Sacraments – Samskaras
By Sri V.A.K. Ayer
There are sixteen main Sacraments (Samskaras).
These range from conception to funeral ceremonies.
- Garbhadhan
(Sacrament of Impregnation)
- Punsavanam
(second or third month of pregnancy)
- Simantonnayana
(between the fifth and eighth month of pregnancy)
- Jatakarma
(At the time when the child is being born)
- Namakarana
(Naming the child)
- Niskramana
(Child is brought out of house.3rd and 4th month)
- Annaprashana
(The first feeding of cereal at six months)
- Chudakarma
(First time cutting of hair, 1st year or 3rd year)
- Karnavedha
(Piercing the ears in the third or fifth year)
- Upanayana
(Investiture of Sacred Thread) From 8th year
- Samavartana
(When studies are completed)
- Vivaha
Samskara (Marriage ceremony)
- Grihasthashrama
(Sacraments relating to house-holders.)
- Vanprasthashrama
(Renouncing the house-holder's life)
- Sanyasashrama.
(Leading the life of a monk)
- Antyeshti
(Funeral: last rites of the dead)
Objects
Samskaras (Sacraments) are rituals and sacrifices.
By virtue of their performances the life of the performer receives a higher
sanctity. Samskaras cover the entire life of a Hindu from the moment he is
conceived in the mother’s womb till his death- inclusive of his funeral
ceremonies and thereafter, for the smooth passage of his soul to another world.
Just as gold and diamonds that are dug out from the
ore need refining and polishing in order to shine in all their splendour, man
too needs these Samskaras or purificatory ceremonies in order to shine in his
best form physically, psychically and spiritually.
There are several objects of the Samskaras, as can
be seen from the Mantras and symbolism used in the ceremonies. These can be
broadly divided into two categories; to invoke beneficence from the kindly gods
and to keep away or remove hostile or evil powers that beset human life at
various stages.
Samskaras aim in the first instance at material
gain to the individual. During some ceremonies prayers are offered to gods for
health, wealth, children, intellect etc., which contribute to domestic and
social felicity. Samskaras mirror self-expression of joys and sorrows, hopes
and ambitions, which man exhibits in a dignified way when he celebrates these
functions with feasts, presents, decoration, music and also in funeral
ceremonies in an appropriate mood.
Samskaras also create an awareness of the
attainment of social status and privileges for the individual. The boy who is
given the sacred thread acquires the right to study the Vedas; the married man
gains the title to perform the Dharmas mentioned in the Vedas.
Samskaras bring about cultural gains. The ancient
lawgivers underscored the introduction of higher religion and sanctity in the
lives of those who undergo Samskaras. Some impurity is inherently attached to
the pre-natal stage of birth and Manu and Yajnavalkya see in the Samskara
ceremonies, the removal of those impurities, so that man’s body is made fit to
become a temple for God to reside. Samskaras are moulders of character.
Sage Angiras poetically refers to the development
of personality that the Samskaras endow on its adherents: "Just as a
picture is painted with various colours, so the character of the individual is
formed by the proper performance of the Samskaras."
Sage Gautama said that Samskaras along with the
eight Atma-gunas take one to Brahman (Supreme Self) or Moksha.
In short, the whole gamut of Samskaras is designed
to channel the entire energies of man towards the creation of a perfect secular
as well as spiritual life in himself in a manner that is not only ingenious but
essentially practical, dignified and compulsory in the interest of all-round
human welfare.
To quote Max Muller, the emphasis placed upon these
ceremonies by the ancients disclose "the deep-rooted tendency in the heart
of man to bring the chief events of human life into contact with a higher
power, and to give to our joys and sufferings a deeper significance and a
religious sanctification.
History and Sources
The earliest suggestion of Samskaras are found in
the Rig-Veda. Hymns now used in the rituals of marriage, conception and funeral
are to be found there, besides others that are generally recited during all
rituals.
In the Yajurv Veda we have references to the
tonsure ceremony. This is common to the Shrauta or Yaga ceremonies.
The Atharva Veda is a rich source of Mantras
relating to several of the Samskaras like marriage, funeral, initiation for
Vedic studies etc.
Coming down to the Brahmana period, Gopatha
Brahmana contains references to Upanayana or the thread-ceremony. The word
Brahmacharya is to be found in Sathapatha Brahmana.
Taittiriya Aranyaka contains Mantras for cremation.
Chandogya Upanishad relates how a Brahmacharin is
admitted to the Guru-Kula (boarding school).
Mention of Gayatri Mantra is made in Brahadaranyaka
and other Upanishads.
Taittiriya Upanishad contains the famous
convocation address. This Upanishad also contains Mantras used for begetting a
learned son and also relating to funeral ceremonies.
It is reasonable to conclude that Samskaras were
developed, amplified, codified and given an institutional bias in later years
with the development of civilisation, catering to the needs of the time for
giving stability to the community.
Sources
The rituals constituting the Brahmanas received
systematic treatment in what are called Kalpa-Sutras. These are exegetical
texts of the Vedas. The need for them arose because short manuals were required
by the priests as an aid for their daily performance. Among these texts, those
that deal with Vedic sacrifices are called Srauta-Sutras and those that deal
with domestic rituals are called Grihya-Sutras which, though not valuable as
pieces of literature, are yet valuable as "Folk-lore" journals of
ancient India.
They portray an accurate picture of the social lie, popular customs and usage
of ancient India.
Some important Grihya Sutras are listed below:
1.Apastamba 2. Aswalayana 3.Baudhayana 4.Bharadwaja
5.Gobhila 6.Hiranyakesia 7. Jaimineeya 8.Khadira 9.Manava 10.Paraskara
11.Sankhayana 12.Varaha Grihya Sutras.
There is another class of texts called Dharma
Sutras that are an extension of the Grihya Sutras. These texts deal mainly with
secular and religious laws relating to the Ashramas.
These are again supplemented by what are called
Parisishtas or addenda. The Commentaries of which 25 are known; Prayogas, of
which 24 are known. There are also a dozen Karikas or specialised treatises on
individual Samskaras.
In addition to these are Apta-vakyas or the words
of the saints and the wise who observe and follow Sanatan Dharma (Vedic
religion).They have the sanctity of Smritis in cases of doubt.
These, then, are the real sources of information
about the Samskaras. It can easily be seen from the number of works on the
subject, how important the ancients considered the Samskaras.
Sixteen Main Sacraments
Pre-Natal Samskaras
1.Garbhadhana
We can call it the conception ceremony. There are
certain Do’s and Don’ts during the ‘Ritu’ period of the woman, which are of
great psychological significance. The propitious day and time are fixed
astrologically for Garbhadhana and the ritual follows a set pattern. The Mantras
uttered in this Samskaras are essentially prayers offered to God to help the
bride conceive a good son. The Mantras make use of occasional metaphors of
joint action. They can be freely translated thus:
"May we produce strong and long-lived sons as
fire is produced by friction; may he be well behaved. I am part of God and I
shall produce good sons to liberate my ancestors. May we beget shining, wealthy
children. May we donate liberally to the needy and attain moksha. May God make
you fit for conception. Let the evil spirit flee from you. Let your child be
free from defects like lameness, deafness etc. Be you like the divine Kamadhenu
etc."
Procreation is a compulsory duty enjoined on the
Hindu to repay his ancestral debt, except when either or both the partners are
functionally unfit.
2. Punsavanam
This ceremony is performed in the second, third and
the fourth month of pregnancy. The meaning and object of this ceremony is to
"quicken a male child" in the woman. The Punsavana is performed on a
day of male Nakshatra. During this ritual, a few drops of the juice of the
Banyan stem are put into the right nostril of the pregnant lady to inhale it,
with a prayer for the birth of a son or a worthy child. According to Susruta,
the great Ayurvedic writer, the juice of the Banyan tree has all the properties
of relieving trouble during pregnancy.
Sanctified thread is tied to the left wrist of the
lady by way of protection. The mantras, freely rendered, pray: ""May
God Isana fulfil our wishes; Dhata bless the world with children and wealth.
May He bless this household too with children. May the immortals live in this
house. May Agni bless me with sons. May Indra bless me with children. May I
have handsome children."
[Note: The following explanations are from the
writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
Placing his hand on the womb of his pregnant wife
the husband should pronounce the following Mantra from the Yajurveda, the
meaning of which is given below:
"O soul in the womb! May you have the
swiftness of nice-winged swift bird, may there arise in your head the trio of
action, contemplation and learning. Gayatri be your eye. Brihat and Rathantara
like your sides. Rtgveda your soul, metres your limbs. The hymns of Yajuh are
your name. The Vamadevya is your body. The deeds worth doing and shunning are
your hind part. The yajnas are like your hooves, the feet. You are a noble
soul, the master of noble qualities. Acquire knowledge and attain to happiness
in life and beyond."
After this the pregnant lady should live in a
disciplined way and lead a life with proper (restricted) diet and confined
movements. She should eat a small quantity of the cocculus cordiclius (giloy)
Brahmi herb, and dry ginger (Soonth) with milk. She should avoid too much
sleep, avoid too much talking, avoid saltish food preparations, avoid sour,
pungent, bitter things and avoid purgatives like Termunallia Chebula
(Haritaki). She should avoid anger, aversion, greed etc and should always keep
her mind joyful and happy. She should lead a life of good conduct.
3.Simantonnayana
The third in the series of pre-natal Samskaras,
this is performed during the period between the fifth and the eighth months of
pregnancy. The specific materials used during this Samskara, that are for the
lady only, are, the quill of a porcupine, an ear of ripe paddy and some
Udumbara leaves. The deity invoked is Rika, the presiding deity of the full-moon.
