Samskara #6 of 16 · Childhood (Bālya)
निष्क्रमण
Nishkramana
Niṣkramaṇa
Timing: 4th month after birth — the first outing
Purpose
To formally introduce the child to the sun, moon, and the outside world, invoking the blessings of the cosmic deities.
The ritual
On an auspicious day, the parents take the dressed child outside to a temple, show the child the sun (Surya darshana) with mantras, and offer prayers to the deity of the local temple.
Key elements
- ●First temple visit
- ●Surya darshana with mantras
- ●Child dressed in new clothes
- ●Family blessings + gifts
Performed by
Parents + family
Modern relevance
The first temple visit remains a major family celebration; some traditions also do "annaprashana" together with this.