SHODAS SAMSKAR ( 16 SANSKAR)षोडस संस्कार

Q. What are Shodasha Samskaras?

Answer. Samskara means a religious process of purification of human being.

It’s a Noun that literally mean “a purificatory ceremony or rite marking a major event in one's life”. Sanskaar is a commonly used Hindi pronunciation of the word and signifies "cultural heritage and upbringing" in modern speech.

The Samskara (Sanskaar) are a series of sacraments, sacrifices and rituals that serve as rites of passage and mark the various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular Ashram. All human beings, especially the Dwija or twice-born are required to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for gods, Ancestors and Guardians in accordance with the Vedic dictums for a Dharmic or righteous life. Basically all these rituals are of the nature of purification and/or bestow good qualities (gunas). There is no relationship between religious-spiritual knowledge and practice of religious-rituals. It means a person having deep religious spiritual knowledge may or may not get involved in ritual processes. Similarly a person involved in rituals may or may not have the religious knowledge.

Most of the Brahmins used to follow complex rituals in connection with major events in their lives, such as pregnancy, childbirth, education, marriage, and death. Although, the number of major Samskaras fluctuates between 12 and 18 in the Graha Sutras, later, it became 16 (Hindi: sola) in number, generally known as "Shodasha Samskaras".

Thereafter, it is become a standard Hindu ritual to perform Shodasha Samskaras in a lifetime.

They are 16 in numbers

Pre natal Samskaras:

(1)    Garbhadana: Garbhadana (literally, gifting the womb), is the act of conception. This is the first sacrament which followed immediately on every matrimonial union. There are a number of rites performed before conception. The act of first sexual intercourse or insemination is known as nishekam.

The different Grhyasutras differ in their point of view, whether the Garbhadana is to be performed only once, during the first conception, or every time the woman conceives. In the first case it is considered as a Kshetra - Samskara (once the Kshetra, or 'field', has been purified, it remains pure), and in the second case as a garbha - Samskara (every time the garbha, or 'womb' conceives, it needs to be purified).

Dr. B.V.Raman Has very strong views in this matter. He believes sexual union, pregnancy and reproduction of human species are the very essentials on which this mankind and the world exists. Sexual union should never be based on simple gratification of pleasure sensory alike partaking of sweet food or desirable food. There is sacredness about sexual functions and when morality is not respected then results and consequences could be disastrous for the couple as well as progeny and the society at large. Since Men and Women are a potent force, a bundle of energy or “electricity” as stated by his Guru Prof. B. Suryanarain Rao therefore a careful union must take place and relationship with natural elements must be ensured for better prospects.

Nishekam (first coitus): it should be done on benefic days, benefic tithis, in Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Hasta, Uttara Bhadrapad and Revathi nakshatras. Avoid first three hours of night and should be done in cheerful mood and friendly disposition.

Garbhadana:

Time: First four days of menses should be avoided and some ancient classics even go to the extent of declaring that 5^th day copulation may result into female child. In general, sexual union on odd days (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 nights) may lead to female child and even days (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 night) to a male child.

Conceptions on 8^th 9^th 10^th 12^th 14^th 15^th and 16^th nights from the day of menstruation are specifically auspicious.

Nakshatras: Best nakshatras are: All fixed Nakshatras (All Uttaras and Rohini); Mrigashira, Anuradha, Hasta, Swathi, Shravana, Dhanishta and Shatbhisha.

Nakshatras To Avoid: All aggressive (All Poorvas, Bharani and Magha); All Teekshna nakshatras (Moola, Jyestha, Aridra and Ashlesha); Revathi and Krittika.

Other nakshatras are medium in nature such as Ashwini, Punarvasu, Pushyami, Chitra, Visakha

Tithis; 1/2/3/5/7/10/12/13 are good. To avoid Rikta tithis (4/9/14), 6^th 8^th 11^th, Amavasya and Poornima and Bhadra.

Days; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday is good and Monday is medium off course they should not coincide with bad tithis.

Lagna: Conception Lagan should have benefics in Kendra and Trikona and malefics in 3,6,11 houses and Lagna should be aspected by Male planets such as Sun, Mars and Jupiter and Moon should be placed in Odd Navamsha.

To be Avoided: Vyatipata; Vaidruthi, first half of parigha Yogas, Bhadra, malefic days, Tithi, Nakshatra and Lagna Gandanthas.

