Sanskaar

There are three meanings of Sanskaar in Hindu Religion. 

(A) There are 16 Sanskaar or say religious rites in the life of a Hindu person since his birth till his death at time to time, they are:

(1) Garbhaadhaan (Conception) Sanskaar - as soon as the conception is known 
(2) Punsavan (Milk) Sankaar - performed in 3rd month
(3) Seemantnayan (Vedic Rites) - performed in 3rd 6th and 7th months
(4) Janm or Jaat Karm Sanskaar - after the birth of child
(5) Naamkarn Sanskaar (Nishkraman) - after some time of birth - child is shown to Soorya. He is given a name, or maybe on his first birthday.
(6) Nishkaran Sanskaar - 
(7) Annpraashan Sanskaar - When a child is given cooked grains for the first time, often after 3 months of age
(8) Mundan Sanskaar - in this all first hair (hair of birth) of head of the child are shaved, often in the first year, or at the age of 3 years.
(9) Karn-vedh or Karn Chhedan Sanskaar - in this Sanskaar ears of the child are pierced
(10) Upnayan Sanskaar - In which Yagyopaveet or Sacred Thread is given to child and he is sent to Guru to get educated. This is called the Second Birth also. Usually done at 3 or 4 years of age. This is not for Shoodra.
(11) Study of Ved - Sometimes the 10th and 11th Sanskaar are done together and sometimes at some interval. It is more important for Braahman
(12) Samvartan Sanskaar - At the graduation time.
(13) Vivaah Sanskaar - Marriage ceremony.
(14) Vaanprasth Sanskaar - Taking retirement from active life.
(15) Sanyaas Sanskaar - Normally at the age of 75 years.
(16) Daah or Antim Sanskaar - last rites

Among them some Sanskaar are certain and are always performed - (1) Janm Sanskaar, (2) Naamkarn Sanskaar, (3) Annpraashan Sanskaar, (4) Mundan Sanskaar, (5) Upnayan Sanskaar, (6) Vivaah Sanskaar, and (7) Daah Sanskaar. Others are optional.

(B) Whatever actions we have done in our previous lives, they form our future and nature because only according to them our next life is decided. This nature resulted from such actions is called Sanskaar. When a person behaves in a certain way without teaching it, then it is said that "his Sanskaar are like that". 

(C) Whatever basic habits are formed in very childhood are also called Sanskaar in later years, e.g. "If parents keep the foundation of good Sanskaar in a child, he will become a good man in later years." For example if Parents makes a habit to do daily chores (a set of daily routine) in early morning time, say at 5.00 am, and if it continues till death, that is called Sanskaar. Such habits die hard, sometimes do not die at all.

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