Vol. 3, Issue 2, Part G (2017)

Abstract
This paper is an attempt to reveal the idea of saṁskāras as rites of passage in Aryan way of life as conceived by the ancient sages of India. The idea of rites for different phases of human life is common to all cultures but in the Aryan culture, the entire path from birth to death is decked with very well thought out rituals that ensure a smooth transition from one phase of life to another in a psychologically and socially empowering manner. Besides, the mystical dimension that comes from the mantra chants, along with purification with water and fire ceremonies adds meaningful depth and symbolism to our routine existence on this earth. In the western cultures rites de passage is generally defined as leaving the familiar, transition and assimilation with return. The number of rites is considered to be five-birth, adulthood, marriage, eldership and ancestorship. However, in Aryan or Hindu way of life, at least sixteen rites are observed at various stages of a human life-cycle. In this paper, we shall look into these saṁskāras, their processes, function and significance.