Avoid Solar and Lunar eclipse days, day time, Janma and Vadha Tara of both male and female, birthday of female, moveable signs as Lagnas and Lagnas occupied by malefics.

Tara and Chandra Bala shuddhi should be done.

(2)    Pumsavana: Pumsavana (literally, engendering a male issue) is a ritual conducted in the third month of pregnancy. If it is the first pregnancy, it can be in the fourth month also. The pregnant woman consumes one bead of barley and two beads of black grain, along with a little curd (varies from region to region) accompanied by religious chanting. The time prescribed for the Pumsavana differs in different Grhyasutras, and can be extended up to the eighth month of pregnancy, according to some. Some Grhyasutras also give a later date for pregnancies after the first (which might be related to the fact that the signs of pregnancy are less prominent during the first few months, if the woman has already given birth once).

(a)    Lord of Month of Pregnancy: The Lord of month of pregnancy should be strong in transit (by placement in exaltation sign, own sign, friend’s sign or strong Navamsha). Lords of various months of conception are: first month-Venus; second month-Mars; third-Jupiter; fourth-Sun; Fifth-Moon; Sixth-Saturn; Seventh- Mercury; 8^th month- Lagna; ninth month- Moon and tenth month is Sun.

(b)   Nakshatras: Mrigashira, Pushya, Moola, Shravana, Punarvasu, Hasta and all fixed nakshatras (All Uttaras and Rohini) are good.

(c)    Tithis: 1 /2/3/5/7/10/11/13 tithis of both Shukla and Krishna paksha are good.

(d)   Days: Male days: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday

(e)   Lagna: Lagnas and Navamshas of male signs (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 ) with benefics in Kendra and trikona and malefics in 3,6,11 houses are considered auspicious.

(f)     Proper Chandra and Tara shuddhi is important for pregnant woman.

(3)    Seemantha (Unnayan): Simantonnayana or Seemantha (literally, parting the hair) Samskara is performed in the fourth or fifth month of a woman's first pregnancy. Simantonnayana is conducted for the protection of the mother at the critical period of gestation. This Samskara is performed to both invoke protection of the mother and unborn child from demons and spirits that might want to cause harm to the mother and child, as well as to ensure good health, success and prosperity for the unborn child. Fragrant oil is poured on the head of pregnant woman. A line of parting is drawn three times through her hair from the forehead upwards with three stalks of 'Kusha' grass bound together. The Pranava mantram Aum and the sacred words called Vyahritis (Bhur, Bhuvah, and Svah) are chanted during each operation. If the child is still-born, this has to be repeated during the next pregnancy.

Related sub ceremony: Vishnu Puja- In the 8^th month of pregnancy in Shravana, Rohini, Pushya nakshatra on either 2/3/4/6/7/9/12 rashi with Lagna having no planet posited in the 8^th house is performed for the safety of the child.

Samskaras of Childhood

(4)    Jataka Karma:

Jataka karma (literally, natal rites) is meant for the development of the intellect of the child. When a male child is born, the ritual connected with birth is performed immediately. It is performed before cutting the umbilical chord (separation from mother) as such needs no muhurtha. Only when it is not performed with “Nabhi - bandhana” the need for choosing muhurtha is felt and in that case it is generally performed along with Namakarana Samskara.

First act in this Samskara is “Medha Janana” (literally means producing intelligence) in which the father feeds a small portion of a mixture of gold, ghee and honey with his “Anamika “finger  to the new born infant. This rite symbolizes good fortune.

After this Father pronounces the names of various long living objects, thereby blessing the child for long life and prays for long, valorous and pure life for the child. Ultimately, the naval chord is cut and child is separated to be fed by mother’s milk.

Breast Feeding: In case breast feeding is done along with Jataka Karma then no muhurtha required or else 5^th day on benefic tithis, days, avoiding Vyatipata, Vaidruthi, Bhadra and Rikta tithis on best nakshatra days of Punarvasu, Pushyami, Mrigashira, Hast, Shravana and Revathi the mother can feed the child with her milk.

(5)    Namakarana (Name giving Ceremony): if Jataka karma is not performed on time then it can be done with Namakarana Samskara.

