Nama karana: On the eleventh or twelfth day of the child’s birth, Namakarana is required to be performed. Some say that although ‘Ashoucha’ continues upto the tenth day of the birth, Nama Karana might as well be performed on that day itself. However, in the ‘Mukhya Kaala’on the birthday of the child, it is stated that there is no deed for specially ascertaining  the Punya Tithi Nakshatraas for the Nama karana if done on the ‘Mukhya  Kaala’ or the day of the birth although the Gouna Kala  or the time of birth would need  be examined from the angle of Yoga since one should avoid the Vaidhruti-Vyateepaata Sankranti Grahanas, Amavasya etc. If not possible to perform the Namakarana in the Mukhya kaala, then the Propitious timings are on Tithis barring  Chaturthi, Shashthi, Ashtami, Navami, Dwadashi, Chaturdashi and Purnima; Soma, Bhdha, Guru and Shukra Vaaraas are suitable; Ashwini, Uttara, Uttaraashaadha, Uttaraabhadra, Rohini, Mrigasirsha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swaati, Anuraadha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha and Revati are good; Vrishabha, Simha and Vrischika Lagnaas are good. Now there could be four kinds of names that are ascribed to a child: Devataa naamaas are as  per Ishta Devas; second alternative is on the basis of Maasaas as illustrated as follows: Chaitraadi maasa naaaani Vaikunthodha Janardanah Upendro Yagna Purusho Vaasudevastathaa Harih Yogishah Pundarikaakshah Krishnonantochyuta stathaa Chakreeti  Dwaadashaitaani Naamaani kramaadaahurmaniishinah/ (All these names are on the basis of  Chandramaana). The third criterion is as per Nakshatraasas in : Ashvayuk, Aapabharanah, Kartikah, Rouhinah, Margasirshah, Ardrakah, Punarvasu, Tishyah,Aasleshah, Maghah, Purvaaphalgunah, Uttaraaphagunah, Hastah, Chaitrah, Swaatihi,Vashaakhah, Anuraadhah, Jyaishthah, Moolakah, Purvaashaadhah, Uttaraashaadhah, Abhijitah, Shraavanah, Shravishthah, Shata bhishak, Pooravaa –Proushtha paadah, Utaraa proushthakpadah,and Raivatah/ As per Jyotisha Grandhaas the names could be on the lines of ‘chu-che-cho-la Ashwiniproktaa’’ like Chelesha, Cholesha or Lakshmana starting with the name of the Nakshatra.But Shrouta Granhaas are not in agreement to this method. Shaankhaayanaas follow the method of naming the boys on the basis for Nakshatra in another way: like those born in Krittika are named as Agni Sharma. The four method is of Vyaavahaarika use or socialised version. For boys the name might contain ‘Samaakshara’ or of even number like of the second, fourth, six letters and for girls odd-number names. Even if the earlier  Samskaaraas like Garbhaa dhaana, Pumsavana , Seemanta, Paada Kruccha, Artha Krucchaadi  were not performed earlier, the ‘parihaara prayaschitta   homas’ and ‘pratyaamnaaya daanaas’ be executed and make the Sankalpa of Namakarana vidhaana: Asya Kumaarasyaayurabhi vriddhi dwaaraa vyavahaara siddhi beeja garbha samudbhavaino nibarhana dwaaraa Shri Parameshwara preetyartham Naama karmka cha tantrena karishye/--Then the Swasti Vaachanaas would be recited: Jaatakarma naama karmanoh Punyaaham bhavanto bruvantu/--Asya Kumarasya Jaata karmaney yetannaamney cha Swasti bhavanto bruvantu/  Then Brahmanas would write down on rice grains in a silver plate the Vyavaharika Naama of the son which the father would announce to the invitees audibly and clearly followed by other formalities including Mangala Geetas, Brahmana Dakshinas and Bhojanaas. In respect of Putrika Naama Karma,  the Procedure would be the same except the Sankalpa which states Asyaah Kumaryaa—then in the Swasti Vaachana the word replacement isTannaamnyai/ In the name being given, the  Devataanaama like Bhaktaa, then Maasa naama, Nakshatra naama and the main name presuming feminity or of Stree Linga vaachaka, as approved by the mother. The Ashwalaayanaas how-ever opine that the Nakshatra naama is optional only. In the absence of the father for any reason, the Nama karma could be performed by grand father.

Dolaarohana or Aandolaa Shayana: Keeping the newly born in a Swing is prescribed for the the twelfth day for a boy and thirteenth day for a girl child, irrespective of Tithi-Vaara- Nakshatraas. If that specific day is missed, then the suitable Nakshatraas are Uttara, Uttaraashaadha, Uttaraabhadra, Rohini, Hasta, Ashvini, Pushyami, Revati, Anuraada, Mriga sirsha, Chitra,Punarvasu, Shravana and Swati, provided the Tithi Vaara Taaraabala considerations are cleared.

