Grihya Suthras and Shodasa Karmas

Grihaya Suthras- 

About domestic rituals.
To be performed by an individual.
Purushardhas– Individual goals. (Dharma, Artha, Kaama, Moksha)

Shodasa karmas– 16 rituals. (16 sacraments)

Shodasa karmas start even before the birth of a child. When the kid is in the womb, kid’s parents should perform some of them. In the form of the Shodasha Karmas Brahmins took hold of every person’s life. From conception to cremation (Womb-tomb) life was in the hands of Brahmins. They have designed them in such a way that People need to pay them at every walk of life.
Garbhadaana– Should be performed by a newly wed couple. If a kid is born without this ritual, he is not entitled for salvation.
Pumsavana– Shold be done after pregnancy and before the birth . this ritual is done for expecting the birth of male child. Pum= Male.
Simanthonyaya– On 6th or 7th month of the conception. Simanthonyaya is done for the safety of the child in the womb. God is invoked for the child`s safety.
Jataka karma– Astrologer reads the child’s future.
Namakarana– Naming ceremony.
Nishakramana– 1st time the kid is exposed to the sun. kid is shown to the sun.
Food is given to the kid for the first time.
Anna prasana– Child is given solid food for the first time.
Chuda karma– Keshakhandana mahotsavam. Tonsure ceremony.
Karna Bheda– Pearcing the ears.
Vidyaramba– Formal commencement of education.
Upanayana– Most sacred ceremony. Sacred thread ceremony on 8th year. Women and Sudras are not eligible for this Upanayana ceremony. Women and Sudras are Ekajas. They are born only once. Ekajas were looked down in the society.
 Upanayana is performed for the new and real birth of a boy.
On this occasion Gayathri manthra (Rg veda III mandala) is chanted. At the age of 8 ceremonial birth is given to child.
Vedaaramba– After Upanayana boy goes to Gurukula. Sudras and women are not allowed into Gurukula.
Keshantha– shaving head.
Samavartana– Home coming ceremony. After the completion of education boy comes back to home from Gurukula
Vivaaha End of Brahmacharya.
Anthyesti– Performed after the death. Last rites. Performed by a son for his parents.