Day: 11^th or 12^th day of the birth as per family tradition if this is done then no specific muhurtha is needed. Otherwise,

Nakshatras:  All fixed nakshatras (i.e. all Uttaras and Rohini), all moveable nakshatras (Swathi, Punarvasu, Shravana, Dhanishta and Shatbhisha), all friendly nakshatras (Mrigashira, Revathi, Chitra and Anuradha) and all short nakshatras (Hasta, Ashwini, Pushya and Abhijit) are considered good for both Jataka Karma and Namakarana.

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are good.

Tithis: 1/2/3/5/7/10/11/12/13

Avoid: Vyatipata, Vaidruthi, Bhadra, Sankranthi day and Rikta tithis.

Lagnas: Lagnas or Navamshas of 2/5/8/11/3/6/7/9 rashi aspected or occupied by benefics, unaspected by malefics are considered good.

Chandra/Tara Balas: ensure proper Chandra and Tara Bala.

Selection of possible Names:

(a)    Related to family deity

(b)   Birth month deity- such as Krishna for margasheersha; Ananta- pausha; Achyuta for Magha, Janardhana - Vaisakh etc.

(c)    Nakshatra quarter of the child birth

(d)   Popular name: easily identifiable name for public

(e)   Family name

Mother and child are given proper bath on this day in case this ceremony is delayed then at least purification of mother is done through “Sootika-Snana” after selection of appropriate muhurtha.

Choose : All fixed nakshatras as the best, next medium are all Poorvas, Ashlesha, Jyestha and Dhanishta , Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday, avoid Rikta tithis, 6^th 8^th and 12^th tithis.

(6)    Nishkramana ( First outing) :

This Samskara is related to the time when child first steps out of house in the open. The time for performance of this Samskara varies from 12^th day to the 4^th month after birth. Usually it is done along with Namakarana Samskara if not then it can be done on 3^rd or 4^th  month after birth avoiding Tuesday, Saturday, Rikta tithis, Bhadra, Amavasya and malefic yogas. Nakshatras such as Shravana, Mrigashira, Hasta, Anuradha, Pushya, Punarvasu, Ashwini, Revathi and Dhanishta are considered auspicious.

As this is first journey of the child then all considerations of journey are also applicable here.

Cradling:  it is performed on 10^th 12^th 16^th 18^th or 32^nd day from birth or on a benefic day (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday) in fixed nakshatras ( all Uttaras, Rohini) friendly nakshatras( Mrigashira, Revathi , Chitra , Anuradha ) and in short nakshatras ( Hasta, Ashwini, Pushyami and Abhijit) and five nakshatras ahead and seven nakshatra behind from the nakshatra occupied by Sun are considered auspicious.

Shasthi-Pujana: this is performed on 6^th day after birth to please the 6^th Durga ( 6^th out of Nava-Durgas is Katyayani for wellbeing of the child.

(7)    Annaprasana ( First feeding of the child)

Annaprasana (literally, feeding food) ritual, which takes place when a child is six months old, is the first time the child eats solid food, in India, rice or wheat or whatever solid as per the region. Usually a few grains of rice mixed with ghee are fed to the infant. This is an important ritual among all sections of Hindus. (Cited in Manusmriti 2.34)

Standard Time for Performance: 6^th 8^th or 10^th month for the male child; 5^th 7^th 9^th or 11^th month for the female child.

Nakshatras:  fixed nakshatras (all Uttaras and Rohini) all moveable nakshatras ( Swathi , Punarvasu, Shravana, Dhanishta, Shatbhisha), all friendly nakshatras ( Mrigashira, Revathi, Chitra, Anuradha) and all short nakshatras ( Hasta, Ashwini, Pushyami, Abhijit) are considered auspicious.

Tithis: 2/3/5/7/10/13/15 tithis are good. Rikta and Nanda tithis not good, avoid Ashtami, Amavasya, and Dwadashi.

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are auspicious.

Lagna: Avoid Aries, Scorpio and Pisces Lagna, Avoid Lagna of 8^th rashi from Moon rashi. All other lagnas with benefics in Kendra and trikona, malefics in 3,6,11 are auspicious. There should be no planet in the 10^th house and Moon should not be posited in 1^st 6^th or 8^th house.

Tara and Chander Bala: proper shuddhi must be done.

