There are four main life goals in Vedic Sanatan Dharm, they are Dharm (Morale and Ethics), Arth (Ways to earning), Kaam (Earthly pleasures after marriage) and Moksh (Complete Freedom). Samskaar means to shape up and cleansing from where it was left from the previous stage. Based on Vedic Sanatan Dharm, reincarnation continuously happens until complete freedom known as Moksh is attained. During this recurring life after death, the soul carries forward the good & bad influences of previous lives through causal body.
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गर्भाधान Garbhaadhan (Conception), this samskaar is performed by parents and consists of fervent prayer for a child in order to fulfill the obligation to continue the human race.
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पुंसवन Punsavan (Fetus protection), this samskaar is performed during the third or fourth month of pregnancy. A priest recites Vedic hymns to invoke divine qualities in the child.
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सीमन्त-उन्नयन Simantonnayan (Satisfying the cravings of the pregnant mother), this samskaar is similar to a baby shower, and is, performed during the seventh month of pregnancy when prayers are offered to God for the healthy physical and mental growth of the child.
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जातकर्म संस्कार Jatakarm (Child birth), Mantras are recited for a healthy and long life of the child at his birth.
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नामकरण संस्कार Namakaran (Naming the child), the name for the baby is selected such that its meaning can inspire the child to follow the path of righteousness.
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निष्क्रमण संस्कार Nishkraman (Taking the child outdoors for the first time), this samskaar is performed in the fourth month after birth when the child is moved outside the house.
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अन्नप्राशन संस्कार Annaprasan (Giving solid food), in the sixth, seventh or eighth month child is given solid food.
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मुण्डन अथवा चूडाकर्म (चौलकर्म) संस्कार Mundan (Hair cutting), this is performed during the first or third year of age when the child's hair is removed by shaving.
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कर्णवेध संस्कार Karnavedh (Ear piercing), this samskaar is performed in the third or fifth year.
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उपनयन संस्कार Upanayana (Sacred thread ceremony), this introduces the male child to a teacher in order to receive education and marking the entry of the child to Brahmacharya.
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वेद-आरंभ संस्कार Vedarambh (Study of Vedas), this samskaar is performed at the time of Upanayana or within one year. The Guru teaches the Gayatri Mantra.
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समावर्तन संस्कार Samavartan (Returning home after completion of education), this samskaar is performed at the age of about 25 years.
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विवाह संस्कार Vivaah (Marriage OR Wedding) This involves three main rituals.
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वानप्रस्थ संस्कार Vaanaprasth (Preparation for renunciation), this samskaar is performed at the age of 50 to celebrate the departure from the householder stage to the Vaanaprasth stage when the person begins to engage in spiritual activities.
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संन्यास संस्कार Sannyaas (Renunciation), this samskaar is performed after Vaanaprasth.
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अन्त्येष्ठी संस्कार Antyesthi (Cremation), this is the final samskaar performed after death by his or her descendants.