This is a common samskara performed in many Tamil Brahmin homes and it’s really beautiful when done properly with the right understanding.
What is
Punyaha Vaachanam?
It’s a
purification ritual done before any auspicious event (vivaham, upanayanam, namakaranam, grihapravesam, etc.). In this case, it’s done
along with Namakaranam, the naming ceremony for a newborn.
This involves
chanting mantras to purify the home, invite divine blessings, and ensure positive vibrations for the child and the family.
What is Namakaranam?
This is the
official naming of the baby, usually done on the
11th or 12th day after birth. If the mother and baby are still under post-natal care, some families do it on the
16th or 21st day. The child’s name is formally whispered into their right ear by the father or paternal grandfather.
When and where should it be done?
Traditionally, it’s done at home (if possible), usually in the
puja room or main hall. Nowadays, some people opt for a temple or community hall. Morning hours, especially
between 8 and 11 AM, are considered auspicious. A good muhurtam can be fixed by your family priest.
Who should be invited?
This is a
family function, so mainly close relatives:
- Maternal and paternal grandparents
- Uncles, aunts, and close cousins
- Your family purohit / vadhyar (very important)
- Sometimes close friends or neighbors
Avoid making it too large or noisy. The focus should be on the sanctity of the event and blessings for the baby.
What is the procedure?
Here’s a simple flow:
- Ganapathi Puja – To remove obstacles.
- Punyaha Vaachanam – Vadhyar chants purificatory mantras like “Punyam Kurutvam,” sprinkles water (prokshanam) around the house using darbha grass.
- Namakaranam – The father (or grandfather) writes the child’s name in rice (akshata) and whispers it in the baby’s right ear.
- Ashirvadam – Elders bless the baby.
- Neivedyam and Mangala Harathi – Simple offering and arathi.
- Distribution of prasad and food – If guests are invited, you can serve traditional tiffin or lunch depending on the time.
What items are needed?
Basic items include:
- Kalasam with water
- Turmeric, kumkum, sandal, betel leaves, nuts
- Darbha grass
- Flowers and garlands
- Fruits and coconut
- Vastram (new clothes for baby and father)
- Raw rice and akshata
- Small cradle (optional, for photo/rituals)
- Neivedyam items (milk, ghee, pongal, sweets)
If your family has a
regular vadhyar, please consult him in advance. He will guide you with the
exact sampradayam as per your
gotram and sutram (Apastamba, Bodhayana, etc.).