Bhumi-Upveshana (first seating of the child on earth); performed on 5^th month after the birth when Mars is strong in transit, avoiding Rikta tithis and malefic days and on fixed (all Uttaras and Rohini); short nakshatras (hasta Ashwini Pushyami Abhijit, Mrigashira, Anuradha and Jyestha).

Lord Varaha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Mother Earth are worshipped and a cotton thread is tied around the waist of the child and he is seated on earth. This Samskara is also called Kati-sootra-dharana (wearing cotton thread around the waist). A number of articles like cloths, books, tools, pen toys etc. are put before the child and whichever he picks decide his means of livelihood.

(8)    Chudakarna:

Chudakarna (literally, arrangement of the hair tuft), also known as “choulam” or “mundan” (literally, tonsure) is the ceremony of cutting child's hair for first time. In the child's third or fifth year, the head is shaved, leaving behind a small tuft of hair.

After cutting the hair they are either mixed with cow dung and buried in Goshala (place where cows and buffaloes are kept) or are thrown in flowing water as such hair are prone to Abhichara-black magic by any person with ill-will. In the center of the head a small and long tuft is left which is called differently in different parts of India but in Sanskrit it is called “Shikha”. Since central part of the head is weak and any small hit can be fatal the practice of “Shikha”, thus hold a scientific reasoning.

Time:  Preferably in 3^rd or 5^th year but it can be performed in the 7^th year as well with Upanayanam Samskara, even years such as 2^nd 4^th 6^th to be avoided in any case. Ceremony should be avoided for eldest son or daughter when the Sun is in Taurus or if mother is having pregnancy of more than 5 months. Solar months of Makara, Kumbha, Mesha, Vrishabh and Mithuna are auspicious.

Nakshatras: All moveable nakshatras (Swathi, Punarvasu, Shravana, Dhanishta and Shatbhisha) all short nakshatras (Hasta, Ashwini, Pushya), Mrigashira, Revathi, Chitra and Jyestha are auspicious.

Tithis: 2/3/5/7/10/11/13 is auspicious

Days; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are considered good.

Lagna: Avoid Lagna of Janma rashi and 8^th rashi from Janma rashi. Accept lagnas with benefics in Kendra/Kona and malefics in 3,6,11 and no planet in 8^th house.

Chandra and Tara Bala; should be proper.

(9)    *Karan Vedha (Ear boring)*:

This samskara is performed to facilitate wearing of an ornament it also prevents the child from intestine related diseases and swelling of testicles.

Time: either on 10^th 12^th or 16^th day or in 6^th 7^th or 8^th or in odd years such as 3^rd or 5^th from child birth.

Nakshatras: All friendly and all short nakshatras and Shravana, Dhanishta, Punarvasu are considered good.

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are good

Tithis: all tithis except Rikta tithis and Amavasya.

To be avoided: Khara-Masa (Sun in 9/12 rashis), Kshaya tithi, harishayana (from Ashada Shukla 11 to Kartika Shukla 11), Janma masa (lunar month of birth), Janma Tara and even years (2^nd 4^th etc.) should be avoided.

Lagna; Lagna should have benefics in Kendra/Trikona and 3^rd and 11^th houses, malefics in 3/6/11 with 8^th house unoccupied. The Lagna sign should belong to Jupiter or Venus (2/7/9/12 rashi) with Jupiter in Lagna.

Chander and Tara Bala; should be proper.

FOR MALE child right ear first and for female left ear first to be pierced.

(10)*Vidyarambha or Akshararambha ( introducing the child to alphabets)*

‘*Akshara*’ literally means one not liable to depletion or depreciation and as such becomes a medium through which if knowledge is transferred it becomes immortal. We perform this important Samskara to introduce the child to these Aksharas.

After worshipping Lord Ganesha, Guru, Saraswati and Family Deity the child is introduced to Alphabets. The Guru sits facing the east and the child sits facing the west. Ultimately Guru is presented with clothes ornaments and such other articles and he blesses the child.

Time: Akshararambha can be done in 5^th year and in Uttarayana.

Nakshatras: All short nakshatras, Swathi , Punarvasu, Shravana, Revathi , Chitra, Anuradha and Jyestha are considered auspicious.

Tithis: 2/3/5/6/10/11/12 is good

Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Lagnas: Lagnas of 2/3/6/9/12 rashis (lagnas of benefics leaving moveable rashis) with benefics strongly placed in 7^th or 10^th house and 8^th house unoccupied by any planet.

