In the Vedic Tradition, there are sixteen religious ceremonies known as Sanskars or the Sacraments of Life. The Sanskars are performed for the physical, social, and spiritual development of the individual. We at Shrimad Dayanand Bal Sadan have good and learned priests who perform these 16 Sanskaras including marriage. Bal Sadan campus is also having Arya samaj Mandir which is duly registered with Arya Prathinidhi U.P. Lucknow and this makes it a legal entity for holding marriages.
1. Garbhadhana (Conception)
This samskara is performed by parents and consists of fervent prayer for a child in order to fulfil the obligation to continue the human race.
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2. Punsavana (Fetus protection)
This samskara is performed during the third or fourth month of pregnancy. A priest recites Vedic hymns to invoke divine qualities in the child.
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3. Simantonnayana (Satisfying the cravings of the pregnant mother)
This samskara is similar to a baby shower, and is, performed during the seventh month of pregnancy when prayers are offered to God for the healthy physical and mental growth of the child.
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4. Jatakarma (Child birth)
Mantras are recited for a healthy and long life of the child at his birth.
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5. Namakaran (Naming the child)
The name for the baby is selected such that its meaning can inspire the child to follow the path of righteousness.
6. Nishkramana (Taking the child outdoors for the first time)
This samskara is performed in the fourth month after birth when the child is moved outside the house.
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7. Annaprasana (Giving solid food)
In the sixth, seventh or eighth month child is given solid food.
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8. Mundan (Hair cutting)
This is performed during the first or third year of age when the child's hair is removed by shaving.
9. Karnavedha (Ear piercing)
This samskara is performed in the third or fifth year.
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10. Upanayana (Sacred thread ceremony)
This introduces the male child to a teacher in order to receive education and marking the entry of the child to Brahmacharya.
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11. Vedarambha (Study of Vedas)
This samskara is performed at the time of Upanayana or within one year. The Guru teaches the Gayatri Mantra.
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12. Samavartana (Returning home after completion of education)
This samskara is performed at the age of about 25 years.
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13. Vivaha (Marriage)
This is the most important of all the Hindu Samskaras. The Smrutis laud the gruhastha(householder) ashram as the highest, for it is the central support of the other three ashrams.
By marriage an individual is able to achieve the four purusharths (endeavors) of life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire) and moksha (salvation). He is also able to pay off ancestral debt by having children.
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14. Vanaprastha (Preparation for renunciation)
This samskara is performed at the age of 50 to celebrate the departure from the householder stage to the Vanaprastha stage when the person begins to engage in spiritual activities.
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15. Sannyasa (Renunciation)
This samskara is performed after Vanaprastha.
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16. Antyesthi (Cremation)
This is the final samskara performed after death by his or her descendents.
Vedic Havan, Sanskaras & Marriages
