Namkaran — 5th of 16 sanskaras. Naming ceremony for newborn. Traditionally on 11th or 12th day from birth.
Name should start with letter from birth-nakshatra-pada — traditional rule. 27 nakshatras × 4 padas = 108 letters.
✦ Best Days
11th or 12th day from birth. Up to 16 days acceptable if those are inauspicious.
Days: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri. Avoid Tue, Sat, Sun.
Best nakshatras: Ashwini, Rohini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swati.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
11th or 12th day?▼
Both acceptable. North India 11th, South India mostly 12th. If inauspicious — any auspicious day within 16 days.
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Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.