Pancha samskars of Vaishnavs

In Vaishnavasim, all Vaishnavas have to undergo a purification rites collectively known as Samasrayanam. It literally means five purification rituals. It can be considered as a commitment from a disciple (shishya) to his Aacharya (Guru). In this manner, whoever undergoes this rite gets linked to Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya. During this rite, the Aacharya initiates the person as a shishya. This rite can be performed for a male or female irrespective of age. In case of males, generally it is performed after their sacred thread ceremony known as Upanayan. In case of females, they undergo this rite after their marriage. Samasrayanam rite consists of 5 steps as stated below –

1. Tapa samskaar – In this ritual the sacred weapons of Lord Vishnu namely the Sudarshan chakra and Panchajanya are embossed on the shoulders by reciting Mantras. Sudarshan chakra is embossed on right shoulder and the conch on the left shoulder by using a hot silver seal.
2. Pundra samskaar – In this ritual, 12 locations of the body where Lord Vishnu resides (according to Vaishnavas), are marked with Dwadasha Pundras (called 12 Thirumans) i.e.  the sacred symbols using SreeChurnam
3. Naam samskaar – This is also known as Dasyanamam. In this ritual suffix Dasa is added to the name of the individual e.g. Vishnudasa meaning servant of Lord Vishnu. 
4. Mantra samskaar – In this ritual, the shishya receives mantropadesh from his Aacharya. They are Thiru Astaksharam, Dwayam and Charamashlokam. These 3 mantras are collectively known as Rahasyatrayam. This is considered as most important ritual. 
5. Ijyai samskaar – In this ritual, the Vaishnav is taught the proper method of ritual worship of Lord Vishnu - Thiruvaradhanam

After the completion of above rites, a person, born in a Vaishnav family, is considered to be a true Vaishnav according to Shastras and rules of Vaishnav Sampradaya.