The Eight Rites of Passage or Ashta Samskara - Hinduism Basics for Children

From Dancing with Siva by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

Sacraments are performed to celebrate and sanctify life's crucial junctures, inform family and community, and secure inner-world blessings. Here are eight of the essential rites or 'samskaras.'

7. Vivaha - Marriage

The marriage ceremony, performed in a temple or wedding hall around the sacred homa fire. Lifetime vows, Vedic prayers and seven steps before God and Gods consecrate the union of husband and wife.

Reproduced with permission from Himalayan Academy Publications. Parents and educators may visit minimela.com to purchase many of these resources at a very low cost, for distribution in your community and classes.

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• Namakarana – Name Giving Ceremony
• Anna Prasana – Beginning of Solid Food
• Karnavedha – Ear Piercing
• Chudakarana – Head Shaving
• Vidyarambha – Beginning of Education
• Upanayana – Sacred Thread Ceremony
• Vivaha - Marriage
• Antyeshti – Funeral or Last Rites

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