Chandra and Tara Bala: proper.

(11)Upanayanam

It is also called as Yagyopavita Samskara, as the bachelor is given Gayatri Updesha- an auspicious mantra- by the Preceptor/Acharya/Guru who teaches the bachelor about Vedas and also the behavioural code of conduct and disciplines of Bhramacharya - Ashram (bachelorhood).

After the ceremony bachelor is called as Dwija or reborn. He is said to have evolved and reborn from the womb of knowledge of Acharya as a responsible and disciplined member of the society. After this Samskara a person wears a sacred thread made of 6 strands each having a representation of (a) Pitri Rina (Debt of parents); (b) Rashi Rina (debt of those who gave him knowledge);(3) Deva Rina (debt of God) and other three threads represent Pravaras relating to a particular Kula or family. This Samskara initiates the child into new phase of life of Student.

Time: Counting the age from birth or conception it is suggested in the 5^th or 8^th year for Brahmin with maximum age limit 16 years; 6^th or 11^th year for Kshatriyas with maximum age limit of 22 years; 8^th or 12^th year for Vaishya, with maximum age limit of 24 years.

Solar Months: Good solar months are: when Sun is in Uttarayana-from Capricorn to Gemini sign-

Avoid Ashada Shukla 11 to Kartika Shukla 11; Ashada Shukla 10 to Jyestha Shukla 2; Pausa Shukla 11; Magha Shukla 12; Sankranthi day; Rikta and Galgraha tithis; Roga Baana(Panchaka) i.e. Sun in8,17,26^th degree.

Upanayanam for eldest Son should not be done on when Sun is in Taurus; whereas Sun in Gemini is good for Kshatriyas and Vaishya. Solar month of Chaitra is very auspicious for Upanayanam.

Days: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (avoid Wednesday if Mercury is combust.

Part of the day: Divide the day in 3 parts and Upanayanam should be done in the first part and its inauspicious in the 3^rd part of the day.

Tithis: 2/3/5/10/11/12 tithis of bright half (Shukla paksha) and 2/3/5 tithis of dark half are considered auspicious.

Anadhyaya tithis be rejected. These are the 10^th tithi of the Shukla paksha of the months Jyestha, 11^th of Pausa, 12th of Magha, Jyestha Shukla 2^nd and Sankranthi day. All Rikta tithis( 4,9,14) and Galgraha tithis(13,14,15,30,1,4,7,8,9) are avoided.

Nakshatras: All fixed nakshatras (3 Uttaras and Rohini); all friendly Nakshatras ( Mriga, Revathi, Chitra, Anuradha); all short nakshatras ( Hasta, Ashwini, Pushya and Abhijit) and all moveable Nakshatras( Swati, Punarvasu, Dhanishta, Shravana, Shatbhisha) are considered auspicious. All 3 Poorvas, Moola and Punarvasu is inauspicious for Brahmins.

For Rigvedis: auspicious nakshatras are: Mriga, Aridra, Ashlesha, Hasta, Chitra, Swathi, Moola, and all 3 Poorvas

For YajurVedis: auspicious nakshatras are: Revathi, hasta, Anuradha, Mriga, Punarvasu, Pushya, All three Uttaras and Rohini.

For SaamVedis: Auspicious nakshatras are Ashwini, Dhanishta, Pushya, Hasta, Shravana and all 3 Uttaras.

For AtharvaVedis: auspicious nakshatras are Mriga, Revathi, Hasta, Ashwini, Pushya, Anuradha, Dhanishta and Punarvasu.

Muhurtha Kundli:

For Upanayanam:

·         Benefics posited in Kendra/trikona and malefics posited in 3/6/11 are considered good.

·         Avoid Jupiter, Venus, Moon and Lagna Lord in 6^th or 8^th house.

·         Avoid Venus and Moon in 12^th and avoid Malefics in 5^th or 8^th house.

·         Full Moon exalted or in own house is auspicious for Lagna

·         Upanayanam Lagna and Moon should be in the Navamsha of Mercury, Jupiter or Venus.

·         Moon in own Navamsha considered bad unless it is placed in the 4^th quarter of Shravana or Punarvasu Nakshatra.

·         Venus Moon and Jupiter should not be conjoined with malefics.

