9th June, 2009
In India we have lot of rituals and ceremonies right from the birth of a child. Most of the rituals have some scientific reason behind them. The naming ceremony of my baby was conducted and I was amused about the sense of hygene in those days. All the steps performed during the function have very justified reason behind them.
The naming ceremony or Punyaha Vachanam.
Basically it is a cleansing ritual done on the 11th day for hygene of the house where the mother and baby are kept. A thread dipped in turmeric is tied around the waist of the child and to it is fastened a gold amulet. This amulet contains a piece of the umbilical cord and is believed to sustain the link between mother and child. This symbolic link to the mother is believed to protect the child. Scientifically, the piece of the umbilical cord is capable of treating many diseases like bone marrow or leukemia etc..
The procedure is for restoration of ritual purity for the child's parents and close relatives (removal of janam aasoucham ). In the morning after a head pooja was done to the Turmeric Vinaayaka and our family deity. At the end of the Pavamaana sooktham recital, the baby and all of us along with the close relatives were sprinkled with the Holy Water. The whole house was sprinkled with Holy water and Panchagavyam (cows ghee, milk, curd, urine, and cowdung in proper proportions). We all also consumed the panchagavyam for ritual purifications. Then baby was kept first time in the cradle and Naamakaranam (naming ceremony) was done on the same day at an auspicious moment. The priests had come from Shringeri matam and were very learned people.
It is better to have it done with proper priests. Of course, if you are not able to get one you may do it yourself. In that case you can use the following links for your help.
You can find the slokas of Punyahavachanam here:
The items needed for the Punyahavachanam:
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