Shodasha Samaskara

Discover our First rice-eating ceremony for children.

Sacred Hindu Ceremonies & Rituals

We provide authentic Vedic ceremonies following ancient traditions:

Annaprashanam

Annaprashanam (First Food Ceremony)

  • Sacred first feeding ceremony for infants
  • Performed between 150th-180th day after birth
  • Includes Ganapathi Pooja and Sankalpam
  • Traditional Palpayasam preparation with gold ring
  • Family blessing ceremony with Vedic mantras
  • Significance of Annashudhi in spiritual growth
  • Connection between food and mind development
Choodakarana

Choodakarana (Sacred Thread & Hair Ceremony)

  • First ceremonial head shave for boys at age 3
  • Keeping of sacred tuft (Shikha) for spiritual progress
  • Best performed during Punarvasu Nakshatra
  • Includes Udakashanti and Angurarpanam
  • Kumarabhojanam and family blessings
  • Understanding the spiritual significance of Shikha
  • Connection to Paramathma through sacred practices
Vivaham

Vivaham (Sacred Marriage) Details

  • Marriage ceremonies following the ancient Brahma Vivaham tradition
  • Uniting couples in pursuit of Dharma and Artha
  • Focus on Kama and the ultimate goal of Moksha
  • Ceremony includes Kanyadanam and Saptapadi
  • Mangalsutra Dharanam and Agni Sakshi rituals
  • Includes Laja Homam, Ashirvadham, and Gruhapravesham
Jathakarma

Jathakarma (Birth Rituals)

  • Sacred rite performed immediately after birth
  • Invokes blessings for longevity and intelligence
  • Whispering of sacred mantras into the baby's ear
  • Symbolic feeding of honey and ghee
  • Prayers for protection from negative influences
  • Strengthens the spiritual bond of the family
  • Formal welcome of the soul into the community
Namakarana

Namakarana (Sacred Naming Ceremony)

  • Traditional ceremony on the 11th or 12th day
  • Invokes blessings for health, fame, and long life
  • Includes Sankalpam, Ganapathi Pooja, and Punyahavachanam
  • Father whispers the name into the baby's right ear
  • Features Nakshatra Namam based on birth star
  • Elders and family members bless the child
  • Signifies formal identity and family lineage
Upanayanam

Upanayanam (Sacred Thread Ceremony)

  • Sacred "second birth" ritual for Vedic education
  • Investiture of the Yajnopavita (triple thread)
  • Initiation into the Gayatri Mantra by Guru
  • Transition to the stage of a Brahmachari
  • Focuses on discipline and spiritual character
  • Includes the traditional Bhikshacharyam
  • Commitment to daily Sandhyavandanam
Samavartana

Samavartana (Vedic Graduation Ceremony)

  • Completion of Vedic studies and student life
  • Known as the "Snana" ceremony for purity
  • Seeking permission to move into the next stage
  • Symbolic shedding of deerskin and staff
  • Transition from learning to applying wisdom
  • Blessings for a successful and righteous future
  • Recognition as a 'Snataka' ready for family life
Grahashatha Ashrama

Grahashatha Ashrama (Marriage Life Guidance)

  • Guidance for transition into the householder stage
  • Instruction on maintaining Dharma in material life
  • Includes the **Garbhadanam** ritual
  • Guidelines for Nithyakarmanushtanam as a couple
  • Resolving modern social issues through harmony
  • The couple as a spiritual unit in performing rituals
  • Preparation for raising children with Vedic values
AshthaVritham

AshthaVritham (Sacred Vows)

  • Vedic vows performed for spiritual discipline
  • Focuses on eight restraints to purify mind and body
  • Mantras to overcome kama, krodha, and lobha
  • Helps in attaining mental peace and stability
  • Strengthens connection to Sanathana Dharma
  • Performed under expert faculty guidance
  • Crucial step for deeper Vedic Adhyayanam
Andheyshti

Andheyshti (The Final Sacrifice)

  • Final rite among the Shodasha Samskaras
  • Body returns to the five elements (Pancha Bhoota)
  • Vedic mantras to help the soul transition
  • Includes specific Homams and offerings to Agni
  • Focuses on the journey toward Moksha
  • Provides spiritual solace to the family
  • Honoring the departed with Vedic integrity