🌸 Introduction
Jatakarma is the fourth of the sixteen Vedic Samskaras, performed immediately after the birth of a child to welcome the newborn into a life of Dharma.
🎯 Purpose
- Welcome the newborn
- Pray for longevity and intelligence
- Invoke the grace of Lord Vishnu
📅 When?
- Immediately after birth
- Or at the prescribed auspicious time
🪔 Materials
- Ghee
- Honey
- Gold ring
- Kalasha
- Tulasi
🕉️ Sankalpa
For the pleasure of Lord Narayana and for the longevity, health and wisdom of the newborn child.
📜 Procedure
- Achamana
- Ganapati Puja
- Punyahavachana
- Medhajanana rite
- Whispering the divine name into the baby's ear
- Blessings
📿 Mantra
Om Āyuṣmān Bhava । Om Medhāvī Bhava । Om Śrī Viṣṇave Namaḥ॥
📚 Scriptural Basis
- Apastamba Grihya Sutra
- Bodhayana Grihya Sutra
- Manusmriti
- Madhwa tradition