This is the first stage where the Acharyan embosses the marks of Holy Sudarshana and PanchaJanya near the shoulders. We all are the servants of Lord Narayana through our acharyan. These holy marks are something like an ID card for the person.

Vishnu, the god of preservation, holds a சங்கு which represents space and also the life that emerges from the life-giving waters. His Sudarshana Chakra it remains constantly within His power, flies to exactly the point intended, decomposes that object back to its essential ingredients — which is Himself — and then returns to Him. So also, the ritualistic embossing of the conch and the discus upon the arms of a disciple signifies the acceptance of the fact that Vishnu pervades all, is the origin of all, and that to Him all things will ultimately return.

It is said in Shastras, Upanishad and Sookthas that wear the weapons of Lord Narayana that person will be free from all the miseries of life. It signifies the relation between the Jeevathama and Paramatma. It said, Yama (god of death) will not send his sentries to bring back the atama, instead the holy angels from Vaikuntam receive the atama. It is these signs make the Jeevathama purified to perform Lords Aradhana. In Garuda Puranam it is said that, Only a Srivaishnava person bearing hot seal impressions of Shanka and Chakra on shoulders are eligible to perform rituals for their forefathers.

The Jeevathama after getting Thapasamskaram which has such importance should follow Srivaishnavam in proper and meaningful manner.

5 Yaga Samskaram
4 Manthra Samskaram
2 Pundra Samskara
1 Thapa Samskara