Sanskar

Sanskar, often transliterated samskara, is a Sanskrit term with multiple but related meanings. It can denote a mental impression left by experiences, a rite of passage in Hindu practice, or the broader notion of culture, refinement, or upbringing. In common usage, sanskar also refers to the shaping of character and values within a family or community.

In Hinduism, samskaras are sacraments or rites of passage that sanctify various stages of life and actions. Traditionally, a set of 16 major samskaras covers from conception to death, including Garbhadhana (conception), Namakarana (name-giving), Annaprashana (first solid food), Chudakarana (tonsure), Upanayana (sacred thread), Vivaha (marriage), and Antyeshti (funeral). Different traditions and scholars list varying numbers of samskaras, with some sources enumerating more or fewer ceremonies.

Philosophically, samskara also refers to latent mental impressions or vasanas formed by past actions. These impressions are believed to influence present thoughts, desires, and behavior, contributing to the continuity of karma and the cycle of rebirth. Practices such as education, discipline, meditation, and ethical conduct are described as ways to purify or transform these impressions over time.

In contemporary usage, sanskar often signifies cultural values, moral upbringing, and social conduct. It is also used as a personal name in India and among Indian diaspora communities. The term thus encompasses both ritual functions and the broader idea of cultivated character within tradition.