Baby Naming – Namakaranam
நாமகரணம்
நாமகரணம்
Nomenclature
What is Namakaranam or "Peyer sooduthal"?
Namakaranam (Naming Ceremony) is an important Hindu ritual performed after the birth of a child.
The word “Nama” means “name and “Karana” means to bestow.
Thus, Namakaranam is the auspicious ceremony where a newborn is formally given a name.
In Vedic astrology, the child’s name is selected based on the birth star (Janma Nakshatra) and the corresponding syllables.
The Hoda Chakra provides detailed guidelines for choosing the correct syllables for each Nakshatra.
Methods of Naming a Child
Traditionally, five methods are followed for selecting a child’s name:
1. Naming after the Family Deity
Choosing the name of the Kuladeivam (family deity) as a blessing to the child.
2. Naming after the Lord of the Lunar Month
Selecting the name based on the ruling deity of the lunar month in which the child is born.
3. Naming Based on Birth Star Syllables
Choosing a name according to the syllables associated with the child’s birth Nakshatra.
4. Popular and Well-Known Names
Using meaningful, widely recognized names.
5. Family Names or Pet Names
Adopting ancestral names, family names, or affectionate pet names.
Guidelines to Follow While Naming the Child
For Boy Babies:
Names should contain Even number (2,4,6,8) of syllables.
For Girl Babies:
Names should contain odd number (3,5,7,9) of syllables.
General Guidelines
- The name should be easy to pronounce and pleasant to hear.
- Name must clearly indicate the gender of the child.
- Avoid naming girl children after stars, rivers, trees, birds, mountains, or snakes.(Exceptions exist in Macha Purana.)
When Should the Naming Ceremony Be Performed?
The Namakaranam is traditionally conducted:
Between the 10th and 12th day after birth, or on the 16th, 20th, or 22nd day ,If these days are not suitable, an astrologically auspicious alternative day may be chosen.The ceremony is typically performed by the father or the elders at home.
If the child’s Jataka Karma (astrological ritual) has not been performed, it should be completed before naming.
Auspicious Nakshatras for Namakaranam
The following stars are considered highly suitable:
- Ashwini , Moola
- Uttara, Uttiradam
- Rohini , Hasta , Thiruvonam
- Mrigaseerisham , Chithirai , Avittam
- Thiruvathirai , Swathi
- Punarpoosam
- Poosam , Anusham , Uthiratathi
- Revathi
Auspicious Tithis
The following lunar days are favourable:
- Dvitiya , Tritiya , Panchami , Sapthami , Dasami , Trayodasi
The following lunar days are un favourable (Avoid):
- Chaturthi , Sashti , Ashtami , Navami , Chaturdasi , Pournami , Amavasya
Auspicious Lagnas
Sthira Lagnas are considered excellent, while Ubaya Lagnas are excellent if they receive the aspect of benefic planets.
Recommended Lagnas
- Taurus, Gemini , Cancer ,Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius, Pisces
Lagnas to Avoid
- Scorpio , Leo , Aquarius
Auspicious Weekdays for Namakaranam are
- Monday , Wednesday, Thursday , Friday
Important points for namakarana muhurtham
Favourable Planetary Positions
- The Moon should be in 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, or 10th house from the child’s Lagna.
- Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury should ideally be in the Lagna or Kendra houses (1, 4, 7, 10).
Acceptable Positions
- Malefic planets (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu) may occupy 3rd, 6th, or 11th houses.
Positions to Avoid
- No planets should be in Lagna, 7th, 8th, or 12th houses, unless benefics are aspecting.
Additional Guidelines
- No need to consider the combustion (Asthanga) of Jupiter and Venus for this ceremony.
- Morning and midday times are best; evening or night should be avoided.
- Avoid Sakuni or Vishti Karana during the ceremony.