Dugdha Paana: After worshipping Kula Devata and a Brahmana, cow milk be administered to the child through a Shankha or Conch Shell and this may be done on the thirty first day of the birth of the child or on the Janma Nakshatra in the morning or mid-day. Jala Puja: The Prasava Stree should perform Jala Puja at a water body after a month of the birth on a Budha or Soma or Guru Vaara at the coincidence of Shranana, Pushya, Punarvasu, Mriga seersha,Hasta, Moola, and Anuradha Nakshatras. The Guru-Shukraastamas, Chitra Pouysha Months and Adhika Maasaas are however   avoidable.

Suryaavalokana and Nishkramana: The prescribed time for the vision of Surya by the child is in the third month of the birth while Nishkramana should be in the fourth  month or after the  Anna-Praashana function. Shukla Paksha is suitable for these tasks; excepting the three days  from Trayodashi the Krishna Paksha is not suitable. Shashthi, Ashtami, Amavasya and Dwadashi are avoidabe. Guru-Budha-Shukra Vaaraas and Ashwini, Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, the three  Uttaras, Hasta, Dhanishta, Shravana, Revati, Punarvasu, Anuraadha are excellent.

 Anna Praashana: Anna Praashana to boys be performed in the sixth, eighth, tenth or twelfth month after birth. To a girl-child the prescribed months are the fifth, seventh,  or the ninth. The most suitable Tihis for this function are Dwiteeya, Triteeya, Panchami, Saptami, Trayodashi, and Dashami. Some opine that Sunday and Mondays are godd too. The Shubha Nakshatras are Ashvini,Rohini, Mrigaseersha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Uttara Tithis, Hasta, Chitra, Swaati, Anuradha, Shravana , Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, and Revati. Janma Nakshatra is also stated to be good. Understandably, Bhadra-Vaidhruti, Vyateepata, Gandaati ganda Vajra Shula, Parigha Yogaas are unsuitable. This procedure of the function comprises of Puja to Shiva-Vishnu-Chandra-Arka- Dikpaalaka-Bhu Brahmanaas; seating  the child on the mother’s lap and slowly administering  the ‘Paayasa’ made of ghee, honey , milk and curd mix (without jaggery) from a gold or bronze vessel by hand with a gold ornament like a ring along with appropriate Mantras.After the Anna Prashana the child is left free to crawl towards a nearby destination where attractive and courful  Vastras, ornaments, books, knife , pen and so on so that the first thing that he or she would get attracted to and touch or grab would decide as to what would be in his or her life ahead; Agratodha parinyasya Shilpa Vastuuni Sarvashah Shastraani  chaiva Vastraani tatah pashyettu Lakshanam/Prathamam  yatsrusheyd baalah Pustakaadi Swayam tadaa , Jeevikaatasya Baalasya tey naiva tu bhavishyati/  This function  need not be avoided in Mala Maasa, in case so required.

 

Karna Vedha : Piercing through the ear-lobes of a child-normally a girl child- called Karna Vedhana can be  preformed on the tenth, or twelfth or sixteenth day of the birth or in the sixth or seven or eighth or twelfth month or even in the first or third year. But later on any even year is to be avoided. Excepting the month of birth in the base years later on, the suitable months are Kartika- Maagha-Chaitra and Phalguna. As regards Tithis, Diteeya, Dashami, Shashthi, Sdaptami, Trayodashi, Dwaadashi, Panchami, Triteeya are good. Soma, Budha , Guru and Shukra vaaraas are auspicious. Pushya, Punarvasu, Mriga sirsha, Uttara Traya, Hasta, Chitra, Ashvini, Shravana, Revati and Dhanishtha Nakshatras are auspicious too. After performing Puja to Vishnu, Rudra, Brahma, Surya, Chandra, Dikpaalakaas, Ashvini Devataas, Saraswati, and Go-Brahmana-Gurus. Then after applying ‘Lattika Rasa’, the boy’s right ear first and left later-for girls the other way round-  be pierced. The ‘Karna Randhraas’ or the  pierced holes of the ear lobes should enable Surya Kanti to go through so that the ‘Poorva Punya’ is stated to be intact!

