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Home , Annaprashana, Chudakarana, Garbhadhana, Jatakarma, Kama, Karnavedha

Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol.2, No.12 (2013) Pages 372 - 383 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772

Review Article

THE CHILDHOOD SAMSKARAS (RITES OF PASSAGE) AND ITS SCIENTIFIC APPRECIATION

Arun Raj GR1*, Shailaja U2, Prasanna N Rao3

1. PG Scholar, Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, SDM College of and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, . 2. Professor and Head, Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India. 3. Professor and Principal, Dept. of Shalya , SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

Received: 24-08-2013; Revised: 02-12-2013; Accepted: 15-12-2013 ………………………………………………………………………….………….……….……………………..

Abstract

A Samskara is a , and virtually every world culture has such ceremonies. Rites of passage are ceremonies that mark important events in the life of an individual. Samskara also build a wakefulness of the attainment of social status and rights for the individual. Physician can also assess the proper growth and development of the child while performing the Samskaras. The of Samskara varies in different Hindu Granthas (text books), it is about 16-40, but the applicable Samskara are 16 in number which spreads from Garbhadana to AnteysthiSamskara. Among these 16, only 11 will fall under the period up to childhood. Ayurveda also describes different Samskaras in the different period of life to mark, or to announce attainment of different milestones thus ensuring proper growth and also to differentiate them from the child with developmental delay.

Keywords:Samskara;Growth and development;Developmental delay.

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*Address for correspondence: Dr. Arun Raj GR, PG Scholar, Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India– 573201. E-mail: [email protected]

Cite This Article

Arun Raj GR, Shailaja U, Prasanna N Rao. The childhood samskaras (Rites of passage) and

its scientific appreciation. Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci. 2013;2(12):372-383.

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INTRODUCTION Grihya there is mentioning of 18-21 Samskaras. While in Manusrimiti, 13 of them Samskaras are those religious rites and and in Gautama Grihya Sutra, 40 of them are ceremonies which sanctify the body, mind and explained. While the 16 Samskaras explained intellect, so that person becomes fit for the by MaharshiDayananda are widely accepted society. In Ayurveda, the word Samskara is and taken into consideration by Ayurveda introduced as . These 16 Samskaras are often “SamskaraohiGunaantradhyanam” which referred to as the ShodasaSamskaras.[5] They means qualitative improvement carried out by are:- incorporating the specific qualities (transforming of the qualities).[1] Physician can 1. Garbhadana (Sacrament of also assess the proper growth and development Impregnation or Conception) of the child while performing these 2. (Engendering a male issue) Samskaras. The mention 3. Simantonayana (Hair-parting) Samskaras as a means to grow and prosper in 4. (Birth ritual) all four aspects of human pursuit - Dharma 5. (Naming ceremony) (righteousness), (wealth), and 6. Nishkrama (First outing or outing (work and pleasure), and ceremony) ().[2] 7. (feeding ceremony) 8. Chudakarma or Mundan (Shaving of Samskaras are the turning points of life and head) need to be celebrated. Samskaras are great, 9. Karnavedhana (Piercing the earlobes) time-tested tools in our traditional systems 10. (Sacred thread initiation) which help carve out a great personality. Apart 11. Vedarambha (Beginning of vedic from scriptural validation, history also proves study) to us the great effectiveness of these 12. Samavartana (End of studentship) methods.[3] The primary purpose of Samskaras 13. Vivaha ( Ceremony) is to attain spirituality and help realize moksha 14. Vanprastha (Renouncing the house or the ultimate union with the divine. It is very holder's life) clear that merely performing these sacraments 15. Sanyasa (Leading the life of a monk) will not lead to moksha. However not 16. Antyeshti ( cremation) performing these Samskaras may make it impossible to attain moksha. At a secondary Classification of Samskaras level the Samskaras are cultural events that provide occasions for family and friends to get Samskaras in pregnant lady together and bond. And it is this bonding that (GarbhaSamskaras) forms the basis for a peaceful life. At yet another level they provide an identity to the These are the Samskaras done during the individual and link him to the society in which period of pregnancy, thus can be referred to as he or she lives. They enable the individual to the pre natal Samskaras. The three Samskaras understand the gravity of the various life which fall under Garbha Samskaras are stages and therefore live a more responsible Garbhadana (sacrament of impregnation or life.[4] conception), Pumsavana (engendering a male issue) and Seemantonnayana Samskara (hair- Number of Samskaras parting).[6]

