Mirror of Auspicious Timing

Sutra 9. 7

The First Viewing of the Sun and Moon

The constellations Ashvini, Rohini, Mrigashira original: Saumya, Pushya, Anuradha original: Maitra, the three "Latter" stars Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada, Hasta, Ashvini, Svati original: Vata, Shravana, and Revati are considered the most auspicious for the first viewing of the sun term: Suryadarshana (the ritual where the infant is first brought into the sunlight).

Regarding the first viewing of the moon term: Chandradarshana: this ceremony should be performed in the third month. The viewing of the sun is specifically prescribed for the fourth month. One must not perform the moon-viewing in the sixth month.

The First Outing

Now, as stated in the Deepika a classical treatise on auspicious timing, concerning the first outing term: Nishkramana (the rite of taking the child out of the house for the first time): it should be performed on days free from ancestral offerings original: shraddha and "empty" lunar days the 4th, 9th, and 14th days of the lunar month. The stars Hasta and Pushya are favorable. One should avoid Tuesdays original: Bhauma and Saturdays. The rising signs of Virgo, Scorpio, and Leo are beneficial for this event. This may occur in either the third or fourth month; if the moon is strong and the timing is free of malefic influences, it will bring great fortune to the infant.

The Worship of the Waters

According to the Deepika, regarding the worship of the waters term: Jalapujana (a ritual performed by the mother at a well or water source to mark the end of her confinement period): the stars Ashvini, Revati original: Paushna, Hasta, Pushya, and Shravana original: Vaishnava are favorable. This ritual always bestows happiness and well-being upon women. One should avoid Saturdays, Fridays, and Tuesdays. However, Wednesdays, Mondays, and Thursdays are considered auspicious for water worship.

The First Offering of Betel

In the texts of the Tantra and the Rajamartanda an influential work on Muhurta by King Bhoja: the stars Mula, Punarvasu original: Aditya, Pushya, Hasta, the "Latter" stars, Shravana, Ashvini, and others are recommended. The days of Jupiter Thursday, the Moon Monday, the Sun Sunday, and Venus Friday are the times when the first offering of betel term: Tambula (the introduction of aromatic betel leaf, symbolic of social participation and digestion) is traditionally given. It is said this should be done when the infant is two and a half months old. For the child's first taste, the betel should be mixed with a bit of camphor to make it pleasant and suitable for the occasion.

Placing the Child upon the Earth

According to the Puranas ancient texts of Hindu myth and law: in the fifth month, one should place the child upon the earth term: Bhumyupaveshana (the ritual where the child is first sat directly on the ground, connecting them to the earth deity). At this time, all the presiding planetary deities and especially the Earth herself should be honored. The stars Rohini original: Brahma, Ardra original: Raudra, Mrigashira, Anuradha original: Maitra, Hasta, and Ashvini are favorable. This is best done on the seventh lunar day or other auspicious days in the fifth month.