VEDIC RITES

invoking divine blessings for a more deeply fulfilling life

Vedic rites (samskars) are ancient rituals and rites of passage that help us develop self-realization and Bhakti by invoking divine blessings at every stage of life. The Bhakti Center can provide qualified priests for the services listed below.

To request a samskar or to ask any questions, write to vasudeva@bhakticenter.org.

Please note: the prices listed below are suggested donations and do not include a donation to the priest. You may offer the priest another donation as you see fit.

our priest

Vasudeva Das, originally from the Netherlands, has since a young age studied Vedanta, bhakti-yoga, Sanskrit, arcana (worship) and samskaras in various ashrams in India and Europe. He received initiation as a Brahmin priest in 2003, and currently serves as the head priest at the Bhakti Center, New York.
vasudeva@bhakticenter.org

Rites of Passage

  • Vivaha / Marriage

    A Vedic wedding ceremony, wherein husband and wife are ritually united in
    sacred marriage. $1,001

  • Simantonayanam / Parting of the Hairs

    The ritual parting of the hairs of an expectant mother for protection of both
    mother and child. $301

  • Soshyanti-homa / Rite for Safe Delivery

    A ceremony is performed shortly before childbirth for the safe delivery of the
    child. $301

  • Nama-karana / Giving a Name

    The newborn child formally receives his or her name, ideally on the tenth,
    twelfth or hundred-and- first day after the birth. $301

  • Anna-prashana / Feeding of Grains

    The child is fed its first grains the between the fifth and eight month after birth. $301

  • Paushtika-karma / Ritual for Continued Health of the Child

    A ceremony performed on the first lunar birthday of the child for the continued
    health of the child. $301

  • Chuda-karana - “Cutting of the Hair”

    In the second or third year after birth, the child’s hair is ceremonially cut, and
    prayers are offered for a long life of the child. $301

  • Vidyarambha / Beginning of Education

    This ceremony, performed during the fifth year of the child, marks the beginning
    of education. $301

  • Griha-pravesha / Entering a New Home

    A new home is ritually sanctified. $301

  • Sraddha-kriya / Rite for the Departed Souls

    Oblations are offered for the benefit of the departed. $301

Additional Puja’s

  • Vahana-puja

    A new car or other “carrier” is ritually sanctified before use. $251

  • Narasimha-puja

    Worship of Narasimhadeva for protection and removal of obstacles. $301

  • Homa

    Offering oblations in the sacred fire for auspicious occasions or special days (such as
    birthdays). $301