The number of Samskara varies in different Hindu Dharma Granthas, it is about 16-40. In

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Table 1: showing classification of different Samskaras according to different stages of age

Sl No. Vaya Vargikarana (Different stages of age) Samskaras done Garbhadana 1. Garbhavastha (in pregnant lady) Pre-natal period Pumsavana Seemantonayana Jatakarma Neonatal period Namakarana Infantile period Karnavedhana 2. Balyavastha (in childhood) Annaprashana Pre-school / School age Upanayana Vedharambha Samavarthana Vivaha 3. Yuvavastha (in adulthood) Sanyasa

Samskaras during childhood (Balyavastha) Samskaras during adulthood (Yuvavastha)

This comprises of the Samskaras which fall Those Samskaras which are performed after under three sub divisions, such as; the period of Balya (childhood) are cumulatively referred to as the adulthood Samskaras during the neonatal period Samskaras. It comprises of Samavartana (end of studentship), Vivaha (marriage ceremony), This refers to those Samskaras which are Vanaprastha (renouncing the house holder's performed within the first month of life. It life), Sanyasa (leading the life of a monk) and comprises of Jathakarma (birth ritual) and Antyesti Samskaras (death cremation). But in Namakarana Samskaras (naming ceremony). this paper this section will not be dealt since it falls out of the scope of the paper.The Samskaras during the infancy classification of different Samskaras according to different stages of age is shown in Table The term infant is typically applied to young 1.[6] children between the ages of 1 month and 12 months. The Samskaras contributing to this Samskaras in pregnant lady period are Nishkramana (first outing or outing ceremony), Annaprashana (feeding ceremony) 1. GarbhadhanaSamskara and Karnavedana Samskaras (piercing the earlobes). The word meaning of “” is „placing the seed in the womb.‟[7] Procreation Samskaras during the pre-school or school is a compulsory duty enjoined to pay back his age ancestral debt, except when either or both the partners are functionally unfit.[8] The aim of The pre-school period starts at the age of 3 and this Samskara is to get high quality progeny. so the Samskaras which are performed after The auspicious day and time are fixed for this period contributes to this group. They are Garbhadhana and the sacrament follows a set Chudakarma (shaving of head), Upanayana guide. According to Acharyas, this Samskara (sacred thread initiation) and Vedarambha should be performed only after four years of Samskaras (beginning of vedic study). [6] marriage i.e., husband (25 years) and wife (16 Ayurpharm - International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences 374 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol.2, No.12 (2013) Pages 372 - 383 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 years). Both the partners should be pushyanakshatra) should be instilled in Purnaviryavan and should purify their bodies woman‟s (herself) right nostril for son and left first by undergoing procedures.[9] nostril for daughter. Or drugs like Lakshmana, The articulated represented in this Vatashringa (leaf buds of Ficus benghalensis), Samskara are essentially prayers offered to Sahadeva, Vishvadeva etc. pestled with cow‟s to help the bride (female) conceive a & juice expressed. 3-4 drops should be good son.[10] instilled in woman‟s right nostril for getting son (she should not spit it).[14] The significance of this samskara is highly important, as these ceremonies purify and The significance of this Samskara is to invoke refine field (woman‟s reproductive system) celestial (or divine) and excellent qualities in and seed (sperms), thus the born child will the child. This will instil confidence in the possess high qualities. Thus this Samskara can expectant mother that she can beget a male be understood as an act which is mainly child.[15]It strengthens the bond between intended for reproduction which is the ultimate husband and wife, bound together by a aim of life. This ceremony molds the mentality common for male offspring.[16] Inserting of the father in such a way that when he plants the juice of the tree was a device his seed in the womb of his wife, he will beget meant for preventing abortion and ensuring the a child whose mind is completely saturated birth of a male child. In the opinion of with devotion.[11] Susrutha, the banyan tree has got the properties of removing all kinds of troubles 2. PumsavanaSamskara during pregnancy, e.g. excess of bile, burning etc. Insertion of medicine into nostrils is a The term Pumsavana literally means 'male common thing in the Hindu system of procreation'. So, the process which is adopted treatment; therefore, it is evident that the ritual for achieving progeny of desired sex is known prescribing it was undoubtedly founded on the as Pumsavana karma. Pumsavana is one of the medical experience of the people.[17] Shodasha (sixteen rituals) performed.[12] The day is fixed on the basis of 3. SeemantonayanaSamskara lunar calendar on specific stars rising on that day; normally, when Punarvasu, Pushya, This is the last Samskara of the pregnancy Anuradha, Moola, and Mrigashira period of a mother.[18] It is usually performed stars (all are male stars) rise for the day. in fourth or sixth or seventh or eighth month. According to AcharyaCharaka, this should be The word Simantonayana is derived from two performed after conception but before words Simant (meaning the line of parting of Vyaktibhava of organs (Prakvyakteebhavat) or hair) and Unnayan (meaning combing hair upto 2 months while just after achievement of from the sides to the top). Simantonayana thus conception (Labdagarbhaya) according to means parting the wife‟s scalp hair, drawing Acharya Sushruta.[13] This Samskara is the hair from the sides, upwards. As a result performed basically with three main intentions pleasant frequencies enter her body through such as Ishtapatyagrahanam (inhalation of the Sahasrar and facilitate the proper drugs followed by coitus – for achievement of growth of the foetus. When performing a conception), Garbhadharanam (immediately Samskaraon the foetus in the womb, a flat after conception – for its proper implantation) earthen plate which represents the uterus is and Garbhasthapanam (Before 3 months – for used. Just as for Pumsavana a lunar asterism change of sex or for male progeny). Here the with the masculine gender is necessary so also juice expressed from pestled roots of for Simantonayana. If this Samskara is ShwetaBrihati (uprooted during performed in a month with an even number

