jatakarma

Jatakarma is a sanskar, a sacred rite of passage in Hinduism, traditionally performed on a newborn child shortly after birth. The name itself translates to "birth ceremony." This ritual signifies the child's entry into the world and the family's spiritual and social life.

The exact practices and timing of the Jatakarma ceremony can vary significantly across different Hindu traditions and regional customs. However, it generally involves prayers, chanting of mantras, and specific offerings. A common element is the purification of the child and the environment. Often, a priest is invited to conduct the ceremony and invoke blessings for the child's health, longevity, and spiritual well-being.

A key aspect of Jatakarma is often the anointing of the child's tongue with honey and ghee, sometimes accompanied by the chanting of a sacred syllable or a blessing. This is believed to bestow intelligence and purity. Other elements might include the presentation of the child to elders, the naming of the child (though the formal naming ceremony, Namakarana, is usually a separate event), and the tying of a sacred thread. The ceremony aims to welcome the child into the family and community with divine grace and auspiciousness.