Samskara #9 of 16 · Childhood (Bālya)
कर्णवेध
Karnavedha
Karṇavedha
Timing: 3rd or 5th year, sometimes done much earlier in modern practice
Purpose
Ear-piercing — believed to improve hearing acuity + activate acupressure points connected to intellect + immunity, and to prepare for wearing kundalas (earrings).
The ritual
In a temple or at home, a goldsmith pierces both ears (right first for boys, left for girls) with a fine gold needle while mantras are chanted. Small gold earrings are inserted.
Key elements
- ●Gold needle
- ●Right ear first (boys) / left first (girls)
- ●Mantras to protect from disease
- ●Often combined with Chudakarana
Performed by
Goldsmith + family priest
Modern relevance
Routine in South India + among most communities pan-India. The acupressure rationale is gaining renewed interest in Ayurvedic circles.