Pandey

The Hindu Samskaras give expression to aspirations and ideals of the Hindus. They aim at securing the welfare of the performer and developing his personality. They go back to a hoary antiquity. The Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Grhyasutras, the Dharmasutras, the Smrtis and other treatises describe the rites, ceremonies and customs here and there but they do not present them in their historical evolution.

The present work is a systematic study of all the Samskaras enjoined to be performed at the various epochs in the life of an individual from conception to crematorium. The author has cited parallels in other religions to show that they are universal and have a recognised place in ancient cultures and are still represented within the limits of modern religion. He has also shown that the sacramental beliefs and practices, far from being an irrational priestcraft, are consistent and logical and have practical utility and intention.

This work discusses the source, meaning, number, purpose and the constituents of Samskaras grouped under five heads: prenatal, natal, educational, nuptial and funeral. Besides being a landmark in Hindu culture, it presents patterns of life based on high ethical, spiritual and humanistic values.

According to 'Hindu Samaskaras' by Rajbali Pandey, the samaskaras of childhood are:

1. Jatakarma (birth Ceremony)
2. Namakarana (Name-Giving)
3. Nishkramana (First Outing)
4. Anna-Prashana (First Feeding)
5. Chuda Karana (Mundan or Tonsure)
6. Karnavedha (Boring the ears)

Jatakarma was performed before the severing of the navel chord. This can change because of other factors like death in the family etc.

Namkarna is performed on tenth or twelth day after birth. There is again a wide option for the dates.

According to Pundit Prem Nath Shastri's Juntree, Jatakarma is Kahnethar. But it appears to me that the present day ceremony includes portions of both Jatakarma as well as Namakarna.Each Rashi contain two and a half Nakhshatras. That is why when you go to a South Indian Temple, the priest wants to know your name, Gotra, and Nakshatra. This is more precise than Name, Gotra, and Rashi. Most of us know our Rashis but have no clue about the Nakhshatra. Ask your priest. This side discussion apart, the naming has a lot to do with the nakhshatra (Nakhetur in koshur). As was pointed out by Subhash Ji, Kahnethar is but a deformation of the word that implies the naming ceremony done on the eleventh day after birth.

Finally, I must again point out that ALL samaskaras among ALL Hindus are performed according to GrehaSutras. The details of Homas (havan), naming convention for Namkarna etc, are standard. The details vary according to the local traditions. For example, Kashmiris use Tantric symbols that are absent in all of South India. Kashmiris chant vedas in Sama (singing) style, whereas South Indians chant in very crisp measured style. The stuff they chant is exactly the same. The Dhrivyas (items for worship) are also local stuff. Naturally we use things we are used to, like walnuts and almonds, and Nabad (nabaat of persians). South Indians use coconut, palm leaves, etc. So, if you want to do any of these ceremonies here, go find a knowlegeable South Indian priest, tell him a few things about your own customs, and enjoy a genuine function. DO NOT ask them to use tantric signs they are taught to stay away from such stuff.

Background, texts, and rituals of the five major sets of Hindu samskaras: prenatal, natal, education, marriage and funeral. Also background on Hindu traditions.