This is the fruit of the first-mentioned sacrament. In certain cases, the inherent defects of an object cannot be entirely removed; rather, a specific quality or excellence is produced within it. Similarly, the individual soul, or the inner mind original: "antahkarana", is pure by its very nature. However, through contact with desires and worldly attachments, impurity or ignorance original: "ajnana" arises within it. Once impurity is present, the light of discernment original: "viveka" can no longer shine. Without the manifestation of discernment, the downfall of the soul is inevitable, and it is a settled principle that fallen souls encounter unrest everywhere. The primary purpose of the Samskaras life-cycle sacraments intended to refine and purify the individual is to remove that impurity, which is the root of all misfortunes, and to ignite one's own inner luster. The authors of the scriptures have explained this beautifully:

original: "Citraṃ karmmānekai raṅgairunmīlyate yathāśanaiḥ | brāhmaṇyamapitadvatsyāt saṃskārairvidhipūrvvakaiḥ ||"

Just as a picture is revealed or completed step by step through the artist’s skill and the arrangement of limbs and features, the spiritual power of a Brahmin original: "brahmanyatejas" attains perfection through the repeated performance of ritual sacraments according to the rules. According to some authorities, there are 16 of these sacraments; according to others, there are 17, while some suggest even fewer or more. They are: 1. Garbhadhana Conception, 2. Pumsavana the rite to ensure a male child or a healthy fetus, 3. Simantonnayana Parting the hair of the expectant mother, 4. Jatakarma Birth rituals, 5. Namakarana Naming ceremony, 6. Nishkramana The child's first outing, 7. Annaprashana The first feeding of solid food, 8. Chudakarana The first haircut, 9. Karnavedha Ear-piercing, 10. Upanayana The sacred thread ceremony/initiation, 11. Vedarambha Beginning of Vedic study/Student life (Brahmacharya), 12. Samavartana Graduation/Returning home, 13. Vivaha Marriage, 14. Grihashrama The householder stage, 15. Vanaprastha Retirement to the forest, 16. Sannyasa Renunciation, and 17. Antyeshti The final funeral rites.

1. Garbhadhana (Conception)

As stated previously, the primary objective—both general and specific—of all sacraments is the refinement of the "vital energy" original: "tejas" of human beings. To keep a house strong, efforts must begin from the very foundation. The Revelation original: "Shruti", which is like a mother wishing for the welfare of all people, states with the intent of achieving that profound and highest goal that the defects present in the bodies of the father and mother are transmitted to the body of the child. Modern science also declares this with a clear voice. Many such examples are found in all living creatures; moreover, even the mental dispositions of the parents are transmitted to the offspring. Manu states that through the Garbhadhana and other sacraments, the "seed-defects" of a twice-born child defects arising from the impure intentions or materials of the father and mother as well as "womb-defects" original: "garbhika"; biological defects related to the mother's uterus are all removed.