12 Questions
The Jatakarma rite of passage is performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth.
False
In the Namakarana ceremony, the name must begin with a letter assigned to its zodiac sign.
True
The Chudhakarana rite of passage symbolises the gaining of good karma.
False
In the Jatakarma rite of passage, the sacred syllable OM or AUM is written on the baby's forehead.
False
The Namakarana ceremony takes place in front of the holy fire.
True
The Chudhakarana rite of passage takes place in the 10th month of life.
False
What is the purpose of writing the sacred syllable OM or AUM on the newborn baby's tongue?
To introduce the baby to the Supreme Being
How is the baby's horoscope determined during the Namakarana ceremony?
From the exact time and date of birth
What is the significance of the holy fire in the Namakarana ceremony?
It represents the Supreme Being
What happens to the hair cut during the Chudhakarana rite of passage?
It is offered to God
At what age does the Chudhakarana rite of passage take place?
In the 15th month of life
What is the purpose of the Chudhakarana rite of passage?
To symbolize the removal of bad karma
Study Notes
Rite of Passage in Indian Culture
Birth and Early Life
- Jatakarma: a sacred syllable (OM or AUM) is written on the newborn's tongue with a golden pen dipped in honey, marking the fourth samskara
Naming Ceremony
- Namakarana: a name-giving ceremony performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth, involving a priest working out the baby's horoscope
- The name must begin with one of two or three letters assigned to its zodiac sign, but not a relative's name
- The ceremony takes place in front of the holy fire, symbolizing the holiness and presence of the Supreme Being
Chudhakarana (Hair Cutting Ceremony)
- The barber shaves or cuts a boy's hair, which is then offered to God, symbolizing the removal of bad karma
- This ceremony occurs in the 15th month of life and is the 8th Samskara
Stages of Development and Rite of Passage in Hinduism
Birth Rite of Passage
- A newborn Indian baby undergoes a ritual called Jatakarma, where the sacred syllable OM or AUM is written on its tongue with a golden pen dipped in honey, marking the fourth samskara.
Naming Ceremony Rite of Passage
- The Namakarana, or name-giving ceremony, is performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth, and involves a priest working out the baby's horoscope from the exact time and date of birth.
- The baby's name must begin with one of two or three letters assigned to its zodiac sign, but cannot be a relative's name.
- The ceremony takes place in front of the holy fire, symbolizing the holiness and presence of the Supreme Being.
Hair Cutting Rite of Passage (Chudhakarana)
- In the 15th month of life, a boy's hair is shaved or cut by a barber, and the hair is offered to God, symbolizing the removal of bad karma.
- This rite of passage marks the 8th Samskara.
This quiz explores the various stages of human development and their corresponding rites of passage in Hinduism, including birth and early childhood rituals.
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