Their implications are: that the pregnancy should be fruitful; the child should
be endowed with sharp and penetrating intellect (like the sharp quill of the
porcupine). The child should be beautiful like the full-moon. The gist of the
Mantra is: "I beseech the goddess Raka. May she make this ceremony
blameless. May my son be endowed with sharp intellect."
Music, especially on the veena, is indicated to be
played on this occasion. This increases the mother’s suckling power besides
conferring other psychological benefits. Ladies are asked to sing: "Be a
mother of heroic sons" thus creating a heroic atmosphere. The mother fasts
and keeps silent after the ceremony till night time when the stars become
visible. At the close of the ceremony she touches a male calf, symbolising a
son.
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
"I, the husband, call my wife who is as
beautiful as the full moon in the night and is possessed of good words of
praise for me, I call her to participate in all the functions of the prayers.
Let her, the lady of good fortunes, listen to my words and understand them with
her spirit. May she perform the functions of progeny in such a good way as she
sews the clothes etc. with the needle that does not pierce the fingers when
sewing. May she give me a brave son. Whatever is uttered herein is true. The
oblation offered is meant for Raka and it is not me."
"O full-moon like beautiful lady, and who is
munificent nature, come to me with heart full of joy, and with wealth of
praiseworthy advice regarding various physical and spiritual wealth. O lucky
one, come to me giving a thousand kinds of fortunes. Whatever is uttered herein
is true. The oblation offered is meant for Raka and it is not for me."
"My husband who is potentially vigorous has
established the embryo of life in me, who is desirous of a son or vigorous
child. May husband be free from all evils and accompany me with noble
son."
Post-Natal Samskaras
4. Jatakarma
The persons concerned sprinkle water on the
woman that is giving birth to a child.
This is the authority from Paraskar Grihya Sutra
and thus the same has been written in the Ashvalayana, Gobhiliya and Shaunakiya
Grihya Sutra.
At the time when delivery is going to take place,
the sprinkling of water on the body of the pregnant woman should be done with
the Mantras from the Yajurveda and from other sources.
The ceremony proper should be performed (unless
prevented by death in close family circles) before the umbilical cord of the
child is severed. The father looks at the face of the newly born infant and
this at once redeems his debt to his ancestors. Thereafter he must immediately
bathe in cold water with his clothes on. Actually, he must jump into a river or
a lake so as to cause the splashing waters to rise in the air as high as a palm
tree. He is then enjoined to perform dana, dharma etc. (charity and other good
deeds) as the merits earned by him at that time are of immense benefit.
The father then touches the tongue of the infant
with a drop of honey touched by a gold ring, uttering Mantras. This action
endows the child with Medha or intelligence. Susruta praises honey’s properties
in this respect.
A name is also given to the child, in secret, lest
his enemies should practice black magic on the child with that name. Then the
father utters a prayer for long life in the ear of the infant. Other Brahmins
(priests) too bless the child with long life by breathing the breath of life
upon the infant. The father prays to Mother Earth "May we live a hundred
years." By another hymn that says: "Be a stone; be an axe (unto
enemies); be the imperishable gold." The father prays that the child be
endowed with strength, valour and fame.
After severing the umbilical cord, the child is
handed over to the mother to suckle when the husband prays to the water-god to
protect the mother too.
[Note: The following abridged explanations (greatly
abridged extracts selected at random) are from the writings of Swami Dayananda
Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The translation is by Acharya
Vaidyanath Shastri].
After offering oblations with Mantras the husband
should sing Vamadevaya-gana given at the end of Samanyaprakarana. There after
the father of the child should write AUM syllable on the tongue of the child
with the pre-prepared golden bar dipped in ghee (clarified butter) and honey
mixed properly. Doing so he should whisper ‘VEDOASITI’(your confidential name
is Veda) in the right ear of the child and then, with the bar of the gold make
the child lick a little of the mixed ghee and honey with the following Mantras:
"O child, for you I give this ghee and honey
has been produced by God who is the producer of all the wealth of the world.
May you be preserved and be protected by learned men and your parents. May you
attain long life and live in this world for hundred autumns."
"I establish in you the idea of God who is the
giver of life. I establish in you, O child, the idea of God who is all
beatitude. I establish in you, O child, the idea of God who is the source of
all movements. I establish in you the idea of God who is the life of all, all
beatitude and the source of all movements."
"May we attain Divinity, who is the Master of
all the assembled masses of the world, who is wondrous and eternal, who is
desired and attainable by individual souls and also the wisdom of
discrimination."
After giving ghee and honey six times to the child
to lick with these above listed Mantras, rice and barley in a very meager
quantity should be cleaned and crushed and mixed with water. The liquid thus
prepared be strained through a piece of cloth and be kept in a pot. The father
of the child or a person concerned place a drop of this liquid in the mouth of
the child using the thumb and the last finger taken together, pronouncing the
following Mantra:
"This is ghee. This is grain or cereal. This
is for life and this is immortality or the nectar of eatables."
[Note: This is the opinion of only Gobhiliya
Grihya-Sutra and not of any other authorities]
Thereafter the father of the child should whisper
in the right ear of the child the following Mantras:
"O child, may God, the creator of all bless
you with firm wisdom. May Saraswati (the goddess of learning), the all knowing
goddess bless you with firm wisdom. May the sun and the moon, stationed in
space, be the source of firm wisdom for you."
"The fire is the source of life, it gains this
power from the wood-fuel. May you attain long life, O child, with that life
giving fire."
"Soma, the moon is the source of life.
Knowledge and wisdom is the source of life. It gains this power with the
Brahmanas, the knower of the Vedas. The enlightened persons are the source of
long life. They gain this power through immortality. He seers (Rishis),
possessing penetrative genius, are the source of life. They gain this power by
austerity and discipline. The parents, grand-parents etc. are the source of
life. They gain this power from grains, cereals and other foods. The Yajna is
the source of life. It gains this power through qualified ways of performance.
The ocean is the source of life. It gains this power from the rivers. With that
life of moon, with that life of knowledge and wisdom, with that life of the
learned persons, with that life of the seers, with that life of parents and
grand-parents, with that life of yajna, with that life of ocean, O child, may
you attain long life, knowledge and wisdom."
These Mantras should again be recites in the left
ear of the child.
Thereafter, the father of the child, placing his
hand very gently upon the shoulders of the child, should recite more Mantras.
Of these one only is reproduced below:
"O child, may you become firm and strong like
a rock. May you become like an axe to destroy injustice, may you become as
bright as gold with knowledge and action. O child, you are my soul and spirit.
May you not be subjected to an immature death. May you live a hundred
autumns."
Some interesting pre-natal
directions
found in early texts on the subject
By V.A.K Ayer
A month before the expected date of delivery, a
maternity room (Sutika-griha) is selected on an auspicious day. The room should
be in the south-west corner of the house; the ground should be even. The
would-be mother enters the room a couple of days before the expected date,
after worshipping the elders, family deities and accompanied by auspicious
sounds like ringing of bells or music and also accompanied by experienced and
pleasant mothers.
They cheer and otherwise prepare the lady for safe
delivery by means of approved diet, ointments etc. The room is made
comparatively dark, because it is said, the sunlight will be too bright for the
new-born babe and for ensuring for it a black retina. When the time arrives,
the would be mother is made to lie on her back. Mantras are chanted outside to
ward off evil spirits. An elderly person at home unties several knots of a rope
suggesting the loosening of muscles tying the child in the womb. The Turyanti
leaves are placed near the lady to ward off evil forces and also to expedite
delivery. If the delivery is difficult, the verse from the Atharva Veda meant
for it, is chanted. On safe delivery a small fire called Sutika-fire is lighted
in the room to purify and protect the child and its mother. Mustard seeds and
grains are thrown into the fire to counteract evil forces and evil eyes.
5.Namakarana
Samskara (Naming the child)
This is a simple ceremony in which the child is
given a name. According to Asvalayana, the names of boys should have an even
number of syllables. A two-syllable name will bring material prosperity and
fame and a four syllable name will bring religious fame.
The names of girls should have an odd number of
syllables and end in "I" or "aa". They should be easy to
pronounce, pleasing to the ear and auspicious. They should not suggest awkward
suggestions. By traditions, names are chosen after the Nakshatras of birth
(letters are allocated to the signs of the zodiac). Some people name their
children after the ancestors.
The practice of naming children after favourite
deities began from the Puranic times. The rise of the Bhakti (devotion)
movement made this practice generally popular. By naming children after gods,
we are deemed to gain several opportunities for uttering God’s name whenever we
call the child.
The Namakarana Samskar is performed, normally on
the tenth or twelfth day after birth. If there are inconveniences then it is
taken to the end of the first year.
After preliminaries, the parents give the offerings
to gods and feel the breath of the child symbolising the awakening of its
consciousness and utters in its ear three times: "Your name is …..".
The Brahmins and elders are asked to follow, calling the child by that name and
blessing it.
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
The parents, Acharya (teacher) etc. give name to
the child. It is written in the Gobhiliya 2/8/8-18 and the Shaunaka Grihya
Sutra that a meritoriously attractive and pleasant name should be given to the
child.
The name should be given to the child on the 11th
day leaving 10 days from the day of birth of the child or on 101st
day or on the very day of the birth of the child in the beginning of the second
year.
On the day fixed for giving name to the child, the
Yajaman (the father of the child) and the priests of the yajna invite the
guests present and commence the ceremony.
After reciting prayers as prescribed in 8 Mantras
from Samanya Prakarana, Svastivachana, Shantikarana, and the complete procedure
of Samanya Prakarana, four oblations of Aghavarajyabhagahuti; four Vyahriti
oblations; eight oblations with eight Mantras beginning with ‘Tvanno Agne’ from
the Samanya prakarana, should be offered.
