Course Title: Vedic Chaplaincy

Course Code: VCH-103

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Undergraduate / Introductory

Course Description

This introductory course explores the philosophy and ritual practice of Vedic Chaplaincy The 16 major life-cycle rituals (Shodasha Sanskāras) are examined from the perspective of personal development, ethical grounding, social responsibility, and spiritual upliftment. The course prepares students for foundational engagement with dharmic guidance and community well-being in modern settings.

Course Objectives

Understand the goals of Vedic Sanskāras in shaping holistic personality.

Develop a chaplaincy outlook grounded in Dharma and rational Vedic thought.

Study key mantras, procedures, and the underlying ethics of each sanskāra.

Introduce spiritual leadership

Weekly Modules

Module I: Foundations of Vedic Chaplaincy and Sanskāra Philosophy (Week 1–2)

Meaning of Vedic Chaplaincy

Overview of Dharma and Puruṣārthas

Overview of Dharma, Āśrama system, and life-cycle ethics

Chaplaincy and counselor roles in Indian tradition

Role of Sanskāras in Vedic life: overview of 16 rites

Reading:

Sanskar Vidhi by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya, Preface & Introduction

Satyarth Prakash by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya, Chapter 4 (excerpt)

Module III: General Procedure of Havana/Agnihotra/Yajña (Week 3-4)

Reading

Sanskar Vidhi, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya (pages 1-81)

Module III: Concept and Types of Sanskāras (Week 5–6)

Meaning, etymology, and evolution of Sanskāra

Scriptural basis: Vedas, Gṛhya Sūtras, Smṛtis

Importance of mental, physical, social, and spiritual purification

Reading:

Sanskar Vidhi, by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Manusmṛti on Sanskāras

Module IV: Prenatal Sanskāras (Week 7-8)

Garbhādhāna, Puṃsavana, Sīmantonnayana

Reading:

Related Sanskaras of Sanskar Vidhi by Prof. Ravi Prakash

Commentary on mantras and ritual conduct

Module V: Post-Natal Sanskaras (Week 9-10)

Jātakarma, Nāmakaraṇa, Niṣkramaṇa, Annaprāśana

Reading:

Related Sanskaras of Sanskar Vidhi by Prof. Ravi Prakash

Module VI: Education and Adolescence (Week 11-12)

Cūḍākaraṇa, Karṇavedha, Upanayana, Vedarambha and Samāvartana – graduation

Reading:

Related Sanskaras from Sanskara Vidhi by Ravi Prakash Arya

Translated mantras and commentaries for Vidyārambha and Upanayana

Module VII: Marriage (Vivāha) and Social Duties (Week 13–14)

Vivāha rituals, symbolism, and vows

Role of Vedic counselor in marriage preparation

Reading:

Related Sanskaras of Sanskar Vidhi by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Rigveda 10.85

Module VIII: Life’s Final Rites (Week 15)

Vānaprastha and Sannyāsa: inner transformation

Antyeṣṭi: ritual of return to cosmos and ethical reflection

Reading:

Related Sanskaras from Sanskara Vidhi by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Commentary on death, renunciation, and Vedic perspective

Module IX: Chaplaincy in Institutions and Modern Relevance (Week 16–17)

Hospitals, schools, armed forces, prisons

Grief counseling, rites of passage, interfaith sensitivity

Designing Dharmic wellness programs

Reading:

Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya, Applied excerpts from Sanskar Vidhi and Vedic Science articles

Core Texts

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Sanskar Vidhi (English translation and commentary by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya)

Vedic Culture and Civilization by Prof. Ravi Praaksh Arya

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 4, 6, 10

Selected hymns from Yajurveda and Rigveda