Garbhadhanam
It is a ritual for women to get
a blessing from god to conceive. This is the
first sacrament which followed immediately on every matrimonial union.
Pumsavanam
It is a ritual for begetting a male child. It is conducted in the third
month of pregnancy. If it is the first pregnancy, it can be in the forth month also. The
pregnant women consumes one head of barley and two beads of black grain along
with a little curd accompanied by religious chanting. Among Nayars and
Ezhavas the ceremony is known as 'Pulikuti' a customary rite of
drinking the juice of sour fruits by women during the first pregnancy.
Seemantam
This
sacrament is performed in the fourth month of pregnancy (only in the case of first pregnancy).
Seemantam is conducted for the protection of the mother at the critical period
of gestation. If the child is still born, this has to be repeated during the next pregnancy.
Fragrant oil was poured on the mother's head and a line or parting
(sunanta)
was drawn 3 times through her hair from the forehead upwards with 3 stalks of 'Kusa'
grass bound together. Three sacred words called 'Vyathiris' (Bheer, Bhavar, Svar)
and the hallowed syllable OM uttered during each operation.
Jatakarmam or
birth ceremony
It is meant for the development of the intellect of the child. When the male
child is born, the ritual connected with birth is performed immediately. A small portion
of a mixture
of honey and ghee is given to the new born infant. This rite symbolises good
fortune.
Namakaranam ( naming the child )
It is like the baptism in Christianity and is
done on the12th day after the birth of the child. It is done by the father who calls the name of the
child in its right ear. The mother also joins in certain rituals. Among the
Nayars, Ezhavas it is done on the 28th day.
Vatilpurappad
(Nishkramanam)
Taking the child
for the first time outside the house. The child is usually
taken out only in the 4th month. If it is done then, the next opportunity is on the
Chorunu day.
Chorunu
(Annaprasam )
It is the day on which the first morsel of food is given to the
child. It takes place in the sixth month. This is an important ritual among all
sections of Hindus .
Vidyarambham
This is done either
when the child attains three or five years. On the tongue of the child the letters
"Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah Avignamastu" and all the alphabets
are written with a piece of gold. The child is made to write the same letters
from "Hari Sri" onwards with its ring finger on raw rice in a bell
metal vessel and the child is made to utter each word when it is written. Either
the father of the child or an eminent teacher officiates at this ritual. There
are also centres which are noted for the ceremony like 'Thuncham parambu' in
Malppuram district, on Vijayadasami day during Dussera celebrations. A lot of children get initiated in the learning in temples dedicated to
Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning.
Chooda karanam
In the third year or fifth year of the child, the hair is cut
leaving behind, a tuft of hair known as 'Kutuma'.
Karnavedham (Piercing the ears)
This is done with a particular thorn. Butter
is applied to the wound. It is applicable to both male and female children.
Upanayanam
When the child attains eight years, the wearing of the thread,
is
ceremoniously done. This is only in the case of the boys. It is taking the child
to the preceptor for initiation. Along the sacred thread, the hide of the antelope
called Krishnajinam is also worn by the boy.
Praishartham (Learning of Vedas and Upanishads )
The preceptor who leads the boy to himself by conducting
'Upanayanam'
teaches him the rules of the scriptures. It is believed that he has become a
Brahmin which means twice born and that by undergoing
the rituals he becomes a worthy recipient of knowledge.