·         Jupiter should be strong in exaltation, own sign, friend’s sign and strength in Navamsha should also be worked out. If Jupiter is strong in Ashtavarga then it will remove many a weaknesses.

·         From natal Moon, if Jupiter placed in 2/5/7/9/11 it is strong and 4/8/12 houses is considered weak.

·         Solar Chaitra (Sun in Pisces) and Janma Nakshatra is considered auspicious for Upanayanam.

·         Additional Considerations:

·         Importance of Varna Swami and Shakha Swami

Varna Swamis are:  Jupiter and Venus for Brahmins, Sun and Mars for Kshatriyas; Moon for Vaishya; Mercury for Shudra and Saturn for out-casts.

Days and Lagnas belonging to Varna Swamis are good.

Strength of Varna Swami should be ensured. For e.g. Brahmins-Thursday and Friday; Lagnas of 2/7/9/12 rashis are good as these belong to Varna Swamis; strength of Jupiter and Venus at the time of Upanayana is necessary.

Shakha Swamis are: For Rigvedis-Jupiter; For YajurVedis - Venus; For SaamVedis-Mars and for AtharvaVedis-Mercury.

Strong “Shakha Swami”; Day of “Shakha Swami”; and Lagna of “Shakha Swami” are considered auspicious for Upanayanam.

Shakha Swamis should be strong in transit, for e.g. YajurVedis strong Venus in transit, Friday and Lagna of 2/7 are good.

(12)Vedharambha( Starting to learn Vedas):

This Samskara is performed when a person starts learning Vedas. It can be performed with Upanayanam or separately. If started with Upanayanam then no Muhurtha is required, or else following considerations are to be observed.

Nakshatras: All Fixed, moveable, short and friendly with Aridra are auspicious.

Moreover for learning specific Veda the nakshatras recommended of that specific Vedic branch or ‘Shakha’ are considered auspicious.

Tithis: 2/3/5/6/10/11/12 tithis

Days: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Lagna: Lagna should have benefics in Kendras and Trikonas and malefics in 3/6/11 and 8^th house vacant or unoccupied.

Chandra Bala and Tara Bala: shuddhi to be done.

(13)Keshanta( First shaving):

This samskara is also called Godaana (donating a cow). This samskara is usually done at the age of 16 years indicating the entry into adulthood. After shaving the hair are disposed off in the same manner as it is done at the time of Chudakarna samskara (either buried in Goshala or thrown in river). On this occasion a cow is also donated to the Guru.

This samskara can be performed in the same nakshatras and tithis, lagnas as recommended for Chudakarna samskara.

(14)Samavartana( returning home after completion of education):

Samavartana means return of student to his home from ‘Guru Kula’ (Guru’s place) after completion of education. This Samskara is indicative of completion of education and bachelorhood and serves as ‘No-objection certificate’ for marriage. In this samskara the student after taking bath and giving ‘Guru-Dakshina’ is introduced to all materialistic articles, and all the symbols of Bhramacharya (bachelorhood) are disposed off in water.

Nowadays Samavartana and Vedharambha are losing their importance and if at all they are performed it is basically to pay respect to rituals and rarely are they followed in strictly.

Other Samskaras

(15)Marriage:  We all know how important this samskara is in the life of a human being it is considered as a form of ‘Yagna’ that has to be performed by an adult not only, to fulfill his sexual needs but as an important ‘Dharma’ towards fulfillment of one’s Pitri Rina (Debt of parents and forefathers) by giving birth to progeny who would progress the clan for the betterment of fellow beings and uplifting the society at large. It is a natural human progression and an act or ‘karma’ to be performed for satisfaction of ‘kaama’ and ‘Moksha’ as in our society there is nothing like achievement of better and healthier, intelligent, responsible progeny who would carry a newer healthier society forward for the betterment of fellow human beings.

Types of marriages:

As per Hindu ‘Dharma Shastras’- eight kinds of marriages are given as under:

(a)    Paishacha: Fraudulent rape of a girl while she’s asleep or unconscious. Condemned marriage.

(b)   Rakshasa: Forced or willful kidnap of a girl to marry-usually against the wishes of relatives or at times of the girl- is called Rakshasa marriage.

(c)    Gandharva:  Love marriage as we call it today. Since major reason of this marriage is physical attraction it is also considered bad marriage as it may not last long and also creates and propagates ill will, amongst the relations of both sides. It has all changed today, in practice in western world this is most popular form of marriage and slowly getting deeper and deeper into our society as well.

