Rites

Question 0

Explain the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayan)

Answer 0

• Yajnopavita, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, boys (8-16), commit, not all do it, full moon.
• shaved, bathes, white dhoti, meal with mum, west with dad, cloth, songs, Homa (fire), Agni rice/ghee, deer skin (neck), 3 strand (left shoulder), “may this sacred thread destroy my ignorance, grant me long life & increase my understanding”, September, Gayatri hymn, vows celibacy, obey + studies, staff, 6 strand (married).
• Hindu community, coming of age, responsibility, meditation, teachings, duty to protect

Question 1

Explain the naming ceremony (Namakarana)

Answer 1

6th day: priest’s puja, elders’ blessings, horoscope, rashi.
11th day: married women’s rituals, cradle, aunt whispers name, bhajans, rocking.
8 months: shaved, sins cut off, cleansed.
- gold, new clothes, blessings, Prashaad, first outing or solid food

Question 2

Explain the marriage ceremony (Vivaha)

Answer 2

Engagement: parents’ sweets, blessings, rings, bride’s scarf (shelter/protection).
Day before: singing, dancing, food, entertainment, women Mehndi.
Morning before: Ganesh’s blessing, turmeric paste, beautify.
Wedding: groom arrives, dhol, welcoming, bride arrives, no seeing until mandap, garlands, genealogies, accept daughter, prayers, veil, sacred knot (scarf+sari), join hands, prayers, havan, barley/sesame, 3 circles, foot on stone, vows*, 4th circle, viday (leaves to live with him).
*7 Sacred Vows: love, faithful, respect families, one in mind, body + spirit, God, equal rights, righteous, healthy+happy children

Question 3

Explain the funeral ceremony (Antyeshthi)

Answer 3

Preparation: minimal contact, impure, bathed, young watch/directors, dressed, Ganges water, basil, south, flowers.
Funeral: home/ghat, puja, prayers, hymns, pindas, water, flowers, possessions, service (main room), burnt, eldest son.
After/mourning: gather (meal), purify home, ashes scattered, visitors (10-21days), picture, prayers, hymns, pindas + milk.
Shraddha: annual homage, holy place/home, others too, offerings, prayers, pindas to poor/needy, 11-31st days.
Preta-karma = release of soul.
Transmigration = from one body to another