Photo Documentary: The Namakarana Samskara
This photo documentary that records the events that occurs during the Namakarana samskara is taken from three such events, done for three newborn babies. These three ceremonies were done in the parents homes.
Soumya's Namakarana. Parents: Balan and Shamini
Sivesha's Namakarana. Parents: Dr. Vasanthan and Sivamalar
Siddartha's Namakarana. Parents: Balasubramaniam and Ratnamalar
When the priest arrives to the home he sets up the kumbha. The kumbha is used as a temporary representation of God. During the puja the priest invokes Lord Ganesha to give His blessings to the child and his or her family and everybody present. The name of the child and the rest of his family is chanted by the priest during the ceremony. The ceremony also acts as a connecting time between the child and his or her guardian devas.
The Kumbha used in this ceremony represents Lord Ganesha
After the puja ceremony, the child's father does a short puja to the kumbha as instructed by the priest. Then he goes to his child and whispers the child's name in his or her right name. The mother too can do the same. The priest will then announce to the congregation saying: "May the name of this child (the name of the child) be established." Then the congregation that is gathered will all say the name of the child in unison.
Father getting ready to say his child's name, Siddartha, into his ear.
Mother's Turn.
Then the guests present are invited to give their presents to the child. It is traditional to offer gold ornaments, such as a small chain or bangle.
Father starts by putting a gold necklace for his daughter. Then the grandparents followed by other guests.
Priest gives his blessings.
The final part of the Namakarana samskara is to rock the baby to sleep. A cradle is decorated with flowers and mother places her baby in it. As the child is rocked to sleep traditional Indian lullaby is sang by all the mothers' present.
A Tamil Lullaby for the baby Sivesha after the Namakarana Samskara.
Baby Siddartha sound asleep after the lullaby.
After the ceremony the parents, priest and others attending the ceremony can sign a certificate as a record for the Namakarana Samskara. A template for this certificate can be found at this link. Click Here for the Namakarana Certificate.
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