Samskara #13 of 16 · Student (Brahmacharya)
केशान्त
Keshanta
Keśānta
Timing: 16th year — first shaving of the beard
Purpose
To mark the transition into adulthood with the first beard-shaving ceremony.
The ritual
After bath + new clothes, the barber shaves the face for the first time. Sacred-fire rites are performed; the student dakshina to the guru, marking maturity. Sometimes called Godana ("cow-gift") as a cow is gifted to the priest.
Key elements
- ●First face-shaving
- ●Sacred-fire homa
- ●Gift of a cow (godana) to guru
- ●Vows of continued brahmacharya until samavartana
Performed by
Barber + guru
Modern relevance
Rarely observed as a distinct samskara today; the cultural milestone has shifted to other passage markers.