Thereafter, the mother of the child, bathing the
child with clean water, dressing the child with nice clean clothes, coming near
the Yajnakunda (sacred fire), passing behind the father of the child, stands on
the right side of him (child’s father) keeping the head of the child in the
north direction. She then places the child into the hands of the child’s father
and she herself returns from the back side of her husband (the child’s father).
She should take her seat in the north side keeping her face in the east.
The father of the child, keeping the child’s head
in the north direction and feet in south direction, should give the child to
his wife (the mother of the child). They then follow the procedure that has
been mainly prescribed for Namakarana Samskara. A Yajna is performed. Filling
the spoon with ghee, the Yajaman (father of the child) should offer one
oblation (into the sacred fire) pronouncing this Mantra: "Om Prajapataye Swaha".
Thereafter, four oblations – one oblation with each
of the Tithi, Nakshatra, Tithi Devata and Nakshatra-Devta should be offered.
These Tithis and Nakshatras are the lunar dates and the stars under which the
birth of the child took place.
Thereafter, one oblation with the "Svishtakrit
Mantra" from the Samanya Prakarana and four Vyahriti oblations from
Samanya prakarana, and thus totaling five oblations in all should be offered.
Then the mother taking the child in her lap sits on
a nice seat and the father of the child feels the breaths being exhaled from
the nostrils of the child. He then utters a few mantras.
The following female names should be avoided.
Names after a constellation such as Rohini, Revati
etc. should be avoided.
Names of trees and plants such as Champa, Tulasi
etc.
Names of rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati etc.
Names formed on the basis of lowering merit like
Chandali
Names of mountains like Vindhyachal, Himalaya,
Names of birds like Kokila, Hansa etc
Names of snakes such as Sarpini, Nagin, etc
Names suggestive of menial servants or other
orderlies like Dasi, kinkakari etc.
Names that create an awe or fear like Bheema, Bhayankari, Chandika etc
The above types of names are prohibited names for
female children.
The scriptural authority for the above prohibitions
is taken from Manu Smriti 3/9. Which reads as follows:
"Let him not marry a maiden named after a
constellation, a tree, or a river, nor one bearing the name of a low caste, or
of a mountain, nor one named after a bird, a snake, or a slave, nor one whose
name inspires terror."
Distinguishing factors merit attention when giving
names. For example take the names –Dev or Jaydev. In the case of the child
possessing a promising tendency of becoming Brahmana, or the parents desiring
to make their child a Brahmana should give him the name such as Devsharma.
Similarly, in the case of Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra, the names be respectively
given to children as Devavarma, Devgupta, and Devdas etc..
If the child is female, the name should be of one
or three or five letters like Shree, Hrihi, Yashoda, Sukhada, Saubhagyaprada
etc.
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
The infant is taken out of the house into the climate
of fresh air and sunshine.
From the Gobhil Grihyasutra 2.8.1:
"Chaturthemaasi Nishkramanika.
Suryamudikshayati Tatchakshuriti.
Also
"Jananaadyastriteeyo jyoutsnastasya
Triteeyaayaam."
The time of Niskramana. Two dates are
mentioned.
The first date is the third lunar date of the third
full-moon fortnight from the birth date of the child.
The second date is the birth Tithi (date) of the
child in the fourth month from the date of birth.
The procedure:
In the morning, after sunrise, the infant is bathed
and dressed. The mother of the child brings the child in Yajnashala (place of
Sacred Fire Ceremony), approaching from the right side of her husband faces her
husband and gives the child into the hands of her husband, keeping the head of
the child in the north direction and the child’s face and chest facing upwards.
The mother then walks clockwise from behind her husband and takes her seat on
the left side of her husband keeping her face eastward.
The same ceremony and the same Mantras are used as
for Jatakarma Samskaras.
Thereafter the father of the child gives the child
to the mother, keeping the child’s head in the north direction and the feet in
the south direction. Keeping silence, the husband touches the head of his wife.
The child is then taken out in the sun with the following Mantra from the
Yajurveda. This Mantra is recited on behalf of the infant child.
"Om
Tatchakshurdevahitam Purustaatshukramuccharat. Pashyema Sharadah Shatam Jeevema
Sharadah Shatam Shrunuyaam Shradah Shatam Pra Bravaam Sharadha Shatamadeenaahaa
syaama Sharadah Shatam Bhooyashcha Sharadah Shataat."
O Benefactor of devotees! I concentrate on Thy pure
energy. Grant me perfect health. May my eyes, ears, tongue and the other organs
function in a strong and healthy way for a hundred years. May I not become
helpless and dependent during this time. Grant me a hundred years of joyous
life free from disease.
After exposing the child to the sun and fresh air,
the child is brought back into the Yajnashala where people bless the child with
the following sentence:
"Tvam Jeeva Sharadah Shatam
Vardhamaanah."
May you be endowed with health and strength and
live a life of hundred years.
Exposing the child to the moonlit night
In the night, the mother brings the child
approaching the husband from the right side, facing the husband gives the child
to her husband, keeping the child’s head in the north direction. The mother
then walks clockwise walking behind her husband stands on his left side facing
the moon. With a little water in her right hand palm a prayer is offered with
the following Mantra.
"Om
Yadadashchandramasi Krishnam Prithivyaa Hridayam Shritam
Tadaham VidvaaGvam Statpashyanmaaham Pautramagham
Rudam."
The water in the hand is then sprinkled to the
ground. The mother then walks anticlockwise from behind her husband and facing
him takes the child. Then again walking clockwise from behind her husband
stands to the left of her husband keeping the child’s head in the north
direction and feet in the south direction. This time the father of the child
takes a little water in his right hand palm and recites the same Mantra..Then
he sprinkles the water to the ground.
Thereafter both husband and wife, in a happy frame
of mind, take the child back into the house.
7. Annaprashana Smaskara
By V.A.K.Ayer
This is the ceremony for the first feeding of
cooked rice. The object of this ceremony is to pray to the gods with Vedic
Mantras to bless the child with good digestive powers, good thoughts and
talents. It is performed when the child is six months old which is the weaning
time. Susruta commends this weaning time as best for both the mother and the
child.
Offerings are made to the goddess of speech and
vigour. Prayers are offered so that the child’s senses have their full
gratification and live a happy and contented life. The father feeds a little of
the sweet food anointed with gold to the child with Mantras that say he feeds
the child with food that may ensure a healthy life to the child and prevent
ill-health.
Apart from the efficacy or otherwise of this
ceremony, its observance creates in all concerned an awareness of the
cumulative needs of the child at that age in a scientific and tender manner.
Its systematic observance therefore ensures the results expected especially
when fortified by Mantras.
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
The first feeding of cereal to the child.
When the child is six months old.
The authority for Annaprashana Samskar derives from
Ashvalayans Grihyasutra (1.16.1,4,5). Also the authority of Paraskar Grihya
Sutra.
The Annaprashana ceremony should be performed at
the time when the child gains strength to digest cereal and preparations made
from cereals. The first feeding of cereal commences with this ceremony. He who
desires his child to be brilliant and famous should feed cooked rice mixed with
ghee (clarified butter) or the rice mixed with honey, curd and ghee . The
samskar ceremony for the first feeding commences with prayer, followed by
Svastivachana, Shanitkarana and complete Samanya Prakarana. It is indicated
that this ceremony should be performed (when the child is six months old) on
the day on which the child was born.
The rice should be prepared thus: Rice is washed,
cleaned, cooked nicely and ghee in proper quantity is mixed in the rice when it
is in the cooking process. When this rice has been cooked properly and has become
cold, then it should be placed in Homasthali or the tray of Homa. From this
Homashali the rice is then given in small containers to the Yajman, to Purohita
and Ritvij (Priests), accompanied with chanting of Mantras.
The Yajmana (father of the child) then performs
Agnyadhan and Samidadhana. Offers four oblations of Aghavarajyabhagahuti and
four oblations of Vyahriti. Thereafter the oblation of the cooked rice that was
given to the Yajman and to the priests, should be offered with one Mantras from
the Rig Veda and one Mantra from the Yajur Veda.
Thereafter the Yajmana mixes small quantity of
curd, honey and ghee. Adds this to the rice that remained after the oblations.
This should be fed to the child in minute quantity according to the desire of
the child with the following Mantra from the Yajurveda:
"Om
Annapateannasya No Dehyanamivasya Shushminah/
Pra Pra Dataaram Taarisha Oorjvam No Dhehi Dwipade
Chatushpade
"O Lord of plenty (of food)! Vouchsafe us a
share of food that invigorates us, and brings no sickness. O Lord, thou art our
leader. Grant us nourishment (maintenance) both for bipeds and for
quadrupeds."
Thereafter the child is blessed by the mother and
father of the child and also by the priests, the elders and the guests. The
child is blessed with the sentence:
"Twam Annapatihi Annavo Vardhamano
Bhooyaaha" meaning
"O child, May you be endowed by God’s grace
with Anna (grains or food). May you grow in strength and may you live a long
life."
8. Chudakarma
First time cutting of hair, 1st year or 3rd year
By Sri V.A.K.Ayer
This ceremony of the first tonsure is to be
performed in the third year of the male child. . Also it initiates the
maintenance of a ‘Sikha’ (tuft of hair on the head) as a religious necessity
after that age. According to Susruta, a tuft of hair on the head protects a
vital part on the head.
Susruta and Charaka confirm that removing the hair,
excess nails etc., contribute to strength, vigour, longevity, purity and beauty
of the individual.