(d)   Aashura:  In this marriage a sum or consideration is paid to the Girl’s parents. It is akin to selling the girl for monetary gains. It is said a Parent who sells daughter for marriage destroys all the ‘Punyas’ of past 7 lives and future 7 lives in one simple act.

(e)   Prajapatya:  In this marriage male approaches girl’s father and expresses his wish to get in a time bound agreement with his daughter for giving birth to children and for bringing them up so as to pay their debts towards ‘Prajapati’(Lord of creation).

(f)     Arsha: Female’s father after receiving one or two cow donations from male permits a marriage with his daughter. Such marriage is called ‘Arsha’. Cows are used as donations for the Yagna.

(g)    Daiva: In this marriage father donates his girl to the Purohita who has performed Yagna for him. Though not popular it is a form of Dakshina to the purohita.

Brahma: it is pure ‘Kanya Dana” wherein father invites the bridegroom to his place in the presence of both relatives and performs a Yagna wherein the daughter is handed over to the bridegroom without any other monetary considerations. It is willful marriage or ‘arranged’ marriage as we call today.

Qualification of Bride as per Dharma Shastras:

                     Good looking, balanced body, soft speech, freedom from physical defects, sweet and sober name, virginity, competent to be Mother, should be younger than the bridegroom and belong to a good family.

Disqualifications of a Bride:

                     A girl having brown hair, excessive body parts, excessive hair on the body, yellow eyes and suffering from disease is not considered auspicious. Female having hard voice, speaking in insulting tone, with disproportionate and defective limbs, excessively tall or short should be avoided.

Girl should not be from same Gotra or different caste or without brothers. Girl having her name similar to mountain, river, constellation, bird snake or servant or ferocious name should not be chosen for the marriage.

Well all this has changed and we need to make judgment as per “des” “kaal” “paatra”.

Qualifications of a Bridegroom:

                         Bachelor has completed his education, with Upanayanam and Samavartana Samskaras performed, of a marriageable age, intelligent, wealthy, and handsome and of good character. He should be potent and belong to a good family.

Disqualifications of Bridegroom:

                        A boy from same Gotra and different caste, weak, impotent, suffering from epilepsy, paralysis, leprosy, weak eyesight, impaired hearing is not good.

(a)    Cremation:

Cremations are of 2 types:

(a)    When dead body is available

There is no Muhurtha for cremation except that if it falls on Nakshatra Panchaka (i.e. in 2^nd half of Dhanishta, Shatbhisha, Poorva Bhadrapad, Uttara Bhadrapad and Revathi) proper Panchaka Shanti must be done. Panchaka shanti is done by donating 5 gems or Pancha ratna to a Brahmin or to have 5 symbolic cremations.

(b)   When dead body is unavailable:

When the information is received during “Sootaka” (Impurity): Sootaka is said to last 10-16 days depending upon society area and family traditions. If the information is received during this period “Putala-Daha” can be done anytime except in Panchaka nakshatra.

When the information is received within one year but after “Sootaka” following selection method of Muhurtha is to be observed.

Nakshatras: Shravana, Hasta, Swathi. Ashwini and Pushyami are the best.

Medium category for Puttala Daha: All Uttaras, Rohini, Anuradha, Poorva Phalguni, Punarvasu, Visakha, Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta

Days: Sunday, Monday, Thursday.

To be avoided:

·         Avoid Bhadra, Avoid Janma and Pratyak Tara of the person doing cremation  ( i.e. 1^st 5^th 10^th 14^th 19^th 23^rd nakshatra from Janma Nakshatra)

·         Avoid Moon placed in 4/8/12 houses from natal Moon of the person performing cremation.

·         Avoid Friday, Tuesday , Saturday

·         Tithis 1/6/11/13/14

·         Tripushkara yogas

·         Adhika masa, Kshaya masa,

·         parigha, Vyatipata , Vaidruthi yogas

·         Combustion of Jupiter and Venus and Shukla paksha.

·         All aggressive nakshatras (Poorvas, Bharani and Magha), all ferocious nakshatras (Moola, Jyestha, Aridra and Ashlesha) and Revathi to be avoided.

When Information of death is received after one year:

All variables as mentioned above and Puttala-Daha are to be performed in Uttarayana.