16 samskara in Hindu tradition.
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1. Garbhaadhanam: this is to allow the pregnency with pure muhurtas and to commit a birth of desired child either male or female.
2. Punsavanam: this is to add more vigiour and intellectuality to the child before birth.
3. Simantam: here is performed some poojas by the couple to up the ' MEDHA ' of the unborn child.
4. Jaat karmam: this is followed post birth to purify the new born child.
5. Naam karanam: on the 12th day of birth the child is given name according to the step of constilation.
6. NishKramanam: on the 40th day of birth the the child is allowed outside of the home, before 40days no one ask the baby to go out of the home.
7. Annapraashanam: on any holy day 6 months later the new born babby first time is given coocked food with rituals at home.
8. Keshaantam: if the child is male - later 15 months of birth the child is clean headed ( mundan )with offering pooja to dieties according to family.
9. Karna Vedham: the ear hole process was common for all male and female.(it is said that if the left ear is holed of a man he has less chances of paralysais)
10. Vrataadesham: the secred thread ceremony and the Mantra dikshaa ( GAYATRI MANTRA UPADESHAM ).
11 to 14. Vedaarambham: all the 4 vedas learning ( each veda learning called one seperate samskara )
15. Vivaaham: this is called marriage today.the bride and groom being vowed to share the first three purushaarthas combine.( sapta padi )
16. Antyeshti: ( Funary ) this is the most secred and secret samskara among the rest because by doing properly the antyeshti samskara the soul is freed to move according to thy act and deeds.
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Please note that the the list of 16 samskara given above is according to 'VYAS SMRITI '.
other Smritikaras have differences in openion. Yadnyavalkya's or Katyaayana or Manu or Paraashar's openion may varied from above with minor changes.
One should follow the way according to their veda and veda shaakhaa.
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