What are the 16 samskaras? The sixteen rites of a Hindu life, in order: Garbhadhana, Pumsavana, Simantonnayana, Jatakarma, Namakarana, Nishkramana, Annaprashana, Chudakarana, Karnavedha, Vidyarambha, Upanayana, Vedarambha, Keshanta, Samavartana, Vivaha and Antyeshti.
The 16 samskaras in order
| Samskara | When | What it marks |
|---|---|---|
| Garbhadhana | Before conception | A prayer for a healthy child |
| Pumsavana | Third month of pregnancy | Blessing the growing child |
| Simantonnayana (Seemantham) | Seventh month of pregnancy | Blessing for the mother |
| Jatakarma | At birth | Welcoming the child |
| Namakarana | 11th or 12th day | The naming ceremony |
| Nishkramana | Fourth month | The first outing to see the Sun |
| Annaprashana | Sixth month | First solid food |
| Chudakarana (Mundan) | First or third year | First shaving of the hair |
| Karnavedha | First to fifth year | Ear piercing |
| Vidyarambha (Aksharabhyasam) | Around the fifth year | Writing the first letters |
| Upanayana | Childhood or early teens | The sacred thread |
| Vedarambha | With or after Upanayana | Starting Vedic study |
| Keshanta | Around sixteen | The first shave of the beard |
| Samavartana | End of studies | Returning home from the teacher |
| Vivaha | Marriage | The wedding |
| Antyeshti | After death | The last rites |
Sources
- The Grihya Sutras, which describe the household rites.
- Gautama Dharmasutra, which gives a longer list of forty samskaras.
- The list of sixteen is the one most often taught today, and texts differ.
Book a samskara
Questions devotees ask us
What are the 16 samskaras?
The sixteen rites that mark a Hindu life, from before conception to the last rites. Lists differ a little between texts; this is the one most often taught.
Do all families do all 16?
Very few do today. Most keep Namakaranam, Annaprashana, Mundan, Upanayanam for some communities, marriage and the last rites.
Can I book these with a pandit?
Yes. The ones with a link on this page can be booked with a verified pandit, at home or on live video where the rite allows it.