Nishkraman Sanskaara

INTRODUCTION

The Nishkraman Sanskaara is the sixth of the sixteen sanskaaras. It is a very symbolic introduction of the child to the world. It is the “coming out” ceremony when the child is brought outdoors for the first time.

In this Sanskaara, prayers are done to protect the child from any dangers in nature. At the time of this Nishkraman Sanskaara, the child’s immunity system is developing more; thus, the child is ready to be immersed in nature outside. Symbolically, the child is introduced to the environment (we are caretakers of nature), and the basic elements of nature are identified and pointed out to the child, for example, the sun, the earth, the trees, etc. Prayers are also done to build a healthy immune system, while at the same time, the child’s room, clothes, toys, and other things are cleaned and sanitized. 

Hinduism views our interaction with nature as very important – and of primary importance, our responsibility to the environment and to all of nature.

While the Jaatkarma sanskaara introduced the child to the world and away from the womb, and the Naamkaran introduced a name for the child, this sanskaara opens the external doors of our home, ushering the child to the knowledge of nature and the outer world.

Time for Nishkraman

The Nishkraman Sanskaara is recommended to be performed either(footnote: जननाद्यस्त्रीतियो ज्योत्स्नस्तस्य त्रितीयायाम् Gobhil grihyasutra 2.8.1 ज्योत्स्न moonlight त्रितीया third part जनन creator, God ध्या meditate on)
– The 3rd day of the 3rd Moonlight period from birth
– The 4th month from birth

NOTE: In modern times, the child is immediately exposed to the outer world. Most children are delivered in a medical facility from where the trip home means exposure to the outer elements. Thus, the prayers for Niskraman can be practically accommodated simultaneously as the Naamkaran Sanskaara. 

Niskraman Sanskaara is very relevant for the overall balance of our interaction with nature and thus, should still be performed even if the child has already been outside. One key element of Niskraman is the formal/spiritual introduction of the child to the sun and other elements of nature.