manusmriti

LAWS OF MANU
Controversy in the total number of samskaras
Since ancient times there has remained a dispute between experts on the total
number of samskara that exist.
As written in Gautamsmriti 8.8 there are 40 of them,
Maharshi Agnirane directed of 25 of them,
but according to the Puranas, 12 or 16 of them are main and necessary.
These ceremonies are enjoined on the first three (twice born) castes in Manusmrti
and Grhya Sutras (Grihya Sutras) (esp. Pāraskar).
Some list 42 samskaras, i.e. the 16 listed above plus the 21 compulsory Yajnas, plus
the 5 panchamahayajnas .
Vidyārambha, Vedārambha and Antyeṣti are not enumerated as separate samskāras
in ancient texts like Manusmriti or Grihya Sutra (Pāraskar).
To this list may be added Karṇavedham too, which reduces the list of most essential
samskāras to 12 only.
29. Before the navel-string is cut, the Gatakarman (birth-rite) must be
performed for a male (child); and while sacred formulas are being recited, he must
be fed with gold, honey, and butter.
30. But let (the father perform or) cause to be performed the Namadheya (the
rite of naming the child), on the tenth or twelfth (day after birth), or on a lucky
lunar day, in a lucky muhurta, under an auspicious constellation.
Names
31. Let (the first part of)
a Brahmana’s name (denote something) auspicious,
a Kshatriya’s be connected with power,
and a Vaisya’s with wealth,
but a Sudra’s (express something) contemptible.
32. (The second part of)
a Brahmana’s (name) shall be (a word) implying happiness,
of a Kshatriya’s (a word) implying protection,
of a Vaisya’s (a term) expressive of thriving,
and of a Sudra’s (an expression) denoting service.
33. The names of women should be easy to pronounce,
not imply anything dreadful,
possess a plain meaning,
be pleasing and auspicious,
end in long vowels,
and contain a word of benediction.
Caste Brahmin Kshtriya Vaisy Sudra Women
a
First Name
denoting
Auspicious Power Wealth Contemptible Easy
plain meaning
Second
Name
denoting
auspicious
Happiness Protection Thriving Service End in Long
Vowels
Benediction
80