An auspicious day is selected for the ceremony. A
porcupine quill, Darbha grass, and a dummy razor are the specific materials
used by the father for symbolically cutting the child’s hair first. The gist of
the Mantra used in this particular ceremony is:
"May the child live long beyond a hundred
years. May his eye sight remain unimpaired. May he become prosperous and
wealthy so that he can feed (and cater to the needs of others) liberally. May
his digestion be perfect. Let him become a Varchasvi (prominent)."
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
From Ashvalayana Grihyasutra:
"Triteeye Varshe Chaulam. Uttaratoagne
Vreervihiyavamaashatilaanaam prithakpoorna Sharaavaani Nidadhaati."
From Paraskara Grihyasutra:
"Samvatsavarikasya Choodaakaranam."
Gobhiliya Grihyasutra 2.8.10.6 is also of the same
opinion.
This ceremony should be performed in the third year
or in the 1st year from the date of the child’s birth. The dates for
this ceremony should be chosen during the northern solstice and during the
bright fortnight of the moon’s phase.
The procedure:
A hairdresser (Barber) is invited to this ceremony.
Four earthenware pots are brought to the Yajnashala
(place of sacred fire Ceremony). They contain rice, barley, Mung and in the
fourth Sesumum (Til). These four pots are placed in the north side of the
Yajnavedi (Havan Kund).
A Havan Ceremony is performed.
Thereafter, addressing the hairdresser, the
following Mantra from the Atharvaveda is recited.
"Om
Aayamagantsavita kshurenoshnena vaaya Udakenehi.
Aadityaa Rudraa Vasava Undantu Sa Chetasah Somasya Ragno Vapata
Prachetasah."
This barber, who is competent and swift has come
with his razor (or a pair of scissors). Using lukewarm water, may the learned
man (barber) known as Rudra and Vasu make the hair wet with utmost care and
(thereafter) cut the hair like the king of Soma (as the Soma herbs are cut with
care).
The father of the child mixes hot and cold water
reciting the following Mantra.
"Om Ushnena Vaaya Udakenehi."
Let the hot water be mixed with cold water.
Thereafter, applying to the hair a mixture of the
lukewarm water and a little butter or curd to moisten the hair of the child.
The following mantra is recited.
From Atharvaveda:
"Om Aditihi Shashru Vapatvaapa Undantu Varchasaa
Chikitsu Prajapati Deerghaayutvaaya Chakshase."
Let this unbreakable razor (or scissors) cut the
locks (hair on the head), let the waters with their moistening (softening)
power soften the hair of the child, May the Lord of creatures (God) remove
disease from this child. May this child attain to long life. May this child
acquire knowledge.
From Paraksara Grihyasutra:
"Om Savitra Prasoota Daivyaa Aapa
Undantu Te Tanu Deerghayutvaaya Varchase."
O Child! Let the mighty celestial waters produced
by the sun drench your head. May you attain a long life. May you acquire
knowledge.
The father takes a comb in his hand and using the
comb, gathers some hair from the right side of the child’s head. Taking three
blades of the Darbha (kusa) grass, while touching the hair with the grass and
slightly pressing the hair against the grass, the following Mantra is recited.
From Gobhiliya Grihyasutra, 219.14
"Om Oshadhe Traayasvainam."
Let the herb protect this child.
Then holding the razor in a hand the father recites
the following Mantra
From Gobhiliya Grihyasutra, 219.13 -1.6.4
"Vishnorda Ashtroasi "
This instrument (razor) is the means in the
performance of this Yajna (Samskara) of Chudakarma.
From the Yajurveda:
"Om Shivo Namaasi Svadhitiste Pitaa Namaste (Astu) Ma Ma Hrimsihi."
This instrument (razor) is for auspiciousness. It
is made of steel (metal) that is as strong as Vajra (a weapon). Let this razor be
fit for cutting the hair. Let it not cause any pain whatsoever.
From The Yajurveda:
"Om Svadhite Mai Nam hrimsihi"
Let not this steel razor inflict any harm to this child.
From Yajurveda:
"Om Nivarttayaam Yaayusheannaadyaaya
Prananaaya Raayasposhaaya Soooprajaastvaaya Suviryaaya."
O Child! I perform this tuft-ceremony so that you
can attain to long life, constructive power, strength and wealth, good progeny
and vigour.
The father of the child then holds the child’s
locks in a loop made from the Kusa grass and applies the first cut with the
following Mantra.
From the Atharvaveda: The meaning of the Mantra is:
"O priest and all the learned guests! This
competent barber shaves this child by the same razor (or scissors) that he uses
to shave the head of our glorious King and the heads of noble men (men of
merit). May this child be prosperous, wealthy and have good progeny."
All the hair cut by the razor or scissors, together
with Kusa grass and the leaves of Mimosa (Shami) should be placed in an
earthenware container. All lose hair pieces on the floor should be carefully
picked up and placed in this container.
(The detailed procedure entails the father cutting
a little of the hair first from the right side of the child’s head. Appropriate
Mantras being recited. Then the same sequence is followed for the left side of
the head. The third time from the back of the head The fourth time again the
father cuts a little hair from the back of the hair.)
Thereafter the father of the child blesses the
child (with Mantra) by placing his right hand on the head of the child.
Then with the following Mantra, the father gives
the razor (and scissors) to the barber.
From Ashvalayana Grihyasutra, 1.17.15
"Om Yatkshurena Marchayata Supeshasaa Vaptaa
Vapasi Keshaan Shundhi Shiro Maasyayuhu Pra Moshihi."
O Barber! You are the cutter of the hair. Cut and
shave the head of the child with that swift soft razor. Do not decrease (cut or
shorten) the child’s life.
The father then tells the barber to sharpen his
razor on his sharpening stone. The father then requests the barber to gently
drench the child’s head with lukewarm water and that he should shave
attentively with smooth hand, avoiding any cut from the razor. With these words
he leads the barber to the north of the Yajna-Kunda. He sits with the child
facing eastward. The barber shaves the child’s head.
A little tuft of hair may be left on the head. It
is considered more proper to shave all the hair in the first year. A little
tuft of hair should be left on the head when Chudakarma Samskara is performed
in the third year.
The barber is given the four earthenware containers
filled with cereal grains together with clothes, money etc. The barber carries
the cut hair together with the Darbha grass, Shami leaves etc.to some remote
place e.g., river side or in the woods; there to bury these in the ground. A
member of the family or a friend can accompany the barber.
The father then rubs a little butter or curd on the
head of the child. The child is then bathed. When the child is dressed, the
father sits with the child facing eastward and chants Mahadeva Gana. The
guests, before leaving, bless the child saying:
"Om Tvam Jeeva Sharadah Shatam
Vardhamaanah."
O Child! May you live a hundred autumns growing in
strength and vigour.
9. Karnavedha
Piercing the ears in the third or fifth year
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
From Katyayana Griyhasutra 1.2
"Karnavedho Varshe Triteeye Panchame Vaa."
The piercing of the child’s ear should be done in the third or the fifth year
(from the date of birth.)
An experienced physician who is a specialist and
who has studied the treatise of Charaka and of Sushruta is invited to this
ceremony.
In the morning, after bathing and getting the child
dressed with clothes and ornaments, the mother brings the child to the
Yajnashala. A Havan ceremony (Sacred Fire Ceremony) is performed with Mantras
from the Samanya Prakarana.
The physician then should pierce the right ear
first with the following Mantra:
From the Yajurveda: 25.21
"Om Bhadram Karnebhihi Srunuyaama Devaa Bhadram Pashyemaakshabhiryajatraa
Sthirairangai Stushtumam Sastanoobhirvyashemahi Devahitam Yadaayuhu."
O sociable learned persons, may we with our ears
listen to what is good, and with our eyes see what is good. With limbs and
bodies firm may we, extolling God lead a life conducive to the good of the
sages. [Translation by Devi Chand, M.A.]
He physician should pierce the left ear with the
following Mantra:
From the Yajurveda 29.40.
"Vakshyanti Veda ganeeganti Karnam Priyam Sakhaayam Parishasvajaanaa
Yoshevaa Shing Kte Vitataadhi Dhanvatrjyaa eeyam samane paarayanti."
This bow string strained on the bow whispers like a
woman, and protects us in the combat, as a wife fain to speak, offering advice,
embraces her affectionate, praiseworthy husband.
The physician then inserts thin wire like objects
in the freshly pierced ears to prevent the holes from closing up. The physician
then applies healing ointments to the ears.
Investiture of Sacred
Thread (Janoi)
By V.A.K.Ayer
The thread giving ceremony is performed in the
eighth, eleventh and twelfth years of the male child calculated from the date
of conception, for the first three Varnas (Brahman eighth year, Kshatriya
eleventh year and Vaisya twelfth year) respectively. Etymologically, the word
Upanayana means taking the child to the teacher or to Gayatri Mantra, according
to some.
This ceremony gives the child a second birth
(Dwija), as it were, where the Guru (teacher) becomes his father and Gayatri
becomes his mother. The investiture with the Sacred thread entitles the child
to study the Vedas and participate in Vedic functions. In essence, the child
commences his journey on the road to spiritual life. This is contrasted with a
life of eating, sleeping and procreating, which kinds of life animals also
live. The Gurukula (Boarding school) type of education seeks to mould the child
for an ideal life.
Gayatri is the most powerful of the Mantras.
Initiation into it is described as ‘Brahmopadesa’. It leads to the realisation
of Brahman (the Supreme Reality). Along with this Mantra the Guru imparts his
Shakti (power) too to the child; hence the Guru and the disciple are insulated
by means of silken clothes at the time of the initiation.
