Naamkaran Sanskaara

INTRODUCTION

The Naamkaran Sanskaara is the 5th of the 16 Sanskaara. It is the 2nd sanskaara after birth of a child. 

Giving a name is simple enough. But infusing that name with spiritual energy, with a lifetime of bliss and with holy reverence is achieved with this Sanskaara. It is our name and the impact we have made with that name that stays in the world after we depart. Also, a name that becomes suffused with spiritual energy then provides a sort of mental shelter for the child’s future.

The Name

The chosen name of a child should arouse good feelings, perceptions, and goals. The Sankaara vidhi references the Authority of the Ashvalayana Grihyasutras to advise on what vowels should be included in a name or excluded from a name. It also advises that names of inanimate items and names that evoke fear and evil dread should not be chosen.

TIMING

This Sanskaara is recommended for the 11th day of birth (leaving ten clear days).[Footnote: This sanskaara can also be performed on the 101st day or the 1st Birthday of the child].

In modern times, a name is a legal requirement – required for statutory registration of birth within a short time of birth. 

From birth, the child is therefore addressed by name. So, while this Sankaara used to be done on the 11th day in the historic days of the Grihyasutra and Sanskaara Vidhi, parents should consider conducting this sanskaara as early as possible, and it could very well coincide with the Jaatkarma Sanskaara.

Notably, the Sanskaara Vidhi noted that the 11th day was best suited to the historical experience that the Mother stays in the delivery room for 19 days after birth, thus the 11th day is best for Naamkaran.

The Paaraskara Grihyasutra notes:

दशम्यामुत्थाप्य पिता नाम करोति ।
द्वयक्षरं चतुरक्षरं वा घोषवदाद्यन्तरन्तःस्थं दीर्घाभिनिष्ठानान्तं कृतं कुर्यान्न तद्धितम् ।
अयुजाक्षरमाकारान्तः स्त्रियै । 
शर्म ब्राह्मणस्य वर्म क्षत्रियस्य गुप्तेति वैश्यस्य ॥ (Paaraskara Grihyasutra 1.17.1-4)

This verse includes that on the 10th, from delivery, the mother exits the delivery room.

The ceremony is as follows:

1. Ritvigvaran
2. Aachamanam
3. Anga Sparsha
4. Eeshvara stuti prarthanaa upasaanaa
5. Svasti Vaachanam
6. Shaanti Karanam
7. Agnayadhaan
8. Samidaadhaan
9. Panchahuti
10. Jala
11. Aagharavagya bhaagahuti – 4 verses
12. Vyaahrit – 4 verses
13. Ashtagya 8 verses
14. Poornahuti