The grihya (domestic) sutras ( manual) are the Vedic manuals written by different sages, over the period of time which deal with the performance of the domestic ritual by man or women, one of oldest written manual for humankind, these ritualistic ceremonies are known as Samakaras, such as conception, birth, Mundan, initiation, marriage, death, etc. The four Vedas; a book of knowledge Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, of these Rigveda is one of oldest, each is divided into four sections known as Samhitas, Aranyakas Brahmanas and Upanishads, Grihya sutras belong to each branch of Veda’s different part of India different Grihya Sutras prevaile, and thus you see the variation on regional Hindu services we see today.
The Samskar is said to be helping for achieving spiritual nourishment, peace of mind, and ultimately moksha. Samskar gives a spiritual touch to important events at different stages of life. Hindu life – right from pre-birth to post-death. Samskaras are the turning points of life and need to be celebrated. Celebrations are very important ingredients of Samskaras. They directly or indirectly involve our respected elders, family members, and friends. Everyone gets together to convey their best wishes and blessings. Samskaras are great, time-tested tools in our ancient traditional culture which help carve out a great personality.
The mundan (first hair cutting ) is 8th ceremony on the list of sixteen ceremonies we perform in life, Mundan ceremony is performed after the first grain ceremony, Different families perform this ceremony at different ages. Some do it before 1st birthday and some do it after 3rd birthday As in all samskaras, family, friends and a Hindu priest get together in the home or in a temple. Vedic Hindu Mantras are recited, a sacred fire (Havan/Homa) is evoked and the priest, with the help of the father or maternal uncle, cuts small locks of hair from the child’s head. After this ritual cutting, the child’s hair is completely shaved. There is a belief that the first hair from the time of birth is impure and so shaving it off is purification, but more importantly, the real point of the samskara is that it is a sacrifice; the beauty of their child by shaving child’s head, and in exchange, they ask God for long life and prosperity for their child.
The shaven head is washed. Then a paste of turmeric and sandalwood can be applied. It is believed that this mixture cools the head and speeds up the healing of any nicks and cuts. The shaved hair is offered to a deity in some family tradition.
Ensure that your baby is well-rested and has had a snack or meal before the mundan. It may be difficult to handle a baby who is cranky, hungry, and upset. During the ceremony, try to keep your baby occupied with a toy or book when his hair is getting shaved
