Samskara #5 of 16 · Childhood (Bālya)
नामकरण
Namakarana
Nāmakaraṇa
Timing: 11th or 12th day after birth
Purpose
To formally name the child according to astrological + family tradition. The name is believed to shape destiny.
The ritual
After ritual bath of mother + child, the priest calculates the nakshatra-letter (first syllable based on the moon’s nakshatra at birth), and the father whispers the chosen name into the child’s right ear four times. A homa is performed.
Key elements
- ●Nakshatra-based first syllable
- ●Name whispered 4 times in right ear
- ●Homa with name announcement
- ●Family + private name often given
Performed by
Family priest + parents
Modern relevance
Most Hindu families still consult the birth nakshatra for the auspicious starting letter — the samskara survives intact.