How Arya Samaj Performs Namkaran Sanskar
The Ritual Process
Importance of Namkaran Sanskar in Arya Samaj
-
Spiritual Identity: The name gives the child a sacred identity.
-
Positive Vibes: Vedic mantras purify the surroundings and bless the newborn.
-
Cultural Heritage: Keeps alive the rich Arya Samaj and Vedic traditions.
-
Astrological & Scientific Relevance: The name is often chosen based on nakshatra, planetary positions, or meaningful Sanskrit roots.
-
Blessings for Life: Ensures health, happiness, wisdom, and prosperity for the child.
Arya Samaj Namkaran Sanskar – Complete Vedic Ritual Procedure
The Namkaran Sanskar (naming ceremony) in Arya Samaj is performed with utmost purity, following the guidelines of the Vedas. Below is the complete step-by-step method (vidhi), including mantras, offerings, and the significance of each part.
1. Invocation and Initial Rituals
The ceremony begins with Acharya Isvaropasana (worship of God), Svastivachan (prayers for well-being), Shāntikaran (peace invocation), and Samanya Prakaraṇa (general rituals).
After these, the father and mother together offer four Aghar-vajya oblations and four Vyahṛti oblations. Along with this, the mantra “Tvam No Agne” is recited as prescribed in the Sanskar Vidhi.
In total: 8 mantras = 8 oblations.
Since each is offered with ghee, altogether 16 ghee offerings are made.
2. Purification of the Child
After the initial havan offerings:
-
The child (boy or girl) is bathed in pure water.
-
The baby is dressed in clean clothes.
-
The mother carries the child to the sacrificial altar (havan kund).
-
She stands to the right (south side) of the father, then hands over the child from behind the father’s back, placing the baby’s head towards the north in the father’s hands.
-
The mother then sits again behind her husband, facing east, as per tradition.
3. The Main Mantra Offering
The father offers a ghee oblation with the mantra:
“Om Prajāpataye Svaha”
4. Offerings for Birth Date and Nakshatra
After this, four specific oblations are given based on:
- The Tithi (lunar day) of the child’s birth.
- The Deity of that Tithi.
- The Nakshatra (birth star constellation).
- The Deity of that Nakshatra.
Each offering is made with the name of the Tithi, Nakshatra, and their respective Deities in the fourth case ending (chaturthi vibhakti) + Svāhā.
Example:
If the child was born on Pratipada Tithi and Ashvini Nakshatra:
“Om Pratipade Svaha”
“Om Brāhmaṇe Svaha”
“Om Ashvinyai Svaha”
“Om Ashvibhyam Svaha”
This completes the 4 oblations dedicated to the child’s specific birth details.
5. Final Offerings
One oblation with the Swishtakrit Mantra.
Four oblations with the Vyāhṛti mantras (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Svah, Mahah).
Total = 5 final offerings.
After this, the mother sits with the child on a clean, auspicious seat.
6. Blessing of the Child
The father touches the baby near the nostrils so the child experiences the air passing out — symbolizing the breath of life, Prana, and divine blessings.
7. List of Tithi Deities
According to the Vedic tradition, each lunar day (Tithi) has its ruling deity:
Brahma, Tvasta, Vishnu, Yama, Soma, Kumara, Muni, Vasu, Shiva, Dharma, Rudra, Vaayu, Kama, Ananta, Visvedevah, Pitrs.
8. List of Nakshatra Deities
Similarly, each Nakshatra (birth star) is presided over by a deity:
Ashvini – Ashvins
Bharani – Yama
Krittika – Agni
Rohini – Prajāpati
Mrigashira – Soma
Ardra – Rudra
Punarvasu – Aditi
Pushya – Brihaspati
Ashlesha – Serpents (Nāga)
Magha – Pitṛs (Ancestors)
Poorva Phalguni – Bhaga
Uttara Phalguni – Aryaman
Hasta – Savitṛ (Sun God)
Chitra – Tvaṣṭā
Swati – Vāyu
Vishakha – Indra-Agni
Anuradha – Mitra
Jyeshtha – Indra
Mula – Nirṛti
Poorvashada – Ap (Water Deities)
Uttarashada – Viśvedevāḥ
Shravana – Vishnu
Dhanishta – Vasus
Shatabhisha – Varuṇa
Poorvabhadrapada – Ajaikapāda
Uttarabhadrapada – Ahirbudhnya
Revati – Pushan