Every individual in any religion will want to understand and perform the Rites of Passage. This is a list of specific ceremonies, starting from marriage to funeral, which mark the various stages of life. Performing specific mantras and ceremonies at these stages in life will purify us.
The 16 Rites of Passage
| Rite of Passage | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Vivaha | Marriage |
| Garbhadhan | Planting the Seed |
| Punsavan | Quickening the fetus |
| Simantonayan | Celebrating the Pregnancy |
| Jatakarma | Birth Ceremony |
| Namakaran | Naming the child |
| Annaprashan | First solid food |
| Churakaran | First haircut |
| Upanayan | Investiture of sacred thread |
| Kumari Puja | Worship of the Goddess of Purity |
| Vedarambha | Commencement of studies |
| Ritu Sanskara | Young woman’s first menstruation |
| Samavarttan | Graduation |
| Shala Karma | Entering a new house |
| Antyeshthi | Funeral Rites |