The Sun of Auspicious Moments with the Beloved of the Sun Commentary

The Naming Ceremony and Early Rites

According to the sage Nṛsiṃha, one should avoid the late afternoon and the night for the Naming Ceremony original: "Namakarma". The sage Bṛhaspati adds that one should also avoid the evening twilight, times of "bad unions" original: "dushta-yoga," referring to inauspicious planetary alignments, and the days of Saturday or Tuesday. Furthermore, "Empty" lunar days Rikta: the 4th, 9th, and 14th days of the lunar fortnight, considered unfavorable for new beginnings, full/new moon days original: "Parva", the eighth day of the fortnight, and the specific astrological period called Kimstughna should be avoided. Even at night, the ceremony should not be performed if these defects are present.

For the success and prosperity of the name, the ritual should occur on auspicious days of the week and under favorable planetary divisions. Fixed zodiac signs original: "Sthira Rashi," such as Taurus or Leo are considered best, or Dual signs original: "Dvisvabhava," such as Gemini or Virgo if they are influenced by "benefic" planets. Nṛsiṃha notes that if a planet is in the eighth house from the Ascendant, it is inauspicious for the naming rite.

The collection of laws original: "Sangraha" specifies who or what may be named:

• Temples, elephants, and horses
• Trees, step-wells, and regular wells
• All types of tools and professional equipment
• Signs or insignia
• Women and men
• Works of poetry and literature
• Animals, specifically
• Royal palaces

Naming these is considered a specialized and significant action.

The Four Early Milestones

Now, the four rituals of placing in the cradle, sitting on the ground, drinking milk, and the first outing are described. On the twelfth day after birth, the infant should be placed in a cradle original: "palaka" or a small cot original: "khadva". One must not delay this. If the specific time passes, it should be done under Nakshatras that are "Auspicious," "Soft," or "Light" original: "Shubha, Mridu, Laghu", ensuring the strength of the Ascendant as previously described.

A calculation is made using the stars: counting from the Sun and Mars, place five stars in each of the four cardinal directions and seven in the center. If the child's birth star falls in the East, it indicates disease; in the South, certain death; in the West, obstacles; and in the North, the possibility of illness. If the star falls in the remaining positions, it is middling and beneficial for the child. Bṛhaspati states in his compendium that the "climbing into the cot" should be done on the 10th, 12th, 16th, or 22nd day.

The Bhavishya Purana a sacred text focusing on future events and rituals adds: On a desired auspicious day, endowed with the strength of the Moon and the stars, and under Soft, Fixed, or Swift Nakshatras, the family women should worship Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent original: "Sheshashayi" and then place the infant down with the head toward the auspicious direction.

Sitting on the Ground

Regarding the first time the child sits on the earth: under the stars Mrigashira, Ashvini, Pushya, the three Uttaras, Rohini, or Jyeshtha, on an auspicious day (excluding "Empty" days), during the fifth month from birth, the child should be placed on the ground. The Brahma Purana states: "In the fifth month, do not fail to let the child sit on the earth."

In this rite, all planets are favorable, especially Mars. Avoid the "Empty" lunar days. Listen to the favorable stars for this: the three Uttaras, Mrigashira, Pushya, Hasta, Anuradha, and Ashvini. One should worship the Boar incarnation Varaha: the third avatar of Vishnu who lifted the Earth from the cosmic ocean, the Earth Goddess, and the priests. The area should be well-smeared (purified), a sacred circle original: "mandala" drawn, and amidst the sounds of prayers for a "holy day," the child should be seated.

The Sitting Prayer:

"O Goddess Earth, protector of the world, always protect this child who moves upon you. Grant them a full span of life, O beloved of Lord Vishnu original: "Hari-priye"."

First Milk and Feeding

Regarding the first feeding of milk: On the thirty-first day, the infant should be given milk original: "payah" to drink using a conch shell original: "kambu". Nṛsiṃha suggests this can be done on the twenty-first day as well.

For the First Solid Food original: "Annaprashana", use the appropriate stars. The child should face a "clear direction," meaning one not occupied by Rahu Rahu: the shadow planet or "demon" in Vedic astrology responsible for eclipses; facing his 'mouth' is considered dangerous. The strength of the Ascendant must be checked. One must also avoid the "Rudra-yoga." The text notes that Rahu moves through the eight directions throughout the day starting from sunrise: Rahu resides in the East and North-West during the Sun's time, in the South during Mars' time, and so on...