The materials used in this ceremony are full of
mystical significance. The Yajnopavita or the holy Thread consists of three
folds, symbolising the three Gunas – Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. It reminds one of
the threefold debt one owes to one’s manes (ancestors), Rishis (Seers who
realised spiritual wisdom), and gods. The three threads also reminds one of the
three letters of Pranava- AUM – as also Brahma, Vishnu and Siva (Creator,
Sustainer and Destroyer).
While investing it, the Acharya (the principal
teacher) asks for strength, illumination and long life for the boy. The
deerskin attached to the thread signifies spiritual and intellectual
pre-eminence. The Kaupina or undercloth is the garment of immortality. The
girdle (Mekhala) shows that the three Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda and Yajurveda)
encircle the boy. Mekhala is "the daughter of Faith and sister of
Rishis," protecting his purity and warding off evil.
The staff (stick) of palasa wood given to the boy
to hold makes him a guardian of the Vedas, and gives him long life, lustre and
holiness.
Before initiating the boy into the Gayatri Mantra,
the Guru (the spiritual father) pours water in the joined palms of the boy.
This is to symbolise purifying him before receiving the Mantra.
The boy is asked to see the Sun. He is asked to
learn from the Sun unswerving duty and discipline. The boy offers prayers to
the Sun for attainment of virtues.
By mounting a stone the boy is asked to develop
firmness of resolve and steadfastness in his duties and studies, and develop
physical strength and excellent health.
During the performance of the Samskara of
Upanayana, certain Vratas or vows are undertaken. These are the vows 1. To
uphold vows 2.To attain prominence in the world 3.To engage in creative
activities 4.To perform charity 5.To please the gods 6.To please fellow-men
7.To protect subjects or dependants 8.To procreate when married 9.To keep
equipoise 10.To serve the elders etc.
The invocation of the three entities Pranava, Medha
and Sraddha – God, Intelligence and Faith – in this function is the coping
stone of the edifice of Brahmacharya or bachelorhood, whose daily chore is
regulated by good habits, collectively going by the name Ahnika (Sandhya,
Samidadhana Havan etc.). One cannot conceive of a more thoughtful scheme of
time-table calculated for the development of character in the young.
[Note: The following abridged explanations are from
the writings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (The founder of The Arya Samaj). The
translation is by Acharya Vaidyanath Shastri].
From Ashvalayana Grihyasutra 1-19-1-6.
"Ashtame Varshe Brahmanamupanayet (1).
Garbhaashtame va (2). Ekaadashe Kshatriyam (3). Dvaadashe Vaishyam (4).
Aashodashaad Braahmanasyaanateetah Kaala (5). Shraadhhaavimshaatkshatriyasya,
Aachaturvishaaddvaisyasya, Ata urdhvam Patitasavitrikaa Bhvanti." (6)
The Brahman, the child of the Brahman, or the child
promising to be a Brahman, should be invested with the sacred Thread in the
eighth year from the date of birth or from the date of conception. The
Kshatriya, the child of Kshatriya, or the child promising to be Kshatriya, should
be invested with the Sacred Thread in the eleventh year from the date of birth
or from the date of conception. Vaisya, the child of Vaisya or the child
promising to be Vaisya, should be invested with the Sacred Thread in the
twelfth year from the date of his birth or from the date of conception.
Positively the children of Brahmana, Kshatriya and Vaisya should respectively
be invested with the Sacred Thread before the years 16th, 22nd
and 24th of their age. If they are not invested with the Sacred
Thread during these years, then they are regarded or treated as having fallen
from their duties.
Similar sayings are found in the Paraskara
Grihyasutra etc.
From Manusmriti
"The time for the Savitri (Gayatri) initiation
of a Brahmana does not pass until the completion of the sixteenth year (after
conception), of a Kshatriya until the completion of the twenty-second year, and
of a vaisya until the completion of the twenty-fourth." 2.38.
"After those periods, men of these three
castes who have not received the sacrament at the proper time, become Vratyas
(outcastes), excluded from the Savitri initiation and despised by the
Aryans." 2.39.
"With such men, if they have not been purified
according to the rule, let no Brahmana ever, even in times of distress, form a
connection either through the Veda or by marriage." 2.40.
The time for the Yajnopavita Samskar.
From Shatpath Brahmana, 2.13.5.
"Vasante Braahmanamupanayet. Grishne
Raajanyam. Sharadi Vaishyam. Sarvakaalameke."
The child of Brahmana in the spring season. The child
of Kshatriya in the summer season and the child of Vaisya in autumn be
respectively be invested with Sacred Thread. Or the investiture of Sacred
Thread can be performed in all seasons. (Morning time is the best period for
the performance of this ceremony.)
Limited Fasting
"Payovrato Braahmano Yavaagoovrato
Raajanya Aamikshaavrato Vaishya."
For three days (or for at least one day) prior to
the day of the ceremony, the child should drink only milk (once a day or more
than once a day). The child of a Kshatriya should eat only barley gruel
(Yavaag), prepared from crushed barley, boiled in water with sugar to taste.
The child of Vaisya should complete his fast by eating only Aamikshaa. This is
sometimes called Shrikhanda or Sikhanda. This is prepared from cottage cheese
four parts, milk one part, sugar to taste and saffron (Keshar). This
preparation is strained through a piece of cloth. The children of the three
Varnas, as describes above, should eat only those foods prescribed for them
respectively when they feel hungry and should not eat or drink any thing else.
The procedure
The utensils to be used in the Yajna etc. should be
collected and appropriately sorted and cleansed a day before the ceremony. On
the day of the ceremony, everything that is needed for the Yajna as mentioned
in the Samanya Prakarana should be arranged by the Yajna Kunda. The boy to be
invested with the Sacred Thread should have his head shaved, bathed and should
dress appropriately. Either the father of the child or the Acharya, having fed
the child with sweets, eatables etc. leads him to his seat to the west of the
Yajnavedi (Havan Kunda) , keeping his face eastward. The father of the child
and the priests of the Yajna as mentioned in the Samanya Prakarana, should take
their seats in the prescribed manner perform Aachaman (sipping of water) and
Angasparsha (touching various limbs with water). (Om Amrito Pastaramasi Swaha
etc. and Om Vangme Asyestu etc.)
Thereafter, the Acharya conducting the ceremony
should make the child pronounce the following sentence from the child’s own
mouth.
"May I observe the discipline of celibacy and
thus may I be a celibate."
The Acharya then pronounces the following Mantra
and gives to the child a garment and a Upavastra to wear.
From Paraskara Grihyasutra, 2.2.7.
"Om yenendraaya brihaspatirvaasah
Paryadadhaadamritam.
Ten Tvaa Paridadhaamyaayushe Deerghaayutvaaya
Balaaya Varchase."
O Child! I give this garment to you to wear for
your long life, strength and vigour. This is in accordance with the tradition
whereby the Acharya gives a strong and durable garment to his disciple.
Thereafter the child holds the Sacred Thread in his
hand and sits in front of the Acharya. The Acharya invests the child with the
Sacred Thread with the following Mantra and places (makes the child wear) the
Sacred Thread on the left shoulder and slung across under the right armpit.
"Yagnopavitam Param Pavitram
Prajaapatayeryatsahajam Purastaat.
Aayushyamagr Yam Pratimuncha Shubhram Yajnopavitam
Balamastu Tejah.
Yajnopaveetamasi Yagnasya Tvayajyapayaveetenopanaahayaami."
This Yajnopavita (Sacred Thread) is very
sacrosanct. Prajapati Himself has sanctioned this Sacred Thread. I invest you
with this white Yajnopavita (Sacred Thread). This is the main (most important )
article for you. May it bring you strength and vigour.
This sacred Thread is really a Sacred Thread.
I tie you with this for the purpose of performing Yajna.
The Acharya then performs the Yajna (Havan)
ceremony with the child seated on the right side of the Acharya. Some of the
oblations (ahutis) are to be offered by the child.
Some of the Mantras used during this ceremony:
"Om Agne Vratapate Vratam Charishyami Tatte
Prabraveemi Tatchhakeyam.
Tenrdhyaasimidamahamarnritaat SatyamUpaimi Svaaha.
Idamagnaye Idanna Mama.
Om Vayo Vratapate Svaaha. Idam Vaayave Idanna Mama.
Om Surya Vratapate Svaaha. Idam SuryaayaIdanna
Mama.
Om Chandra Vratapate Svaaha. Idam Chandraaya Idanna
Mama.
Om Vrataanaam Vratapate Svaaha. Idamindraaya
Vratapataye Idanna Mama."
O Self-refulgent God! Thou art the master of vows.
I declare before Thee, I shall observe the vows and disciplines of celibacy.
May I be enabled to observe this vow. May I prosper with this vow and attain
the highest truth. Whatever has been uttered herein is true. The oblation
offered is meant for Agni and it is not for me.
(Oblations are offered to all moving god Vayu, All
effulgent Surya, all blissful Chandra, the lord of all vows and laws Indra).
The Acharya then sits to the north of the Yajna
Kunda keeping his face eastward. The child sits in front of the Acharya keeping
his face westward. Looking at the child, the Acharya should recite the
following Mantra. The meaning of the Mantra :
O Self-refulgent God! We have received excellent
cooperation from this child. Kindly lead us to the company of good men and good
teachers. Together with this youth, may we follow the path of knowledge with
ease. May this child do whatever is auspicious for him and for all.
Addressing the Acharya, the child says :
O Acharya! I have resolved to observe the disciplines
of continence. Kindly admit me and invest me with the Sacred Thread.
The Acharya says:
What is your name?
The child states his name.
The Acharya makes the child hold water in his right
hand palm. The Acharya recites Mantras.