Ayurpharm - International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences 375 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol.2, No.12 (2013) Pages 372 - 383 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 preferably in the fourth month then it proves together and the dose of both being not most beneficial. Pumsavana is performed to mentioned hence taken in equal quantity.[22] conceive a male child while this rite is for the Mantras are chanted before it and mantras are purification of the foetus. Just as having a son selected from different as per the Jati, is important it is equally important that he Kula and . Thereafter breast feeding should be born without deformities, good should be started from the right breast. A pot health and intelligence. For overall filled with hot or cold water (as per the development of all organs of the foetus season) chanted with mantras should be kept Simantonayana is important during near the head of the baby probably to maintain pregnancy.[19] proper humidity in Kumaragara. Acharya Sushruta opines that after Nabhinala Chedana, This Samskara is done to identify and support on first day the child is revived with cold the conception and for the welfare of child too. water sprinkling. Thereafter honey and ghee The religious significance of this Samskara is mixed with powder in small quantity to bring prosperity to the mother and long life and sanctified with mantras is made to lick to the unborn child. In Ayurvedic texts during using Anamika finger three times. On second period of pregnancy, Acharyas advised month and third day honey and ghee medicated with wise various dietetic regimen and mode of Lakshmana is administered for three times. On conducts for pregnant woman which results in fourth day honey and ghee in the amount normal development of foetus who has good which fills the palm of neonate health, strength, voice, compactness etc.[20] (Svapanitalsamita) given two times and after Acharyas also advised that if mother not that mother‟s milk is given.[23] follow proper advised lifestyle then it may result in vitiation which produce Acharya Susrutha seems to be more practical abnormalities of foetus (Garbhanga Vikriti), as he told that the feeding should be started affecting its appearance, complexion and only after attaining normalcy of the baby. The ( organ).[21] Foetus becomes concept of tropic feed (a minimum amount of viable after 28 weeks. Before this period, if the the feed given to the baby to initiate intestinal delivery occurs then the chance of survival of movements and to activate the gut) is foetus is less. It may also be considered as a completely fulfilled by Jatakarma Samskara. way to announce the pregnancy. As a result of Ghrita is high caloric diet which provides this Samskara which is performed with immediate source of . The sucking, spiritual emotion, the latent divine rooting and swallowing reflexes are usually consciousness (Chaitanya) present in the checked before initiation of feeding which is pregnant woman has maximum effect on the served by this Samskara. Honey contains foetus.‟[19] “Hemin” which is good for cleansing the respiratory tract and also helps in bowel Samskaras during Balyavastha evacuation. This may be considered as the initial step of developing immunity against 1. JaatakarmaSamskara allergic substances as honey contains large amount of pollens. Giving Madhu and This is the first and the foremost Samskara Ghritain equal quantity is a Samyoga done to the child after birth. This Samskara is Viruddha which may help in developing first referred in “Aschalayana sutra.” It immunity. Keeping a pot filled with water as possesses Socio-cultural and medical per the season is simple, safe and accurate importance. According to Acharya Charaka, method of maintaining humidity inside the immediately after the birth, baby should be nursery. given Madhu (honey) and Ghrita (ghee) mixed

