16 Sanskaras in Hinduism

 Hinduism is one of the oldest religion in the world and third most followed religion in the world by almost 1.2 billion hindus across the globe.

There are total 16 Sanskaras in Hinduism and each has huge significance from the birth to the end of the life. Each one has it's own importance and carries great significance and value. It is believed that these Sanskaras help to clean the sins of individual. Different stage of life has different sanskar and have huge impact on one's life. 

Below are 16 Sanskaras listed - 

A) PRE-NATAL SANSKARAS

1. Garbhadhana - Ceremony of conception

2. Pumsavana - Secure the birth of the child

3.Seemantonnayana / Simantonnayana - Parting the hair

B) CHILDHOOD SANSKARAS

1. Jatakarma - Natal rites

2. Namakarana - Ceremony for naming the child

3. Nishkramana - First outing for showing the sun

4. Annaprasana - First feeding with boiled rice in 6 months

5. Chudakarana - Arrangement of the hair tuft

6. Karnavedha - Piercing the earlobes

C) EDUCATIONAL SANSKARAS

1. Vidyarambha - Learning the Alphabet

2. Upanayana - Holy thread ceremony

3. Praishartha - First study of the Vedas

4. Keshanta / Ritusuddhi - Cutting the hair

5. Samavartana - Graduation ceremony

        

D) MARRIAGE SANSKARA

1. Vivaha - Marriage 

E) DEATH SANSKARA

1. Antyeshti - Funeral