2.2.19

Namakarana & Birth Rituals

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Namakarana & Birth Rituals

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Hindu Birth Rituals

  • According to Hindu Dharma, every new life has an Atman.
  • Birth rituals bless the baby, protect them from harm, and welcome them into the family and faith.
  • These rituals help the child begin life with good karma and a strong spiritual connection.
  • Family members, friends, and priests take part in prayers, blessings, and celebrations.
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Namakarana

  • The Namakarana is the Hindu naming ceremony, one of the most important early rituals.
  • This ceremony takes place when the baby is around 10 to 40 days old, depending on family tradition.
  • A Hindu priest (pandit) often leads the ceremony with prayers and mantras to bless the child.
  • The family carefully chooses the baby’s name using astrology. They look for letters linked to the birth time and star sign.
  • The ceremony marks the child’s entry into the Hindu community.
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Elements

  • The family gathers at home or in a mandir (temple) for the ritual.
  • A small fire or lamp may be lit to represent divine light and purity.
  • The baby is placed on the father’s or mother’s lap, and the chosen name is whispered into the baby’s ear.
  • Holy water or milk may be sprinkled as a symbol of blessing and protection.
  • Family and friends then celebrate with music, food, and gifts for the newborn.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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