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Dharma shastras proclaim that [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]] are a series of sacrifices and ceremonies indicating the passage of various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular [[Ashrama Dharma|ashrama]]. All human beings, especially the Dvija (द्विजः । twice born - called so after [[उपनयनम्|upanayana]]) and Grhasthas (गृहस्थ-s) are required to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for devatas, ancestors and guardians in accordance with the vedic mantras laid down for a righteous living. Scholars differ in their opinion about the number of samskaras being forty and a few saying 25 and 16.     

Dharma shastras proclaim that [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|samskaras]] are a series of sacrifices and ceremonies indicating the passage of various stages of the human life and to signify entry to a particular [[Ashrama Dharma|ashrama]]. All human beings, especially the Dvija (द्विजः । twice born - called so after [[उपनयनम्|upanayana]]) and Grhasthas (गृहस्थ-s) are required to perform a number of sacrifices with oblations for devatas, ancestors and guardians in accordance with the vedic mantras laid down for a righteous living. Scholars differ in their opinion about the number of samskaras being forty and a few saying 25 and 16.     

== संस्काराः || Samskaras ==

== संस्काराः || Samskaras ==

Forty samskaras have been prescribed by Gautama Smriti<ref>Kannan. P. R. Translation of Article : [http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/articles/INITIAL%20SAMSKARAS.html Initial Samskaras] from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham</ref>, as a part of purificatory activities, for not just the physical body but the Jivatma also and for removal of papas (पाप-s | sins) accrued in different ways. They are,     

Forty samskaras have been prescribed by Gautama Smriti<ref>Kannan. P. R. Translation of Article : [http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/articles/INITIAL%20SAMSKARAS.html Initial Samskaras] from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham</ref>, as a part of purificatory activities, for not just the physical body but the Jivatma also and for removal of papas (पाप | sins) accrued in different ways. They are,     

* संस्काराः || Samskaras (11 of the षोडश-संस्काराः ॥ Shodasa samskaras)   

* संस्काराः || Samskaras (10 of the षोडश-संस्काराः ॥ Shodasa samskaras)   

* वेदव्रताः || Vedavratas (4)   

* वेदव्रताः || Vedavratas (4)   

* पञ्चमहायज्ञाः || Panchamahayajnas (5)     

* पञ्चमहायज्ञाः || Panchamahayajnas (5)     

* सोमयज्ञाः || Somayajnas (7)   

* सोमयज्ञाः || Somayajnas (7)   

Panchamahayajnas are performed by a person in the [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|Grhastha ashrama]]. As a student, he obtains knowledge by studying the sacred scriptures given by great Rishis and since he lives in a group or society, he is helped and associated with fellow-beings like friends and relatives. The main goal of students of [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharya ashrama]] is to absorb all the knowledge, during which time he is supported by the persons already in Grhastha ashrama for food, clothing and shelter and needs of everyday life. The great seers and pitrus (पितृ-s | ancestors) have to be remembered with gratitude for their contribution to his spiritual development.<ref>[http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/hist/hist_8b.html A Short History of Religious and Philosophic Thought In India] By Swami Krishnananda. Divine Life Society</ref>

Panchamahayajnas are performed by a person in the [[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|Grhastha ashrama]]. As a student, he obtains knowledge by studying the sacred scriptures given by great Rishis and since he lives in a group or society, he is helped and associated with fellow-beings like friends and relatives. The main goal of students of [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharya ashrama]] is to absorb all the knowledge, during which time he is supported by the persons already in Grhastha ashrama for food, clothing and shelter and needs of everyday life. The great seers and pitrus (पितृ | ancestors) have to be remembered with gratitude for their contribution to his spiritual development.<ref>[http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/hist/hist_8b.html A Short History of Religious and Philosophic Thought In India] By Swami Krishnananda. Divine Life Society</ref>

Once a Brahmachari crosses this ashrama, his duties become multifold as he enters the Grhastha ashrama. The physical body constitutes the [[Panchabhutas (पञ्चभूत)|panchabhutas]] and is obtained from his parents, nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The Devas and the Pitrus bless him in his endeavors and activities of daily life. The five sense organs, with whose help he conducts his life, are a blessing of the Devas and thus, he learns to be grateful to the Devas who gave him the ability and intellect.   

Once a Brahmachari crosses this ashrama, his duties become multifold as he enters the Grhastha ashrama. The physical body constitutes the [[Panchabhutas (पञ्चभूत)|panchabhutas]] and is obtained from his parents, nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The Devas and the Pitrus bless him in his endeavors and activities of daily life. The five sense organs, with whose help he conducts his life, are a blessing of the Devas and thus, he learns to be grateful to the Devas who gave him the ability and intellect.