Mirror of Auspicious Timing

Regarding the Rites of the Head

The constellations recommended for the rites of the head original: mastaka-karmani, referring here to the Simantonnayana ritual are the three "Latter" ones Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada, the five beginning with Hasta Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishakha, and Anuradha, Mula, Mrigashira original: Saumya, Punarvasu, the two "Prosthapadas" Purva and Uttara Bhadrapada, the two Ashadhas Purva and Uttara Ashadha, and Shravana. These eleven constellations are declared auspicious. For the ritual of parting the hair term: simantakarman (a ritual performed during pregnancy to ensure the mental health of the mother and the development of the child), one should also consider Revati, the two Phalgunis, and Ashwini.

A man achieves success even if he has committed grave sins original: gurutalpaga (one who violates the teacher's bed) if the ritual is performed under a purified Ascendant. According to the sage Vasistha, the ritual is auspicious when benefic planets are in the "Centers" 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th houses, the "Trines" 5th or 9th houses, or the 2nd, 3rd, and 11th houses. Meanwhile, malefic planets should be placed in the 3rd, 6th, or 11th houses. The 6th, 8th, and 12th houses from the Moon must be avoided. When performed thus, the parting of the hair always brings good fortune.

Regarding the Birth Rite

Now begins the birth rite term: jatakarma (the ritual performed at the moment of birth to welcome the child into the world). The Jatakarma must indeed be performed at the very moment the boy is born. The father should honor the Brahmins with gifts of gold, cows, land, and fine clothes.

As stated by the authority Vaidyanatha: The Jatakarma must be performed according to the traditional rules immediately after birth. If the proper time passes, the period of ritual impurity term: sutaka (the state of ritual impurity following a birth or death) begins. The rite must be performed while the umbilical cord is still attached; once the cord is cut, the sutaka impurity is formally established. This ceremony should be conducted under soft, fixed, or swift constellations, on the days and hours governed by benefic planets.

Regarding Breastfeeding

Now, for the first breastfeeding term: stanapana. According to the "Daivajña Vallabha," one should avoid the "Empty" days term: rikta (the 4th, 9th, and 14th lunar days, considered hollow or unproductive), Tuesdays original: Bhauma, the Vishti a period of ill omen, and the inauspicious astrological alignments of Vyatipata and Vaidhriti. Soft, fixed, and swift constellations are beneficial for the child's first feeding.

Regarding the Post-Delivery Bath

Now, for the post-delivery bath term: prasuti-snana (the mother's ritual cleansing following the birth). Mondays, Fridays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are auspicious for the post-delivery bath rituals. However, one should avoid the first, sixth, and ninth lunar days tithis, as well as the constellations Krittika, Bharani, and Mula.