Samskaras Edition
Sixteen samskaras celebrate the sacred milestones of a life, from the womb to the final farewell, each with a story to go with it.
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6 min 2 secPreview
Video:What are samskaras?
Our ancestors turned life’s sixteen big milestones into celebrations, the samskaras. Each one comes with its ritual, its meaning and a story of a child from the scriptures.
Locked14 min 7 secVideo:Garbhadhana: Inviting a soul
Parents-to-be send the universe a cosmic RSVP, inviting a tiny soul into the family with love and a strong sankalpa. And one queen waited her turn for the payasam.
Locked10 min 46 secVideo:Pumsavana: Blessing the foetus
The family showers the growing foetus with prayers, herbs and love, wishing it strength and sparkle. And one baby, still in the womb, once got a divine bodyguard!
Locked13 min 55 secVideo:Seemantonnayana: The baby responds
The family celebrates the mother-to-be with veena music, bangles and blessings, while the baby sways along in the tummy. And one baby stayed in the womb for twelve whole years!
Locked13 min 27 secVideo:Jatakarma: That magical moment
A newborn arrives to hugs, whispers and a touch of honey, and moves from dependence to independence in one magical moment. And a Ramayana secret keeps mothers safe in labour.
Locked9 min 42 secVideo:Namakarana: Giving the baby an identity
The baby receives a forever name, full of meaning and love, whispered three times into its ear. And one baby, named in a cowshed, got 1,008 names!
Locked14 min 47 secVideo:Nishkramana: Baby meets world
The baby goes on a first outing, a gentle hello to sunshine, breezes and the big world, with sun prayers and a temple visit. And one baby marched out at six days old!
Locked17 min 46 secVideo:Annaprashana: First tasty bite
The baby takes a first bite of real food, a little spoon of sweet kheer with a big blessing for a healthy, happy life. And one boy fed God so lovingly that the plate came back clean.
Locked14 min 35 secVideo:Chudakarana: Clean slate cut
The baby gets a first haircut for a fresh start and a bright mind, a symbolic snip that clears past impressions. And one man swore to leave his shikha untied until a king fell.
LockedVideo:Karnavedha: Ears for wisdom
Locked9 min 43 secVideo:Vidyarambha: Learning begins now
Little hands trace their first letters, ABCs, Om and everything in between, as the child steps into Education Land. Every scientist, lawyer and dancer starts right here!
Locked15 min 31 secVideo:Upanayanam: Thread of wisdom
The child receives a sacred thread and a sacred mantra, and steps onto the student’s path as a seeker. The ceremony is half a wedding and full of wisdom!
Locked11 min 6 secVideo:Vedarambha: Enjoying education
The student begins formal learning, with discipline, seva and lots of questions, from sweeping floors to studying verses. And four students of Adi Shankaracharya learnt a giant lesson.
Locked16 min 56 secVideo:Keshanta or Ritu Kala: Coming-of-age glow
Boys and girls step into responsibility with grace, and the family celebrates growth, maturity and fertility. In East India, even the Earth gets a four-day rest!
Locked15 min 6 secVideo:Samavartana: The original graduation ceremony
A student finishes their studies and returns home, ready for life, dharma and new adventures. It is ancient India’s graduation, wisdom cap included!
Locked16 min 23 secVideo:Vivaha: Love-filled vow
Two people and two families join on one journey, with fire, vows and joy. And one girl tried on the temple garlands before they went to Krishna!
Locked23 min 30 secVideo:Antyeshti: Returning to the elements
The family gently returns a loved one’s body to the five elements, and the soul moves on. And a brave boy once asked Yama what happens after death.