The Samskaras or Sacraments

The Samskaras or sacraments vary in number from 11 to 48 , depending on the different Sutras ( or guide books )by different ancient authors . However a list of 16 is popular . These rituals are done at various stages of an individual's life to invoke divine blessings .They are compulsory . However nowadays not all are performed by all people , and some are combined to be performed together . For example , it is common to combine nos 2 &3, 4&5, 6&7, 10&11&12, etc .

They are

Pre Natal Samskaras

1. Garbhadhana ( conception )
2. Pumsavana ( "quickening a male child ")
3. Simantonnayana( the parting of the hair ( of the pregnant mother ))

The Samskaras of Childhood

4. Jatakarma ( rituals after birth )
5. Namakarana ( Naming ceremony)
6. Niskramana ( first outing )
7. Anna prasana ( first feeding of rice )
8. Chuda Karana ( tonsure)
9. Karnavedha ( ear boring )

The Educational Samskaras

10. Vidyarambha ( learning of the alphabet, the beginning of education)
11. The Upanayana ( initiation , through the thread ceremony )
12. Veda-rambha ( beginning of the study of the vedas )
13. Kesanta ( first shaving of the beard)
14. Samavartana ( graduation , end of studentship )

The householder's Samskaras

15. Vivaha ( marriage)
16. Antyeshti (funeral rites)

Some authors add the five pancha maha yajnas to the above list as well as the 21 compulsory fire sacrifices , taking the list to 42. Other authors add more , to take the list to 48 . Some of the educational Samskaras are performed only for males .