The sixteen Samskaras (sacraments) in Hinduism, also known
as "Shodasha Samskaras," are important rites of passage that mark
significant milestones in an individual's life journey. Here they are listed in
Hindi along with their English meanings:
- गर्भाधान (Garbhadhana) - Conception
- पुंसवन (Pumsavana) - Ensuring male progeny
- सीमन्तोन्नयन (Simantonnayana) - Parting of hair or baby shower
- जातकर्म (Jatakarma) - Birth ceremony
- नामकरण (Namakarana) - Naming ceremony
- निष्क्रमण (Nishkramana) - First outing
- अन्नप्राशन (Annaprashana) - First feeding of solid food
- चौल (Chudakarana) - Tonsure or head-shaving
- कर्णवेध (Karnavedha) - Ear-piercing ceremony
- उपनयन (Upanayana) - Sacred thread ceremony
- वेदारम्भ (Vedarambha) - Commencement of Vedic studies
- समावर्तन (Samavartana) - Graduation from Vedic studies
- विवाह (Vivaha) - Marriage
- वनप्रस्थ (Vanaprastha) - Retirement
- संन्यास (Sannyasa) - Renunciation
- अन्त्येष्टि (Antyeshti) - Last rites or funeral
These Samskaras are considered essential for the holistic
development and spiritual progress of an individual in Hinduism.