Hindu Samskaras and Rites of Passage

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.