What Jatakarma means
As soon as possible after birth, the father greets the child. He touches the baby's tongue with a little honey and ghee (often with a gold ring or spoon) and whispers mantras in its ear praying for intelligence and long life. The ancient texts call this medha-janana, "the birth of intelligence".
The father also blesses the child with words found in the Grihya Sutras: "Be firm as a stone, be strong as an axe, be pure as gold… live a hundred autumns."
How it is performed
- Welcome. The father sees and holds the child.
- Medha-janana. A drop of honey and ghee is touched to the baby's lips (today many families do this only symbolically, for the baby's safety).
- Blessings. Mantras for long life and wisdom are whispered in the ear.
- Charity. The family gives in charity and shares sweets.
Mantras
Blessing at birth (Grihya Sutras)
अश्मा भव परशुर्भव हिरण्यमस्रुतं भव ।
वेदो वै पुत्रनामासि स जीव शरदः शतम् ॥
aśmā bhava paraśur bhava hiraṇyam asrutaṃ bhava |
vedo vai putranāmāsi sa jīva śaradaḥ śatam ||
Be firm as a stone, be strong as an axe, be pure as unmelted gold. You are knowledge itself, my child — live a hundred autumns.
Jatakarma today
Today Jatakarma is usually a short blessing by the father or grandparents at the hospital or at home; doctors advise against giving honey to newborns, so the rite is often symbolic.
Rituals differ by Veda, region, community and family. For the ceremony itself, follow your family priest (purohit).
Frequently asked questions
Is honey safe for a newborn?
Doctors advise against giving honey to babies under one year; many families now touch the lips symbolically or use only a drop of ghee.
What is whispered in the baby's ear?
Blessings and mantras for long life and intelligence; in some families the name of God.