The waters are the source of happiness. May the
waters be helpful to us in attaining grains and may they help us to retain good
eye sight.
Let the pleasant essence of waters be useful to us,
like the mothers who, for the well-being of their children, give them their
breasts to suckle..
Let the waters enable us to grow cereals and
herbaceous plants. Let these be used for the welfare of our progeny.
The Acharya then takes water in his right hand palm
and empties this water in the right hand palm of the child, mixing the two
waters. This is done while the Acharya chants Mantra.
For our maintenance we accept whatever good food
has been provided by God, who is the mighty power and Creator of the world. We
also accept the strength and might of all-powerful God who maintains and
preserves the existence of all the objects of creation.
The Acharya, chanting Mantra, then makes the child
empty the water from his palm into a container.
O Child! I admit you in this life so that you can
attain power and prosperity bestowed by God, who is the Creator of the world. I
hold your hand in my own with the firmness and strength of the vital breaths
called Prana and Apana and with the firmness and strength of Pushan, the all
preserving vitality of the body.
The Acharya takes water in his right hand palm and empties
it into the child’s right hand palm. Holding the child’s hand the Acharya
chants Mantra.
O Child! Your hand has been grasped by Savitar, the
mighty teacher who is the preserver of all knowledge.
The child then empties the water from his palm into
the container.
For the third time, the same procedure is followed,
the Acharya giving water into the palm of the child.
O Child! Again, the Self-refulgent God is your
Acharya. (God is your real teacher).
Thereafter, the Acharya takes the child outside and
while standing and facing the sun shows the sun to the child with chanting of
Mantras.
O Creator and Lord of the world! This child is the
Brahmacharin (student observing celibacy) of Thine. Please protect and preserve
him. May he perform his duties well.
The Acharya returns to the Yajna Mandap with the
child; both seating to the north of the Yajnakund. The child sits facing the
Acharya. The Acharya pronounces the following two Mantras.
"Om Yuvaa suvaasaahaa Pariveeta Aagaatsa oo
Shreyan Bhavati Jaayamanah"
This child (pronounce the name of the child),
possessing strong physique, dressed in nice garments, wearing the sacred
Thread, and who seated before me, has taken the second birth. May he
(successfully study) the Vedas and acquire respect."
"Om Suryaasyaavritamanvaavarttasva Asou."
O Child, You circumambulate yore Acharya who is the
sun (source) of knowledge. (As the sun is the source of life so the Acharya is
the source of knowledge.)
The child circumambulates the Acharya.
The Acharya then places his right hand upon the
right shoulder of the child, covering his hand with a piece of cloth. A Mantra
is chanted about the vital airs.
Then the Acharya touches the child’s belly, heart,
again the right shoulder with various Mantras.
O Child, I appoint you (to study and) attain the knowledge of God and follow
God’s commands.
The Acharya touches the child’s left shoulder,
breast, saying Mantras.
Let the learned men of firm intentions and swift
intellects, attaining the highest feats of knowledge through their minds and
spirits, elevate this student to high status of genius and character.
O disciple! Make one (fine tune) your mind and
heart with my mind always, and becoming fully attentive grasp my words with
affection and understand the meaning of these words. May God, who is the Master
of Vedic speech, unite you with me in thought and action according to your vow
from this very day.
And the child replies in the affirmative.
Then the Acharya asks the student: "What is
your name?"
The Student says : "Sir, my name is …………"
Acharya: "Whose Brahmachari are you?"
Student: "Yours, Sir."
The Acharya pronounces the following Mantra.
"Indrasya Brahmah Achaaryyasya, Agnihi
Achaaryastvaahamaachaaryastava Asou."
O Child! You are the Brahmachari of Almighty God.
The Self-refulgent God is your Acharya. I am your Acharya as God’s
representative.
Further Mantras:
O Child! You are the Brahmachari of Prajapati. You
are the Brahmachari of Prana, God who is the all pervading Soul. Prajapati
invests you with the Sacred Thread for your happiness. I also urge you to
follow the command of Prajapati.
O Child! I urge you to attain the knowledge of
Prajapati who is the Lord of all creatures. I urge you to attain the knowledge
of the might sun. I urge you to attain the knowledge of liquids and herbs, of
the earth and the heavenly regions, of all the physical and spiritual forces.
May you be successful in maintaining peace and tranquility among all beings.
Upon the completion of the Upanayana ceremony, if
time permits, the Vedarambha (commencing the study of the Vedas) ceremony
should preferably take place on the very same day. Otherwise, the Vedarambha
ceremony can take place on another day.
The mother, the father, the Acharya and other
guests then bless the child together with the following words.
"Om tvam jeeva Sharadah Shatam Vardhamaanah.
Aayushmaan Tejasvee varchasvee Bhooyaaha."
O Child! May you grow in strength and vigour and
live a hundred autumns. May you become long lived, brilliant and radiant.
10 B. Vedarambha
To observe the disciplines and to commence and
undertake the studies of the Vedas and their branches (systems and limbs known
as ‘Sangopanga’) – is called Vedarambha.
The procedure
In the morning, the student, after bathing and
wearing clean clothes, sits to the west of the Yajnavedi (Havankund), keeping
his face eastward. The Acharya begins the ceremony with Achaman Mantra (sipping
of water) and Angasparsha Mantra (touching various organs with water) followed
by Ishwar Upasana (prayer), Svatsivachan, Santikarana.
The Havan ceremony (Sacred fire ceremony) is then
commenced. The student participates in the Yajna and offers ahutis (oblations).
During the Havan ceremony, before the Purnahuti, Vishesh Mantras (Mantras used
for Vedarambha ) are used.
Some of these Mantras are described below.
O famous Acharya! Please make me earn fame in the
field of education. O Acharya! Enable me to attain to your status of learning
and prominence and a preserver of knowledge, Yajanas etc.
The student then standing on the south side of the
Yajnakunda and keeping his face northward, takes a samidha (small wooden
stick), dips it in ghee, and offers it in the middle of the fire as oblation
with the following Mantra.
I am offering this ahuti (oblation) to add to the
burning flame of the Yajna that is mighty in nature and present in all the
created beings and objects of the world. As this fire blazes forth with the
samidha (wood-fuel), so may I shine with wisdom, knowledge of the Vedas and of
Brahman (God) and may I be endowed with vigour, long life, progeny and wealth.
Grant long life to my Acharya and to his sons. May I be enriched with high
intellectual power. May I not be arrogant to anyone. Grant me prominence,
vigour, divine merits and food and grains.
Two further oblations are offered with samidha
dipped in ghee.
The student now sits in the west side of the Vedi
facing the east. Applying a little of the shesh water on the palms of his
hands, holds them by the fire warming the hands. With each of the seven
mantras, he should apply the water over his face and on the head.
1.This fire is the preserver of the body. May it
preserve my body.
2. This fire is the giver of life. May it grant me
long life.
3. This fire is the giver of brilliancy. May it
grant me brilliancy.
4. Whatever gets exhausted in my body, let this
fire replenish that.
5. May Savita grant me wisdom.May the goddess
Saraswati grant me wisdom.
6. Let the teacher and preacher, wearing garlands,
give us knowledge.
The student then touches various organs with
various Mantras.
"Om Vak Cha Ma Aapyaayataam." (touches
the mouth)
"Om Praanascha Ma Aapyaayataam." (touches the nose)
"Om Chakshushcha Ma Aapyaayataam." (touches the eyes)
"Om Shrotrancha Ma Aapyaayataam." (touches the ears)
"Om Yasho Balancha Ma Aapyaayaataam." (Touches both arms)
O Lord! May my organ of speech be sound and well
developed. May my nose, eyes, ears be sound and well developed. May my arms,
which are the source of fame and strength, be strong and develop properly.
The student then meditates (offers prayer) with the
following Mantra.
May Agni, the Self-refulgent God give me wisdom,
progeny and strength, May Indra, the almighty god, bestow upon me the favour of
wisdom, progeny, and properly developed organs. May Surya, the all controlling
god, grant me wisdom, progeny and brilliance. O effulgent and powerful Lord,
grant me effulgence, power and prominence.
Now the student walks to the north side of the
Yajnakunda. Facing the east, he kneels on his knees before the Acharya.
Balakoktihi: (The student says:)
"Aadhihi Bhuhu Savitri Bho Anubroohi."
O Acharya! Please instruct me ‘The Gayatri Mantra’,
the subject matter of which is Savitar, the sun. Please teach me.
The Acharya then places a piece of cloth on his own
shoulder and on the shoulder of the student, and holding both hands of the
student in his hands, teaches the Gayatri Mantra to the student in three parts.
First part.
The Acharya makes the student pronounce the
following, word by word.:
"Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Tatsaviturvarenyam."
Second part.
"Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Tatsaviturvarenyam Bargo Devasya
Dhimahi."
Third part.
"Om Bhurbhuvah Svah Tatsaviturvarenyam
Bargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayaat."
The Acharya then explains in short the meaning of
the Gayatri Mantra.
Thereafter the student affirms vows. (The same vows
as for the Sacred Thread ceremony).
The student is given a girdle and a wooden staff
(rod, well- made, smooth and free of any defect). For the Brahmana boy, the
girdle be made of Darbha or Munja grass, for the Kshatriya boy, the girdle be
made from Dhanusa grass and for the Vaisya boy, the girdle be made from Jute.
The Brahmana boy should be given a rod (stick) made
of Palash or Bilva wood. The length of the rod to extend from the ground to top
of the head.
The Kshatriya boy should be given a rod made from
Vat or Khadir wood. The length of the rod from the ground till his eyebrow.
The Vaisya student should be given a rod made from
Peepul or Gular wood. The length of the rod to reach from the ground till the
tip of his nose.