 Drishti Dosha Nivaaraka Rakshaavidhi:  To overcome the problem of ‘Drishti’ or Evil Looks , the procedure is apply Bhasma on the head,  forehead and body parts of the child and recite the following Mantra: Vaasudevo Jagannadhah Putanaa tarjano Harih, Rakshatu twarito Baalam muncha muncha Kumaarakam, Krishna Raksha Shishum Shankha Madhu Kaitabha Mardana/ Praatassangava Madhyaahna Saayaahneshu cha Sandhyayoh, Mahaa nishi Sadaa raksha Kamsaarishtha nishudana/ Yadgorajah Pishaachaamcha Grahaan Maatru grahaanapi, Bala grahaanvisheshena chindhi chindhi Mahaa bhayaan/ Traahi traahi Harey nityam twadrakshaa bhushitam Shubham/  ( Vaasudeva! Jagannaadha! Hari! You are the destroyer of Putana; do save my child at once; Bhagavan Krishna! The demolisher of  Shankhaasura and Madhu Kaitabha Rakshasaas; Do protect my child from evil looks; The slayer of Kamsha and Arishtaasura ! Do provide shield to my child in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and nights; do safeguard my child from cruel animals, serpents, pishachaas, Grahas, Matru Grahas, Maha Bhayanaka Bal Grahas, and demolish all such Evil Spirits and Forces; do also those provide Raksha to all who provide  guard to my the defenders of my child! )  

Also, the following Mantra be written on  a  ‘Taala Patra’and tie it on the shoulders of the child : Raksha Raksha Maha Deva, Nila griva Jataadhara, Grahaistu Sahito Raksha muncha muncha Kumaarakam/  These actions  should secure immediate relief to the crying child.  Additionally, prepare a Circle of six-inches with the word HREEM in the center prepared and within the circle get made an inscription with the name of the child and on the six angles of the circle the Mantra viz. Om luluvatu Swaahaa and tie it up on the child’s  hand, besides perform Bala Graha Shanti and Kamalaakara Shanti.

Vardhaapana Vidhi: This is an year long duty of the parents to observe in the monthly celebration of  the child on the return of the Tithi of the birth. In fact, the celebration should be an annual affair subsequenly.The Janma Dinotsava should not be observed in the Adhika Maasaas but only in the Shudda Maasa. If there is a Khanda Tithi then the tally should be done with the Janma Nakshatra also and there is no Janma Tithi Nakshatra Yoga, then the determinant is the length of the yoga at the beginningof the day’s  Sun rise by two muhurtaas earlier of later; if the Sun rise is far later the the Janma Dina is on that day or otherwise on the previous day.On the Janma Tithi thus decided, there should be an early morning Sankalpa by the parents with: Ayurabhivriddhyardham Varsha Vrpddhi karma karishey/; after giving bath to the child with the water mixed with ‘tila’ powder and fresh up with new clothing, Tilakaadi alankaaraas and perform puja to Guru, Parents, Kula Devata, Ganesha, Markandeya, Veda Vyaasa, Parashurama, Ashvatthaama, Kripaacharya, Bali Chakravarti, Prahlada, Hanuman, Vibhisana, and Shashti Deva. To Shashthi Devi, there should be offering of ‘Daddhyanna’ or curd rice and disrtibute the ‘Prasaada’ to relatives and invitees and make the following Prayer: Chiranjeevi Yathaa twambho bhavishyaami Mahaa Muney,Rupavaan Vittawaan schaiva Shriyaa yuktascha Sarvadaa/ Markandeya namastestu Sapta Kalpaanta Jeevana , Aayuraarogya siddhyartham praseeda Bhagavan Muney/ Chiranjeevi yathvaatum Muneenaam Pravaro Dwija, Kurushwa Muni shaardula tathaamaam Chiranjeevinam/ Markandeya Mahaa bhaaga Sapta kalpaanta Jeevana, Aayuraarogya siddhyarthamasmaakam varadobhava/ ( Markandeya! You have the unique distinction of longevity of Sapta Kalpaas and shine as the role model of Maharshis; kindly bestow the boon of Long Life- Health- and Prosperity for long long time).

 Shashthi Devi Prarthana: Jaya Devi Jaganmaatarjagdaa –nandakaarini, Praseeda mama Kalyaani Namastey Shashtha Devatey, Trailokyeyaani Bhutaani Sthaavaraani cha Raani cha/Brahma Vishnu Shivai ssaartham Rakshaam kurvantu taanimey/ (Jagajaanani Shashti Devi Maataa! You are the Unique Spring of Happiness to the Universe; thanks to you the Sthaavara Jangamaas ot the Moving and Immobile Beings of the entire Creation are at peace in the worlds; may you along  with Brahma-Vishnu –Rudra protect the child and grant longevity and fulfillment in life.) Having prayed to the Devi thus, the mother should administer milk mixed with jaggery and Tilas while the husband performs twenty eight Ahutis in the Grihaagni reciting the names of Shashti Devi and follwed by Brahmana Bhojana. That particular day, shaving, travel , meat eating, quarrels, hot water bathing should be avoided and celibacy observed.

