Sanskaras · संस्कार · Sanskara 9 of 16

Karnavedhaकर्णवेध

Karnavedha is the piercing of the ears, done in early childhood for boys and girls with prayers for health and protection.

  • WhenBetween the third and fifth year (or earlier)
  • ForBoys and girls
  • Key ritePiercing of the earlobes with gold or silver
Image: Saral Shots, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

What Karnavedha means

The Grihya Sutras and the Sushruta Samhita, the classic text of Ayurvedic surgery, describe the piercing of the ears in childhood. Tradition links it with health, protection and the ability to hear the sacred word.

For girls the earrings are also an ornament, while many boys in traditional families wear small gold studs.

How it is performed

  1. Worship. Prayer to the family deity on an auspicious day.
  2. Piercing. The right ear is pierced first for boys and the left for girls, with a gold or silver wire or needle.
  3. Care. Turmeric or oil is applied and the ears kept clean.

Karnavedha today

Ear-piercing remains common, today usually done hygienically by a jeweller or a doctor.

Rituals differ by Veda, region, community and family. For the ceremony itself, follow your family priest (purohit).

Frequently asked questions

Which ear is pierced first?

Traditionally the right ear for boys and the left for girls.

What does the Sushruta Samhita say?

It describes ear-piercing in childhood as a protective and ornamental procedure.