In addition the student is given a deerskin to sit
on, one pot or container to hold water, and two small pots or containers.
The student, holding the rod, says:
This staff (rod) that I hold, I accept it specially
for the attainment of long life, knowledge of the Vedas, for (adherence to)
disciplines and strength of continence.
Father’s advice to his
son
The father of the celibate student then gives
general information regarding the life of a Brahmacharin (celibate student) and
preaches the code of conduct. [Scriptural sources Gobhil Grihyasutra,
Ashvalayans Grihyasutra, Paraskar Grihyasutra]
You realise that you are a Brahmachari (celibate)
from today. You must always sip a little clean (pure) water and say your food
prayer before taking meals.
Always keep away from evil acts and do all pious
and righteous acts. You do not ever sleep in day time.
Remaining under the guidance and control of your
Acharya, you will always with perseverance learn the Vedas with all their limbs
and sub-limbs.
Always follow the rules of Dharma (righteousness)
under your Acharya. You do not ever do anything of Adharma (unrighteous), even
if such request be made by your Acharya even (to do anything of adharma).
You must abstain from anger. Always speak the truth
(do not tell a lie.)
Always keep away from the eight kinds of acts of passion.
[Note: these eight acts of passion are: 1.To think
of a woman. 2.To gossip about woman. 3.To touch a woman. 4.To play with a
woman. 5.To gaze at a woman. 6.To embrace a woman. 7.To be alone with a woman.
8.To cohabit with a woman.]
Sleep only on the ground and not on beds with four
legs.
Never be in the habit of Kaushilava (bad songs sung
or played on musical instruments, dances; abominable acts, use of perfumes
etc.).
Always observe rules of moderation in bathing,
eating, sleeping, and keeping awake. The same applies to greed, undue
indulgence, fear and grief.
Always wake up and rise from bed during the early
hours of Brahmamuhurta (between 4 and 6 in the morning). Perform your daily
ablutions. You must take a bath everyday. Twice every day you must do acts of
communion with God, pray, meditate and practice Yogic systems.
Do not eat meat. Do not eat dry, coarse cereals. Do
not drink intoxicating drinks.
Do not ride on bullocks, horses, elephants, camels
etc.
You are not to stay in any village (any place
inhabited by people) except in Gurukula (Gurukula is a system of boarding
school within the compounds of which stay only the teachers and the students).
As a Brahmachari you do not use shoes or umbrella.
Do not play with the organ of procreation (so as to
prevent the discharge of semen). By conserving the semen in the body it
transforms into Ojas, opening the full potential of your mind and intellect,
becoming the source of attaining knowledge of the Vedas and all their branches.
Do not massage your body with oil etc. Do jot use mustard-paste (cosmetics) for
the beauty of the body.
Do not eat foods that are very sour like tamarind
etc., very pungent like chilies etc., very astringent like haldi, very
purgative like Jamalgota, very saltish foods, or very acidic foods.
Do your daily chores with care and regularity and
be fully attentive to the task of learning (acquiring knowledge and wisdom).
You will always possess good character. You should
never be extravagant in talk. Cultivate good behaviour and develop courtesies
when meeting people, sitting in assemblies.
Keep yourself bound by the duties of wearing the
girdle, keeping the wooden staff (stick) and the rules of mendicancy.
[Note: A Brahman’s child, when asking for alms from
a man should address him "Bhavaan Bhikshaam Dadaat." When asking for
alms from a woman, he should address "Bhavati Bhikshaam Dadaatu." The
Kshatriya student to men "Bhikshaam Bhavaan Dadaatu." To women
"Bhikshaam Bhavati Dadaatu." Vaisya student should address men,
"Bhikshaam dadaat Bhavaan" To woman, "Bhikshaan Dadaat
Bhavati."]
Do not deviate from the daily performance of: your
daily bath, daily prayer and meditation, Prostrate with reverence before your
Acharya every morning and every evening.
These are the deeds of your daily performance. You
should abstain from acts that have been prohibited.
The student then with folded hands bows (or
prostrates before his father). The student addressing his father says:
"I shall certainly act according to your
instructions and advice."
Thereafter the celibate student circumambulates the
fire of the Yajnakunda and stands in the west of the Yajnavedi. He then asks
for alms from his mother, father, brother, sister, maternal uncle, mother's’
sister, uncle etc., who do not hesitate in giving alms. The student hands over
all the alms to the Acharya. The Acharya takes some wheat cereals from the alms
and gives to the student.
The Acharya then asks for some cooked rice for
offering oblations. Mixing with a little ghee, three oblations are offered with
the following Mantras.
Having worshipped with truthful action and speech,
God, who is wondrous, the lovely friend of the soul, May I acquire wisdom that
discriminates between truth and untruth.
-Yajurveda 32.13.
"Tatsavituvarenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayaat" Svaha, Idam Savitar Idam Na Mama.
"O creator of the universe! O All holy and
worthy of adoration. May we contemplate Thy adorable Self. May Thou guide our
understanding." Whatever has been uttered herein is true. The oblation
offered is meant for Savitar and it is not for me.
-Yajurveda 22.9
"Om Rishibhyah Svaaha. Idam Rishibhyah Idam Na
Mama."
We pay homage to Rishis (seers) who study the Vedas
and understand their meanings. Whatever has been uttered herein is true. The
oblation offered is for the Rishis and it is not for me.
-Ashvalayana Grihyasutra a 1.22.14
Thereafter the Acharya offers a fourth ahuti with
the Swishtakrit Homahuti Mantra "Om Yadasya Karmanah Tyariricham ……"
Thereafter the Havan ceremony is brought to
conclusion with the rest of the Mantras and the Purnahuti.
The student seats facing the east, addresses the
Acharya:
"Amuk (mention here the name of the family)
Gotrotpanno Aham Bho Bhavantam Abhivaadaye" - Gobhil Grihyasutra 2/10/25
I, born in the genealogy of ………..(name of family)
salute you (prostrate before you), O my teacher.
The student then prostrates before the acharya.
The Acharya says:
"Ayusmaan Vidyaavan Bhava Saumya."
(O my dear disciple!) May you be long lived and may
you attain knowledge with wisdom.
After the Acharya has given his blessings to the
Brahmachari, some of the food remaining from the Yajna (cooked rice, cereals,
sweetmeats etc.) should be give to the Acharya, and to the student to eat.
Thereafter, all the guests are served meals
prepared for this function.
Before leaving, people bless the student with the
following sentence:
"O Child! May you, by the grace of God, become
learned, strong in body and soul, blessed with skills, vigour and excellent
health. After having attained knowledge of the Vedas and all their branches,
may you come back from the Gurukula, with the desire of seeing us."
Apppendix
(From The Atharvaveda)
The qualified student
The Brahmachari (celibate student), shining with knowledge,
becoming fully fledged, upon completion of his studies in the Gurukula,
completing the state of Brahmacharya called Purvasamudra, enters immediately
into the householder’s life called Uttarsamudra (gets married). He encourages
all people to achieve their goals. He exerts continuously to achieve the goal
of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). He
makes the world happy with his speech of righteousness and truth.
Only that
is the king (qualities needed to lead a nation)
Only that is the king who by observing austerities,
strict disciplines of celibacy, has become a perfectly learned man (with
knowledge and wisdom), perfectly educated (in arts and sciences) and who is a
symbol of good conduct, who is self controlled and can rule the country in various
ways (all the various departments of government).
In the same manner, only that is the Acharya who by
observing austerities and strict disciplines of celibacy, leading a life of
continence, has become a perfectly learned man (with knowledge and wisdom),
perfectly educated (in arts and sciences) and who is a symbol of good conduct.
Only such a person can desire to teach a celibate student . Only such a person
can become the Acharya in the real sense.
Education for girls
As the boys, completing the life of perfect
Brahmachari, attaining the complete knowledge of the Vedas and all their
branches, knowledge of all the sciences, and in the full bloom of youth, are
now fit to wed girls, so the girls, completing the courses of all sciences with
perfect disciplines of continence, in the full bloom of their youth, should wed
young men.
[Note: Women are barred from the study of the
Vedas. Therefore, study of the sciences only is mentioned. Study of the Vedas
is not mentioned here. The Laws of Manu, IX, 18 states: "For women no
sacramental rite is performed with sacred texts, thus the law is settled; women
who are destitute of strength and destitute of the knowledge of Vedic texts,
are as impure as falsehood itself, that is a fixed rule."
Also See Page "Women"
<click here]
Translations by Swami Nikhilananda, Sri Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center, New York
Having taught the Vedas, the teacher thus instructs
the pupil:
Speak the truth. Practise Dharma (religious duties;
righteousness and ritualistic worship). Do not neglect the study of the Vedas.
Having brought to the teacher the gift desired by him, (enter the householder’s
life and see that) the line of progeny is not cut off. Do not swerve from the
truth. Do not swerve from Dharma. Do not neglect (personal) welfare. Do not
neglect prosperity (refers to righteous actions by which wealth is earned). Do
not neglect the study and teaching of Vedas.
Do not neglect your duties to the gods and the
Manes. Treat your mother as god (Matru Devo Bhava). Treat your father as god
(Pitru Devo Bhava). Treat your teacher as god (Aacharya Devo Bhava). Treat your
guest as god (Atithi Devo Bhava). Whatever deeds are faultless, these are to be
performed- not others. Whatever good works have been performed by us, those
should be performed by you- not others.
Those Brahmins who are superior to us- you should
comfort them by giving them seats. Whatever is to be given should be given with
faith, not without faith- according to one’s means, with modesty, with fear (of
the scriptures or of sin), with sympathy.