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2. NamakaranaSamskara Ayupariksha after naming ceremony, which is deciding the healthy and diseased condition of It is a religious ceremony conducted by the the baby.[28]As first 10 days of neonatal life is family members to keep name for the new- risky period, only after that the Namakarana born child which gives personal identity to the Samskara should be conducted. child. A function of the ceremony is also for guardian devas (angels) to connect with the 4. NishkramaSamskara individual so they can start guiding him or her in their life. The NamakaranaSamskara can be This refers to the ceremony of taking the baby a simple or elaborate ceremony.[24] Naming out of Kumaragara. This enables the baby to ceremony though looks to be very simple has acclimatize with external environment. It is its impact throughout life of the child as that performed at 4th month (Vagdhata and particular child is identified by that name. This ) by father and mother (Gruhya is performed on 10th day of life (Charaka), Sutra).[29] Here the child is first time taken from 10th day of life onwards (Sushruta and outside usually to a temple with Nada Laghu Vagbhata), can be postponed upto 100th and chanting of Vedic mantras. The baby is day (Vriddha Vagbhata) and on 12th day for given bath, adorned, wearing clean clothes, male baby and on 13th day for female baby as possessing mustard, honey and Ghrita or per some other Acharyas.[25][26][27] The Sutika Gorochana, he along with Dhatri (wet nurse) mother should take bath with should be taken out of the house and ready to Sarvagandhodaka, ShvetaSarshapa and enter the temple. Thereafter worshiping the Lodhra, wear clean, unteared, holy white (burning fire) with Ghrita and Akshata coloured dress and decorate herself with and then after venerating the , God various desirous ornaments. The father should , , and other family keep two names for his son by worshipping with Gandha (fragrances), Pushpa the Kula Devata like, Nakshatrika Nama and (flowers), (fumigations), Mala Abhiprayika Nama. The Nakshatrika Nama (garlands) etc. gifts and eatable substances and should be of same Nakshatra in which the so many other methods; thereafter reciting the child is born. In Abhiprayika Nama, Adi, and taking their blessings and Madhya and Antya Akshara should be saluting the , should re-enter own house; arranged in special fashion. Adi Akshara having entered, the physician should recite the should be Ghosha Varna while Madhya for prayer. Akshara should be Kanthastha Varna like and Antya Akshara should be Ushma Varna. Sons This Samskara is important for observing the name should have even letters and daughters developmental milestones. As the child meets name should have odd letters. many unknown persons its reaction in the form of social smile, laugh, fear, anxiety or The name gives the personal identity to the curiosity can be observed. By the end of 4th child. It is an important tool for socialisation. month child develops head control. In temple, The child should be named in a manner that is the child reacts to sounds of bell by turning the meaningful and reflects a dignified quality. head around. Here lifting of the head with During this ceremony, education is given to complete head control can be observed. Also parents and other family members that the the disappearance of grasping reflex (3-4 child should be given the atmosphere where months), placing reflex (3-4 month), stepping his/her inherent qualities can be awakened. reflex (3-4 months), rooting reflex (3-4 Name of a baby promotes the healthy months), tonic neck (2-6 month) and Moro‟s psychology, good physical and mental reflex (3-4month). But persistence of these development. Acharya Charaka has described reflexes indicative of cerebral palsy.

