Introduction to Hindu Names
Many thanks to Miss Ayesha Chibb for contributing this article a true Hindu through and through!
Why Is The Choice Of Name So Important?
Are you looking for a nice name for your newly born child? Before giving a name think for a while. The name given to the child is going to get repeated throughout its life and maybe even later. So the name should be one with deep meaning and sense in it rather than just serving as a tag. Hence in the religious system of sanatana dharma the naming ceremony is given importance. The shastras talk about the various names the newly born child has to be given including the name of the liked deity, the star in which the child is born, the name of the forefathers etc. Now as it has become that only one name is given and mainly one name stays, that name should be selected with the care for the lovely child.
What's In A Meaning?
Sometimes in the name of giving a stylish name, people forget about whether the name is meaningful or not. At times it results in names bearing bad meaning ! The names of the God and Goddess are very rich in their meaning and are really pleasant. Not only that, many of them are mantras - powerful words. They result in good effect even when uttered without contemplating on its meaning. It is pleasant for the parents, child and the other associates who enjoy the name while calling. The names of the Gods and Goddesses are thousands and thousands providing marvellous varieties to select. In order to select a suitable name comprehending the meaning an approximate meaning of the names has been provided to many of them.
What About The Samskars?
The naming of a child is one of the most fundamental Hindu "samskars" or scripture based rites. The name is selected such that its meaning can inspire the child to follow the path of righteousness. The name given to newborn babies are generally suggestive of divine qualities of the vedic deities.
A common practice among Hindus is to name their children after the names of sages, saints, holy persons, deities, and the names of the incarnation of God. It is believed that by repeatedly calling such names one is reminded of the Lord
Hindu samskaras are the rites or practices enshrined and ordained in Hindu scriptures to guide an individual toward a proper sense of duty and obligation during the various stages of life. Hindu samskars have been formulated by ancient sages based upon their own intuitive knowledge, experiences, and beliefs relating to the nature of human life.
Samskars create a religious atmosphere conducive to the maintenance of virtuous tendencies.
In Hindu dharma, the birth of a child is considered a religious activity. Samskaras begin prior to birth and end with the cremation of the body following death. The number of samskaras prescribed in various scriptures vary from eleven to forty, some of the most significant samskars are :
- garbhadhana (conception)
- jatakarma (child birth)
- namakarana (naming a child)
- annaprasana (giving the child solid food)
- mundan (shaving the head)
- upanayana (sacred thread ceremony)
- vivaaha (marriage)
- anthyeshti (cremation)
Click here to learn about Popular Hindu girls and boys names
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