Now, if there arises in your mind any doubt
concerning conduct, you should conduct yourself in such matters as Brahmins
would conduct themselves- Brahmins who are competent to judge, who (of their
own accord) are devoted to good deeds, and are not urged to their performance by
others, and who are not too severe, but are lovers of Dharma.
Now, with regard to persons spoken against, you
should conduct yourself in such a way as Brahmins would conduct themselves-
Brahmins who are competent to judge, who (of their own accord) are devoted to
good deeds and that are not urged to their performance by others, and who are
not too severe, but are lovers of Dharma.
This is the rule. This is the teaching. This is the
secret wisdom of the Vedas. This is the command of God.
This you should observe. This alone should be
observed.
Funeral-Antyeshti The last rites of the dead
By Swami Dayananda Saraswati Founder of the Arya Samaj
The last rites of the dead body are called the
Antyeshti Samskara. There is no other Samskara thereafter for this body. This
Samskara is also called by the names of Naramedha, Purushmedha, Narayaga and
Purusheayaga.
From the Yajurveda 40.15 (also Isa Upanishad).
"Vayurnilammamritamathedam Bhasmantam Shariram
Om Krto Smara. Klibe Smara. Kritghvam Smara."
O active soul, at the time of death, remember OM,
remember God for thy vitality and thy eternity, remember thy deeds. Know that
soul is immaterial and immortal but the body is finally reduced to ashes.
(translation by Devi Chand)
The procedure
Source Ashwalayana Grihyasutras
- The
dead, if male, should be given bath by men and if female, should be given
bath by women. Sandal-wood paste should be applied to the body. The dead
body should be dressed with new clothes.
- Ghee
(clarified butter) should be in equal proportion to the weight of the
dead. Well-to-do people can use more ghee but in the case of poor people,
the ghee should not be less than ½ mound in weight . The poor should be
assisted by a moneyed man or by the head of the Panchayat (5 man village
council), or contributions from the people. Well-to-do people can add or
mix with the ghee the following items.
Kesar, Saffron – One
masha in each one Seer of Ghee
Kasturi, Musk – One
Ratti in each one Seer of Ghee
Agar Acquilaria
Malaccensis- One Seer in each one mound
Tagar Veleriana Walichli
- One Seer in each one Maund
Sandal-wood powder -One
Seer in each one mound
Camphor - As the
circumstances permit
- Well-to-do
people should arrange for one maund Sandal-wood, twelve maunds of fuel
wood and Samagri two times the weight of the dead body.
- All
these items should be brought to the cremation ground (crematorium).
- If
there is a permanent Kunda made in the cremation ground for the purpose of
cremation, then it should be used. If not, then a new one should be made
(dug out). The dimensions of the Kunda should be as follows:
I Length of the Kunda
should be equal to the length of a man standing with his hands stretched
upwards.
II The breadth (width)
should be equal to the a person sleeping with his two hands stretched outwards
(more than 1 ½ yards).
III Depth should be
chest high (taking into account average heights of men).
IV The bottom should be
one yard in breadth.
- The
Kunda should be made clean and if cow-dung is available, it should be
purified by applying that.
- Wood
fuel should be arranged in the Kunda in the manner of how bricks are
arranged when building a wall.
- Ghee
should be liquid (not solidified or frozen).
- Four
big size spoons should be firmly attached to the end of long sticks so
that oblations can be offered into the blazing fire burning inside the
Kunda. Four men at a time should offer ahutis (oblations). The size of
each spoon should be big enough to hold ghee that is not less than half
chhatak and should not be so big that it holds more than one chhatak of
ghee.
- Cremation
ground should be situated in the south (of village, town etc).
- The
dead body should be laid on the fuel pyre arranged in the Kunda. The dead
body should be totally covered with fuel-wood. The head of the dead should
be in the north direction and the feet in the south.
- The
hair of the dead should be removed before giving bath to it.
- First
a diya (small lamp) should to be lit. Camphor (placed in the spoon) should
be lit from the diya (lamp) and this should be used to set alight the
pyre. Begin lighting the pyre from that end of the pyre where the head is
and ending by the feet. Thus the whole pyre should be set ablaze.
Oblations should be offered in the blazing fire
with the following Mantras.
"Om Agnaye Svaha/ This oblation is for Agni.
Whatever is uttered herein is true.
Om Somaaya Svaha/ " " " Soma. "
" " "
Om Lokaaya Svaha/ " " " This world
Loka) " "
Om Anumataye Svaha/ " " Earth "
"
Om swargaaya Lokaaya Svaha/ " the other world
(heaven) "
Funeral Prayer
"Om Suryam Chakshurgacchatu Vatimaatmaa Dyaam
Cha Gachchha Prithivim Cha Dharmana/
Apo Va Gachchha Yadi Tatra Te Hitamoshadhishu
Pratimtishtha Sharirai svaha."
O Jiva (Soul)! After thy death, (may all the
components of thy body be merged into the five elements). May the power of thy
sight be absorbed in the sun and thy breath be absorbed in the air
(atmosphere). May thy other parts be absorbed in appropriate elements. And in
accordance with the meritorious deeds thou hast performed here, may thy spirit
dwell in the appropriate body.
The Rigveda
From the Yajurveda 40.15 (also Isa Upanishad).
"Vayurnilammamritamathedam Bhasmantam Shariram
Om Krto Smara. Klibe Smara. Kritghvam Smara."
(Translations by Pandit Nardev Vedalankar assisted
by Mr.Sookraj Chotai, B.A., B.Ed.)
The spirit which is immortal is not made of the
five elements and does not perish. This body will be reduced to ashes.
Therefore, O mortal! (At the time of death) remember the almighty Om, remember
God, and remember thy past deeds, as by so doing can one attain salvation.
From the Atharvaveda
O effulgent God! Thou art the dispenser of justice.
Thou recompense every one according to his or her deeds. Peace be to the spirit
of this dead body in the westward direction. May there be peace to this spirit
in the east, the north and the south and all the other directions. O Omniscient
and all-illuminating God! Thou art the Creator, the Sustainer and the destroyer
of this universe. May thou bestow a worthy abode to this soul.
From the Rigveda
O Jiva! By thy austerity and enlightenment, and by
they good deeds, attain the bliss in heaven and join the company of thy
forbears. Be free from all sins and once again may thy spirit acquire (reside
in) noble body full of lustre. And once again may thou come to this world to
perform noble deeds.
From Manusmriti
"Everything perishes with the death of the
body. It is only Dharma (righteousness) that is our real friend, which even
after death remains with the spirit. Therefore do not allow the Dharma to
perish, for Dhrama (when) perished brings about our (own) destruction."
From The Bhagavad Gita 11/38
Thou are the primal God, the ancient Being. Thou
art the final resting place of this universe. Thou art the Knower and That
which is to be known and the Ultimate Goal. By Thee is the universe pervaded, O
Thou of infinite form.
From The Bhagavad Gita 2/22
Even as a person casts off worn-out clothes and
puts on others that are new, so the embodied Self casts of worn-out bodies and
enters into others that are new.
From The Bhagavad Gita 2/20
It (the Self ) is never born, nor does It ever die,
nor, having once been, does it again cease to be. Unborn, eternal, permanent
and primeval, It is not slain when the body is slain.
[Note: The Self is destitute of the six kinds of
modification inherent in every living thing: birth, subsistence, growth,
change, decay and death. The Self is altogether changeless.]
From The Bhagavad Gita 2/23
Weapons cannot cut It (Self or the individual
Soul), fire cannot burn It, water cannot wet It, wind cannot dry (wither) It.
[Note: Weapons can destroy an object by cutting it
into parts; but the Self is without parts and is therefore indestructible. The
same applies to the other methods of destruction. Only a material object
consists of parts and is therefore destructible.]
From The Bhagavad Gita 2/27
For to that which is born, death is certain, and to
that which is dead, birth is certain. Therefore you should not grieve over the
unavoidable (inevitable).
From The Bhagavad Gita 2/28
All beings are unmanifest in their beginning, O
Arjuna, manifest in their middle state, and unmanifest again in their end. Why,
then, lament (grieve) for them?
[Note: Commentary by Swami Shivananda, Divine Life
Society, Rishikesh: The physical body is a combination of the five elements. It
is perceived by the physical eye only after the five elements have entered into
such combination. After death the body disintegrates and the five elements
return to their source. The body cannot be perceived now. Therefore, the body
can be perceived only in the middle state.]
From Yajurveda 2/54
May we get in future births again and again the
mind, for doing virtuous deeds, for acquiring strength, for longevity, and
contemplation of God for long.
Appendix
The shaving of the head of the male whose near
relation has died is customary and practised in many Hindu homes. It may be a
voluntary custom because we have not come across reference to this practice in
scriptural texts. The period of impurity (Asaucha) or pollution or defilement
is generally for ten days (from the day of last rites or cremation) for near
relations. The rules to be observed during the period of impurity are of two
kinds- negative (passive) and positive. The negative rules require the mourners
to forego the many pleasures and comforts and even the routine business of
daily life, thus exhibiting the feelings of grief and sorrow. They forbid
certain things such as cutting of the hair and beard; forbid the study of the
Vedas (during this period), Grhya offerings etc. The positive rules have also
their origin in the aggrieved feelings of the survivors. They enjoin for a
period of three days, to observe continence, to sleep on the ground, to live on
begged or purchased food, to eat only in the day time etc.
The collection of the bones (a day after cremation
of the body) is the ceremony known as 'Asthi-Sanchayana'. These are either
dispersed in waters of sacred rivers or buried in the ground.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My humble salutations to Brahmasri Sreeman V A K Ayer ji and Hinduism
com for the collection)