This tag should be used in questions regarding Samskaras - the religious rites performed by Hindu householders. Examples of Samskaras are Annaprashana, Upanayana, Vivaha, Antesthi etc. Grihyasutras are part of Vedangas, where the protocols for performing these Samskaras are mentioned.
The Vedangas comprise six divisions, one of which is Kalpasutras. Kalpasutras, in turn, consist of four subdivisions: Srautasutra, Sulbasutra, Dharmasutra (also known as Dharmasastra), and Grihyasutra.
The first two divisions, Srautasutra and Sulbasutra, focus on the intricacies of the Srauta yajna. These texts elaborate on the protocols for various yajnas or fire sacrifices as delineated in the Veda Samhitas, such as the Vajpeya yajna or Ashwamedha yajna. Sulbasutra delves into the mathematical formulations for constructing the sacrificial altar according to prescribed dimensions.
While the Dharmasutras, categorized as smriti, encompass societal codes, the Grihyasutras provide instructions for performing Smarta yajnas—Vedic domestic rituals. Smarta Yajna encompasses the ten Samskaras, ranging from birth to death, including Annaprashan, Upanayan, Marriage, and Shraddha or the final rites. These rites are traditionally conducted by householders, and the protocols for their observance are detailed in the Grihyasutras. Even today, these protocols serve as the foundation for marriages and other rituals.
Each Veda is associated with its own Grihyasutras. For instance, the Grihyasutra of the Shukla Yajurveda is attributed to Paraskara. Each Grihyasutra is accompanied by commentaries known as Paddhatis, which offer further elucidation on ritual procedures.
