THE EIGHT RITES OF PASSAGE

THE EIGHT RITES OF PASSAGE

ASHTA SAMSKARA

1.  NAMAKARANA  -  Name giving ceremony

This is the hindu-name giving ceremony, performed in home or the temple 11 to 41 days after birth. The father whispers the auspicious new name in the infant ear.

2.  ANNA PRASANA  -  Beginning of solid food

The first feeding of solid food is a sacred event performed by the father in the temple/house. The choice of food offered to a child at this crucial time is said to help determine his or her destiny.

3.  KARNAVEDHA  -  Ear piercing

The ear piercing ceremony, given to both boys and girls, performed in temple/ home, generally on the child's first birthday. Health and wealth benefits derive from this ancient rite.

4.  CHUDAKARANA  -  Head shaving

The head is shaven and smeared with sandalwood paste in this rite performed in the temple or home before the age four. It is a very happy day for the child. the shaven head denotes purity and egolessness.

5.  VIDYARAMBHA  -  Beginning of education

The formal beginning of primary education. In this rite, performed in the temple or home, the child scribes the first letter of the alphabet in a tray of unbroken, uncooked, saffron rice. 

6.  UPANAYANA  -  Sacred thread ceremony

The ceremonial investment of the "sacred thread" and initiation into vedic study, performed in home or temple, usually between the ages of 9 and 15, after which a youth is considered " twice born".

7.  VIVAHA  -  Marriage

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.

8.  ANTYESHTI  -  Funeral/ last Rites

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.