In Hinduism, samskāras are sacred rites of passage designed to purify and sanctify various stages of life, starting from conception to death. For babies, these samskāras focus on physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Below are the key samskāras for babies, along with specific prayers and yagnas associated with them.

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1. Garbhādhāna (Conception Ritual)

This samskāra is performed to invoke divine blessings for conception and ensure the birth of a virtuous child.

• Prayer:
  • Chanting of mantras like “Om Garbha-Dhārayā Swāhā” to seek divine grace for healthy conception.
• Yagna:
  • The Garbhādhāna Homa involves offerings to Agni (fire) while reciting verses from the Rigveda for fertility and well-being.

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2. Jātakarma (Birth Ceremony)

Performed immediately after the baby is born, Jātakarma welcomes the soul into the world and prays for its protection and prosperity.

• Key Rituals:
  • Feeding the baby honey mixed with ghee while reciting sacred mantras.
  • Whispering the Gayatri Mantra into the baby’s ear.
• Yagna:
  • A small homa (fire ritual) is performed to seek blessings from deities, ensuring the child’s healthy growth.

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3. Nāmakaraṇa (Naming Ceremony)

This samskāra is usually performed on the 11th or 12th day after birth. The baby is given a name based on the Nakshatra (lunar constellation) of their birth.

• Key Prayers:
  • Recitation of verses from the Rigveda and Sāmaveda invoking blessings for a long and virtuous life.
• Yagna:
  • A homa is conducted, and the chosen name is written on rice or a sacred leaf.

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4. Nishkramaṇa (First Outing Ceremony)

This samskāra is performed when the baby is taken outside for the first time, typically in the fourth month. It symbolizes the baby’s introduction to the environment.

• Key Prayers:
  • Chanting the Surya Mantra: “Om Mitrāya Namah” to seek blessings from the Sun God.
• Yagna:
  • Offering prayers to deities to protect the baby from harm while outdoors.

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5. Annaprāśana (First Feeding of Solid Food)

Annaprāśana marks the first time the baby is fed solid food, usually conducted in the sixth month.

• Key Prayers:
  • Chanting the mantra: “Annam Brahma, Raso Vishnu, Bhojanam Shivay”, which acknowledges food as divine.
• Yagna:
  • A homa is performed to ensure the food nourishes the baby physically and spiritually.

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6. Chūdākarma (First Haircut)

This samskāra is performed in the baby’s first or third year. The removal of hair symbolizes cleansing of past karmas and promotes purity.

• Key Prayers:
  • Recitation of the Mrityunjaya Mantra for the baby’s health and longevity.
• Yagna:
  • A yajna dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Shiva is conducted for blessings.

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7. Karṇavedha (Ear-Piercing Ceremony)

Karṇavedha is performed between the sixth and twelfth months to promote well-being and health, as well as to open the flow of energy in the body.

• Key Prayers:
  • Chanting the Ayushya Mantra: “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam.”
• Yagna:
  • A fire ritual is performed to invoke blessings for the child’s health and spiritual enlightenment.

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General Prayers for Babies

In addition to the samskāras, parents may recite the following daily for their baby:

• Gayatri Mantra for wisdom and protection.
• Shanti Mantras (e.g., “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”) for peace and well-being.

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Yagnas for Baby’s Well-Being

1. Navagraha Homa: To pacify planetary influences and ensure the baby’s astrological chart is favorable.
2. Ayushya Homa: Performed on the baby’s first birthday to pray for health and longevity.
3. Saraswati Homa: To invoke wisdom and learning for the baby.

These samskāras and rituals create a foundation for the child’s spiritual journey, ensuring that their life is guided by divine blessings and moral values.

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