Namakaran (Naming Ceremony)
నామకరణం
Sanskrit: नामकरण · Category: Sanskara
Quick Definition
The Vedic naming ceremony — one of the 16 saṃskāras. Performed on 11th or 12th day after birth.
Detailed Explanation
The child's name is selected based on their birth nakshatra-pada syllable. The ceremony includes Ganesha puja, navagraha puja, kalash sthapana, the child being shown the sun for the first time, and the name being whispered into both ears. From the Gṛhya Sūtras.
See Also
Related Terms
Nakshatra
నక్షత్రం
Lunar mansion — one of 27 divisions of the ecliptic, each 13°20'.…
Pada
పాద
A quarter of a nakshatra. Each nakshatra has 4 padas of 3°20' each.…
Muhurtam
మూహుర్తం
An auspicious time chosen for a specific activity based on tithi, nakshatra, var…
Sanskara (Saṃskāra)
సంస్కారం
One of the 16 Vedic life rituals from conception to death.…
Author & Sources
Compiled by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma, Vedic Astrologer & Panchangam Scholar. Definitions cross-referenced against classical texts: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Muhurta Chintamani, Surya Siddhanta, Gṛhya Sūtras. See the full Vedic Glossary for 58 terms across Panchanga, Astrology, Calendar, Dosha, Ritual, and Sanskara categories.