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According to Acharya Kashyapa, the teeth fulfil the need. Fruit juices should be given to inseminated in fourth month are weak, decay the child from sixth month which are source of early and are afflicted with many diseases.[30] vitamins especially vitamin C. First meal offer At fourth month age, following developmental to infant would be easily digested, light and changes appear in infant such as the infant soft as advised by Acharya Kashyapa. At age been able to reaching out for objects with both of 6 month, breast milk now not enough to hand (Bidextrous reach), able to rolls over the fulfil the requirement of growing child. So, it bed, recognizes the mother and responds to her is the accurate time to introduction of voice, anticipate the feeds, laugh loudly when supplementary feeding as Phalprashana. talked by someone, responds to sound well, Breast milk is deficient in iron, vitamin A, D, starts cooing, curious and shows interest in K and calcium, so by offering Phalprashana surrounding environment, Able to fix eyes on and Annprashana ceremony at this time with external objects and adaptation to external breast milk, we can reduce the deficiency of environment begins.[31] related essential vitamins. We can examine the six month infant which has following 5. AnnaprashanaSamskara milestone (6): Starts sitting with own support (Sits in tripod fashion), Unidextrous reach, This is the act of introduction of the solid food recognizes strangers or develops stranger material for the first time. It is performed at anxiety, pronounce monosyllables (pa, ba, da 10th month (Kashyapa), 6th month (Susruta and etc.), lift the head and chest off the surface Vagbhata) or 5th/6th month (Gruhya ).[32] with weight bearing on hands, may roll from According to Kashyapa, on the day of prone to supine, able to bear most of the ceremony in Prajapatya Nakshatra, cooked weight on legs when holding the child in food is kept in between the square place standing position. Similarly tenth month prepared by besmearing the cow dung. The corresponding milestones may also examine sign of is made on that. A picture e.g. bisyllables, standing with support, sitting filled with water is also placed there. without support, waves bye-bye etc. Primary Physician is the performer of the ceremony. teeth also start erupted e.g. central incisors (5- After offering the food to the Agni the 7 month), Lateral incisors (7-11 month, First remaining part of the food is offered to child molars (10-16 month).[35] for 3 or 5 times.[33][34] 6. ChudakarmaSamskara As teeth erupt in 6th month, introduction of solid food in 10th month is more justified. This Samskara involves shaving the head (of a Scientifically right time for solid food as GIT son). This is performed when is in is ready in terms of its enzymatic activity. . This is done within 1 yr/upto 3 yrs Starting solid food before this time leads to fat ( and Gruya Sutra). This accumulation which may be problematic Samskarais performed in order to attain afterwards. Prolonged breast feeding may lead longevity, strength and radiance.[36] This to calcium deficiency disorders like rickets, Samskara involves first shaving of the child‟s scurvy etc. As growing child attains different hair. The shaving blade should be harmless. milestones, its range of activities also According to Susrutha, the cutting of hairs, increases and it needs more and more food nail gives lightness, prosperity, courage and substances. Only breast milk and even the happiness.[37][38] Special arrangement of top other liquid food in the form of dal water and hairs called Shikha. But Sushruta gives the fruits may be insufficient to fulfil day to day scientific explanation by telling that this area needs of the baby. Rich carbohydrate, fatty & is the site of Sira and Sandhi and these top proteinaceous food in solid form can only hairs protect this part.

