manusmriti

LAWS OF MANU
Jatakarman
Jatakarman (literally, natal rites) is meant for the development of the intellect of the
child. When a male child is born, the ritual connected with birth is performed
immediately (within 90 Naazhika). A small portion of a mixture of gold, ghee and
honey is given to the new born infant. This rite symbolises good fortune.
(Manusmrti 2.27)
Namakarana
Namakarana (literally, naming) ceremony is performed to name the child. It is
performed on the 12th day after birth.
Nishkramana
Nishkramana (literally, first outing) is the sixth of the 16 saṃskāras (sacraments)
practiced by the Hindus. On the day of the Nishkramana, a square area in the
courtyard from where sun can be seen is plastered with cow dung and clay and the
sign of svastika is marked on it. The mother of the child scatters grains of rice over it.
The child is brought by a nurse, and the ceremony ends when the father makes the
child look at the sun with the sound of the conch-shell and the chanting of Vedic
hymns. According to the Manusmriti (II.34), in the fourth month after birth, the
Nishkramana of the child should be performed. According to the Yamasmriti, quoted in
69