 

Choodaa karana: This action could be accomplished either from the first to five years after  the birth of the child say at the Prathama Kesha Khandana on completion the first year upto the Samskaaraas of Upanayana depending on the family traditions and one’s own convenience. Maagha-Phalguna-Vaishakha- Jyeshtha  Months are considered suitable for the function excepting however in Jyeshtha Month, this is not acceptable if the child is the elder one. The entire Shukla Paksha is suitable in the relevant months, and so is Krishna Paksha excepting the last three Tithis from Trayodashi. Dwiteeya, Triteeya, Panchami,Saptami, Dasham and Ekadashi are specially good and so are Thursday, Friday and Wednesday in Shukla Paksha besides Monday in both the Pakshas. The auspicious Nakshatras are Ashwini, Mrigaseersha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swaati, Jyeshtha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhisha, and Revati. It is stated that Janma Nakshatra is unsuitable for hair cuts, travels and commencement of medicines; that Anuradha, Krittika, Uttara, Uttaraashadha, Uttaraabhadra, Rohini, and Magha are not appropriate for hair cuts as they affect longevity ; and that when Brihaspati is in Simha Raashi Chooda Karma is improper. This function is not to be  done within five years if the mother is in pregnancy beyond five months  at that time. However in  Chooda Karma along with Upanayana, this condition is not applicable. Also Manu Vachana states: Vivaha Vrata Choodaasu Maataa yadi rasaswalaa, Tasyaa Shuddhehi param kaaryam Mangalam manurabraveet/  (Vivaha-Upanayana- Choodaakarmaas are forbidden when the mother is in menses.). Another restraint to perform Chooda Karma is that this Karma involving ‘mundana’or complete hair- cut is not acceptable if  any Upanayana or Vivaha or any other Shubha Karyaas are contemplated within six months of close relatives in the same Vamsha.

Kushmaanda Homa:  The basic regulation is that two sons of the same mother should not obtain similar Samskaaraas   like Coula or Upanayana or Vivaha in the same year, let alone simultaneously.  However, if the mothers are different to the same father, then   Kushmanda Homa may be performed by performing ‘Kushmanda Ajya-Homa’ by reciting Kushmandi Ruks followed by Godaana; for instance, for Upanayana the two Vatus should have the main Shikha  but Parshva Shikhas be kept in differenr positions on the heads . In respect of girl children from two mothers,  choula- Nama Karmas may be done without Mantras, excepting the Homaas; in fact one view is that homas might also be discarded in such cases. In any case there is no custom in Sishta Vamshaas to perform choula karma to girls in a formal way in Mantra Vidhi. As regards Vivaha, Chuda Karma lopa prayaschitta is observed by Kushmanda Homa.

 

Vidyaarambha: Initiation of Aksharaabhyasa is best performed in the ‘Uttaraayana’ of the fifth year of the child when Surya is not in Kumbha Raashi. Shukla Paksha is suitable; even Krishna Paksha is agreeable barring the last three Tithis. Dwiteeya, Triteeya, Panchami, Dashami , Ekadashi and Trayodashi are auspicious. Ashwini, Mrigaseesha, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swaati, Anuradha, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Shatabhishak, and Revati are appropriate. All the days eexceping Tuesdays and Saturdays are good. At the outset, there would be the Sankalpa by the Karta : Mama Putrasya Sakala Vidyaa vishaaradatwa siddhi dwaaraa Shri Parameshwaa preetyartham Aksharaarambha Vidyaarambham cha karishye/ There after, the parents and the child should perform three ‘Pradakshinaas’ to Vighnesha, Lakshmi Narayana, Sarasvati, Guru, Brahnanas and Dhaatri before the start of the Puja and there after script on rice grains mixed with turmeric powder indicative of auspiciousness the Pranava Mantra-  Om kaara followed by Namasshivaaya  or Namo Narayanaaya as per the family tradition; followed further by the alphabets.; Om Namah Siddhamiti Akaaraadikshakaaraantaan varnaascha vilikhya sampujya praangmukham krutwaa Aksharaani trivaaram vaachayitwaa Vidyaarambham kaarayet/ Later on the couple and the child should perform Deva Namaskaara and specially invoke Devi Saraswati with the Mantra : Atra bhuvana Maatassarva vaangmaya Swarupenaagaccha Aagaccha Om/  This Aavahana to Vagdevi would be followed by ‘Shodashopachaara Puja’.