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merely hearing sacred sounds has in that The Samskara offers a chance for examination it cleanses sin and nurtures the spirit.[42] of the skull and stimulate the hair growth.[39]Detection of abnormalities like 8. UpanayanaSamskara craniocynostosis, wide sutures, microcephaly, macrocephaly, elevated or depressed This Samskara is the first step on this long fontanelle etc. Palpation of scalp carefully journey towards the goal of self-realization.[43] may also reveal cranial defects or craniotabes, It correlate with pre-school age (3-6 years). a peculiar softening of the parietal bone so that Amongst all the Samskaras, the Upanayana gentle pressure produces a sensation similar to Samskara is considered to be of foremost indenting a Ping-Pong ball. During scalp value. Though far less common, it is also examination, inspect any cutaneous sometimes conducted for girls. In some abnormalities such as cutis aplasia or regions of modern North India, the ceremony abnormal hair whorls as they may suggest an is often conducted as an immediate precursor underlying genetic disorder and it also offers to wedding ceremonies, instead of during protection of the child. adolescence, while in other regions it is almost always associated with adolescence with 7. Karnavedhana Samskara regards to this it is very important. The child enters studentship and a life of perfect This is performed on 6th/7th/8th month discipline which involves Brahmacharya (Susrutha and Vagbhata) or 3rd to 5th month (celibacy). Here the boy is handed over to the ( Gruhya Sutra).[40] According to teacher for his education. The teacher Sushruta, in auspicious (date), Muhurta performs the Samskara with Savitri Mantra. A and Naksatra, after reciting auspicious hymns, thread is tied around the waist of the child. the child should be placed in the lap of wet- Sacred thread is made up of Munga grass and nurse or male attendant engaging and fibres of Murva (Sansevieria roxburghiana) consoling him with toys; then the physician and hempen threads.[44-45] Boy should wear the pulling the ear with his left hand should pierce dress made up of skin of antelope, the ears in the middle of the Karnapeetha spotted deer and he goat respectively. And it is where the skin is thinner (Daivakrita Chidra) given with stick of Bilwa () or with his right hand slowly and evenly by Palasha (Butea monosperma), Vata (Ficus needle or awl in case of thin and thick lobes benghalensis) or Kadhira (Acacia catechu) respectively.[41] In male child first the right ear and Peelu (Salvadora persica) or should be pierced but in female child, left ear (Ficus racemosa). This Samskara alarms the should be pierced first and then the Pichuvarti child regarding his responsibilities. This is be inserted, usually performed on auspicious performed between 6-8 years of age. day in winter season. According to Gruhya Sutras, it is performed at 8 yrs (), 11 yrs () and 12 Injury produced by piercing the ear may yrs (). While according to initiate the antigen antibody reaction providing Manusmriti, it is done at 5 yrs (Brahmins), 6 passive immunity to the child. This act also yrs (Kshatriyas) and 8 yrs (Vaishyas). This is activates the immune mechanism so as to done before starting of puberty and not after bring a secondary immunity against several completion of Yuva Avastha. infections. This rite is intended to open the inner ears of the child for receiving sacred This Samskara signifies a spiritual as it sounds. This also possesses deep mystical and were. After the Upanayana is performed the symbolic significance. It is believed that young lad becomes a i.e. twice born.[46] Change in age may be change in the physical

Ayurpharm - International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences 379 Ayurpharm Int J Ayur Alli Sci., Vol.2, No.12 (2013) Pages 372 - 383 www.ayurpharm.com ISSN: 2278-4772 and intellectual power, attaining the skills and abnormalities and change in the behaviour can also need of the subject. The brain growth of be observed. The child having been found well the child gets completed up to the age of 5 and doing well physically is now transferred to years. So ‟s opinion of starting the the cradle where the sleep is comfortable with education by 5 years looks to be more logical. swinging movements. This Samskara helps in A thread tied around the waist may serve the maintaining the temperature as neonate faces purpose of assessment of the physical growth much threats of hypothermia in the first and to rule out the malnutrition. month. The swinging movements induce the sleep and the baby can survive by its own. It 9. VedarambhaSamskara also aids for the vestibular stimulation. Done when the child has recovered from the fatigue The Samskara is variously named, it is called of birth injuries, having no jaundice and when Vidyarambha, Akshararambha, the (umbilicus) is healed well. [51] Aksharasvikarana and Akshara lekhana by different writers.[47] As the child acquires 2. Sooryodayadarshana / Chandrodaya capacity, strength to learn and education Samskara should be started. Usually performed at 8th year.[48] This Samskara correlates with school Here the child is made to see and worship the age (6-12 years age). On the tongue of the rising sun and moon. It is usually performed at child the letters “ Sri 1st month (Kashyapa) or 3rd month (Dharma GanapatayeNamahAvignamastu” and all the sindhusara). This Samskara has got the alphabets are written with a piece of gold. The advantage of testing the development of the child is made to write the same letters from child in its ability to look at the objects “Hari Sri” onwards with its index finger on allowing macular fixation. Exposing the child raw rice in a bell metal vessel and the child is to ultraviolet rays helps in rickets by formation made to utter each word when it is written. of vitamin D in the skin. It is proved that only Either the father of the child or an eminent sun rays of Suryodayakala have wavelength of teacher officiates at this ritual.[49] In this ultraviolet rays which is beneficial to stimulate Samskara, each student, according to his the production of vitamin D. This is diagnostic , masters his own branch of the Vedas. tests that if child is not able to fix the vision or It signifies the student‟s commitment to not able to see moving sun or the moon by the learning and the teacher's to teaching, and end of one month development of the child is involves a and many prayers.[50] slow and special care should be given. [51]

