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The number of samskaras have been enumerated from ten to fiftytwo and so on depending on various traditions. Grhyasutras and Smrti texts give varying lists of these sacraments. In later lists, we find other Samskaras particularly that of death and yagnas being added. The question as to whether a few Samskaras were increased to have elaborate rituals or many Samskaras were reduced to have definite and limited numbers suiting to the requirements of people is a debatable one. Generally, it is found that south Indian tradition contains elaborate ceremonies for death and cremation, Later, slowly, the north Indian tradition appears to have incorporated these into their Samskara list. For example, the rituals of Ekadasha, Dvadasha, Sapindikarana followed by the monthly shraddha etc mentioned in the Garudapurana are not performed in some communities. But, in South India, even in remote villages after death and cremation/burial, the 13th day or 16th day ceremonies are elaborately performed.<ref>Ramakrishna Rao, K. V. (1994) ''[https://ia803008.us.archive.org/30/items/ThePsychologyOfSamskaras/The%20Psychology%20of%20Samskaras_text.pdf The Psychology of Samskaras.]'' Article in Vivekananda Kendra Patrika. (Pages 56-65)</ref>

The number of samskaras have been enumerated from ten to fiftytwo and so on depending on various traditions. Grhyasutras and Smrti texts give varying lists of these sacraments. In later lists, we find other Samskaras particularly that of death and yagnas being added. The question as to whether a few Samskaras were increased to have elaborate rituals or many Samskaras were reduced to have definite and limited numbers suiting to the requirements of people is a debatable one. Generally, it is found that south Indian tradition contains elaborate ceremonies for death and cremation, Later, slowly, the north Indian tradition appears to have incorporated these into their Samskara list. For example, the rituals of Ekadasha, Dvadasha, Sapindikarana followed by the monthly shraddha etc mentioned in the Garudapurana are not performed in some communities. But, in South India, even in remote villages after death and cremation/burial, the 13th day or 16th day ceremonies are elaborately performed.<ref>Ramakrishna Rao, K. V. (1994) ''[https://ia803008.us.archive.org/30/items/ThePsychologyOfSamskaras/The%20Psychology%20of%20Samskaras_text.pdf The Psychology of Samskaras.]'' Article in Vivekananda Kendra Patrika. (Pages 56-65)</ref>

   

   

There is difference of opinion as to the number of Samskaras. Gautama in his Smṛti (Dharmaśāstram) enumerated forty Samskaras, including five Mahayajnas, seven Pākayajñas, seven Haviryajñas and seven Somayāgas. Finally, it is decided in Samskaradipika that the following sixteen Samskaras are essential:<blockquote>आधानपुंसवनसीमन्तजातनामान्नचोलकाः। मौञ्जीव्रतानि गोदानसमावर्तनविवाहकाः॥ ādhānapuṃsavanasīmantajātanāmānnacolakāḥ।mauñjīvratāni godānasamāvartanavivāhakāḥ॥  

Gautama in his Smṛti (Dharmaśāstram) enumerated forty Samskaras, including five Mahayajnas, seven Pākayajñas, seven Haviryajñas and seven Somayāgas. Finally, it is decided in Samskaradipika that the following sixteen Samskaras are essential:<blockquote>आधानपुंसवनसीमन्तजातनामान्नचोलकाः। मौञ्जीव्रतानि गोदानसमावर्तनविवाहकाः॥ ādhānapuṃsavanasīmantajātanāmānnacolakāḥ।mauñjīvratāni godānasamāvartanavivāhakāḥ॥  

अन्त्यं चैतानि कर्माणि प्रोच्यन्ते षोडशैव तु। antyaṃ caitāni karmāṇi procyante ṣoḍaśaiva tu ।</blockquote>They are  

अन्त्यं चैतानि कर्माणि प्रोच्यन्ते षोडशैव तु। antyaṃ caitāni karmāṇi procyante ṣoḍaśaiva tu ।</blockquote>They are  

# [[Antyesti (अन्त्येष्टिः)|अन्त्येष्टिः॥ Antyesti]]

# [[Antyesti (अन्त्येष्टिः)|अन्त्येष्टिः॥ Antyesti]]

It should be noted that the three Samskaras, viz. Garbhadhanam, Puṃsavanam and Simantonnayanam, have to be performed before the birth of the child. Since they are for Garbhashuddhi (cleansing of the womb and embryo), they need not be repeated.

It should be noted that the three Samskaras, viz. Garbhadhanam, Puṃsavanam and Simantonnayanam, have to be performed before the birth of the child. Since they are for Garbhashuddhi (cleansing of the womb and embryo), they need not be repeated.

== The Purpose of Shodasha Samskara- karmas ==

== The Purpose of Shodasha Samskara- karmas ==