Importance and significance of Namakaranam - the Hindu naming ceremony

Introduction

"Namakaranam", the traditional Hindu naming ceremony, is one of the most important of the Shodasa Samskaras i.e. 16 sacred rituals and the very first Samsakara / ceremony of a newborn baby.

Derived from the Sanskrit words "naama" (name) and "karan" (to make), the ritual establishes a child's unique social and spiritual identity within the community.

Some families perform at a time perform Namakaranam and also cradle ceremony. While other families perform the two functions separately on two different days. This is one of the most important Shodasa Samskaras (16 Hindu sacred rituals).

Besides providing a name as per Vedic principles, the ceremony serves as an auspicious gathering for family and friends to unite, celebrate, and bless the new life.

Since time immemorial 'name' of an individual had an impact on the progress of the indiviual and society as well. A 'name' is the social identity of a person which helps him / her to earn fame. Hence naming ceremony has social importance. It is also an occasion joy and laughter with friends and family who are invited to bless the new born baby.

Read Also: Seemantham: The South Indian Traditional Baby Shower Ceremony

Namakaranam, 'Namakaran' in Hindi, 'Baarsaala' in Telugu and in Marathi it is known as 'Baarsaa'.

When to perform 'namakaranam'

Traditionally the ceremony should be held either on the 11th day or 21st day of the new born baby. Now-a-days due to societal changes, the function is being celebrated according to one's convenience. If not on the 11th or 21st day, this is done on an auspicious day in the 3rd month after consulting with the priests / astrologers.

Procedure

Initially the couple perform Vighneswara Pooja and punya havan (homam).
In case, the baby is born in a 'shanti' nakshatra (star), then father has to see the reflection of the baby's face in sesame oil or cow's ghee.
After these events, the main event i.e 'namakaranam' is performed.

Traditionally, husband and wife need to jointly discuss and name the child as per their likes. It is a culture to add grandfather's (paternal) name either fully or partially to the name of the newly born boy baby and grandmother's (paternal) name to the girl baby. However, it's the wish of the couple who jointly take the decision of naming their child.

For the main event i.e naming ceremony, as per custom the father of the newly born baby writes the name in plate full of rice grains.
As per the instructions of the priest, the father of the new born, writes the name of the baby on the rice grains with a gold ring held in his hand (however, writing with gold ring is not mandatory) while the priest chants sacred mantras.
Once this is done, the grandparents, great grandparents of the new born baby and the family members bless the baby and couple with 'akshantalu' and offer gifts.

This completes the ceremony of 'namakaranam' and all the gathered guests enjoy a sumptuous feast.