Also there are four other Samskaras which 3. Upaveshana Samskara does not fall under the above mentioned 16 Samskaras, but still significant to the context. This is the ceremony of making a normal baby They are:- to sit with support. It is performed at 5th month (Ashtanga Sangraha) or 6th month 1. Dolashayana Samskara (Kashyapa). Daily the child is trained to sit for a while and thus by 12 months of age, he shall Here the child is transferred to the Dola be able to sit without support. This is a method (cradle) for the first time after the delivery of giving stimulus for the ability to sit in a thus allowing it to be separated from the normally growing child. It also assess the mother. It is performed after 12 days. It is different milestones such as rolling over, probably supposed that a child receive sitting with support, sitting without support, continuous and constant attention in mother‟s crawling, creeping etc. [51] bed till 12-13 days after birth so that minor

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4. Aksharalekhana Samskara person is not aware of his moorings in society he runs his own selfish race against the world Here the child is made to learn alphabets. The and the greed to pitch him over others leads to age at which child gets the ability to learn destruction of not only his self but the entire varies from individual to individual. Usually human community. So, the Samskaras act as a the child should be able to learn by 5 years. moral code of conduct for the society. In the And Aksharalekhana Samskara is performed span of growth and development person passes in the 5th year of the life on an auspicious day through the different phases of motor, sensory, while sun moves in Uttarayana. Having neuromuscular, social and mental noticed the field of interest to learn he is development and these are termed as educated accordingly. This Samskara is an developmental milestones. They should occur initiation to learn the writing language. [51] in the given time otherwise termed as delayed developmental milestones. Ayurveda also DISCUSSION describes different Samskaras in the different period of life to mark, or to announce Samskaras can be understood as the important attainment of different milestones thus cultural events in an individual‟s life from ensuring proper growth and also to birth to death possessing socio-cultural as well differentiate them from the child with as medical significance. It signifies Growth developmental delay. Introducing the newer and development and the ceremonial faculties like Upaveshana or the protective announcement of milestones achieved measures like Karnavedhana in the form of providing with periodical screening. Samskara to bring about refinement in the Samskaras provide sound mental and physical growth activity of the child. Each Samskara health and the confidence to face life's make the child to acquire a new talent and is challenges. They are believed to purify blood called as Gunantaradhanam. and increase blood circulation, sending more oxygen to every organ. Samskaras can CONCLUSION energize the body and revitalizes it. They can increase physical strength and stamina to work It can be concluded that the Samskara are for longer period of time. They rejuvenate the solemn ceremonies and are to be performed in mind and enhance concentration and accordance with set procedures. This practice intellectual capacity. Samskaras give a sense is the rich heritage handed down the centuries of belonging, culture, and refined sensibilities. by our forefathers and the sages. These rituals They direct energy to humanitarian causes prepare the mind to assimilate not only the thereby building a strong character. They Vedic knowledge but also make one a person bestow moral and physical balance throughout of character. Samskara described in Ayurvedic life. They give the confidence to face death texts are based on the various stages of child bravely owing to a contented and righteous growth and developments and hence provide a life. These Samskaras bind an individual to the rational guideline toward his care during community that nurture the feeling of celebrating different ceremonies from very brotherhood. A person whose actions are conception to childhood. connected to the others around him would definitely think twice before committing a sin. REFERENCES Lack of Samskaras give rise to indulging in individual physical pleasures and fanning 1. Mishra D. Kaumarabhritya. 1sted. New Delhi: one‟s animal instincts. The inner demon is Chaukhamba Prathisthana; 2007. p. aroused that leads to the degeneration of 108-109. oneself and the society as a whole. When a

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