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Ritual - Namakarana

Rituals - Namakarana (Naming Ceremony)

Naming a baby is considered to be sacred and therefore is an important Hindu tradition. It involves the immediate families and also close relatives and friends. Traditionally known as Namkaran or Namakaran Sanskar, this ceremony is conducted in an elaborate form.

The Namakarma Sanskar is usually held after the first 10 days of a baby’s delivery. These 10 post-natal days are considered to be inauspicious as the mother and child are considered to be impure. After those 10 days, the house is cleaned and sanctified for the ceremony. The mother and child are bathed traditionally and are prepared for the ceremony. Relatives and close friends are invited to be a part of this occasion and bless the child. Priests are called and an elaborate ritual takes place.

The people involved in the baby naming ceremony are the parents of the newborn, the paternal and maternal grandparents and few close relatives and friends. In Maharashtra, the paternal aunt has the honour of naming her brother’s child. The child is dressed in new clothes and the mother wets the head of the baby with a bit of water as a symbol of purifying the child. The baby is then handed over to the paternal grandmother or the father who sits near the priest during the ritual. The sacred fire is lit and the priest chants sacred hymns to invoke the Gods in the heaven to bless the child.

In Kerala, a black thread and gold chain called an aranjanam are tied around the baby’s waist on the 27th day for a baby girl and on the 28th day for a baby boy. The child’s eyes are lined with mayye or kanmashi (Kohl). A black spot is placed on one cheek or asymmetrically on the forehead, to ward off the evil eyes. The father whispers the chosen Hindu name in the child’s right ear three times while the left ear is covered with a betel leaf. This is then repeated with the left ear. A mixture of ghee (melted and clarified butter) and honey is given to the infant as a base for its various foods in the future.

According to the date and time of birth of the child, a particular letter of the Sanskrit alphabet is chosen which would prove lucky for the baby. The baby is then given a name starting with that letter. Usually the father whispers the name four times in the right ear of the baby. In Maharashtra, this is performed by the paternal aunt. The baby receives blessings from all, including the priests. An elaborate feast is organized for the priests and the guests, as a closing event of the ceremony.

The Namakaran Sanskar is also performed on adult converts to Hinduism to mark their formal entrance into Hinduism. The convert chooses a Hindu name to declare his allegiance to Hinduism and his severance from his formal religion. A Vedic fire sacrifice is then performed and the convert writes his new name in a tray of uncooked rice.

In Maharashtra, traditionally women changed their birth-name upon marriage. The new name was selected by the husband to complement his own name. For example, a groom named Vishnu would change his brides name to Laxmi, the mythological consort of Vishnu, Ramchandra would change his bride’s name to Sita and so on. Usually the husband writes the new name in a plate filled with dry uncooked rice grains.

[Source]

Ritual - Simantonnayana

Rituals - Simamtonnayana (Baby Shower)

Simantonnayana (literally: parting the hair) is the third of the 16 samskaras (sacraments) practiced by the Hindus in which hairs of a pregnant woman are ceremoniously parted. According to the Grhya Sutras, the proper time to perform this saṃskāra is the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy but according to the smrtis and the astrological works, the period can be extended up to the eighth month or even birth of the child. The authorities are not unanimous whether this saṃskāra should be performed at each pregnancy or it should be performed only during the first conception. According to Ashvalayana, Baudhayana, Apastamba, Paraskara, Harita and Devala it should be performed only once. But other authorities think that it should performed during every pregnancy.

Ceremony

According to the Paraskara Gryha Sutra, at the beginning of the ceremony, the pregnant wife seats on a soft chair and with caressing attention, the husband himself parts her hairs upwards from the forehead three times, first with a bunch containing an even number of unripe udumbara (Ficus racemosa) fruits and three bunches of darbha grass, next with a porcupines quill having three white spots and finally with a stick of the Viratara wood and a full spindle, chanting each time three Mahavyahrtis (great mystical mantras), Bhur, Bhuvah and Svah. But according to Baudhayana different two verses are chanted.

According to Paraskara, after the partition of the hair, the husband ties the udumbara branch round her neck with a string of three twisted threads with the words, “Ayaṃūrjjāvato vrikṣaḥ urjjīva phalinī bhava” (Rich in sap is this tree; like the tree rich in sap, you be fruitful). But according to Baudhayana barley-sprouts instead of udumbara branch are used.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 12

Babas devotee, Kaka Mahajani, once went to Shirdi from Bombay for the Gokul Ashtami festival. He wanted to stay there for a week, when Baba called him near and asked when he would be returning home. He was surprised at this question, but he answered saying that he wished to leave Shirdi in a week’s time. Baba told him to leave the next day, which he followed. When he returned to Bombay, it turned out that his employer was waiting for him and that his job was in jeopardy. Baba had forseen this and told him to leave Shirdi immediately so that he could reach Bombay in time to save his job.

Another story in which Baba’s word changed a man’s life was in the instance of Moolay Shastri, a Brahmin from Nasik. Moolay Shastri went for Baba’s darshan in His mosque with the magistrate of the town and a few friends. Moolay Shastri did not enter the masjid because he did not think that it was a pure or sacred place. But when he started to throw flowers at Baba’s feet, the image before him transformed into his Guru, whom Moolay Shastri trusted and loved. He was taken aback, and thought he was dreaming, but the image did not change. Then, Moolay Shastri bowed in front of Baba and sang the aarti with His other devotees, leaving all doubts at Baba’s feet.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 11

Dr Pandit was a friend of Tatyasaheb Noolkar and also a devotee of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. He came to Baba’s Mosque, and after darshan, decided to stay with Him and His devotees in Shirdi. One day, Dr Pandit reached for Baba’s puja plate, and applied sandalwood paste on Babas forehead. To everyone’s surprise, Baba did not say anything, and allowed Dr Pandit to do so. Baba later told the other devotees that He allowed Dr Pandit to put sandal paste on His head because Dr Pandit’s heart was pure. It was an act of devoutness to his Guru, so Baba was happy about it.

The story of Sidik Falke is one that shows Babas grace and will. Sidik Falke was a Muslim man who had made pilgrimages to Mecca, Medina, and Shirdi. He lived in Shirdi, and sat facing Baba’s mosque every day. Baba did not allow him inside the mosque for nine months, for which Falke felt very bad. Falke asked other devotees to help him enter Baba’s heart. Shama, one of Baba’s most beloved devotees, tried to help Falke by acting as a go-between for Falke and Baba. Baba asked Falke difficult questions, for which Falke always assented. Finally, Baba went to Falke with anger and told him that he did not need Baba’s blessing as he already prayed to Allah. Falke lowered his head and gave himself to Baba freely, for which Baba was then happy and accepted him as his devotee. Baba saw that Falke was not religiously swayed or biased. He was happy to pray to all Gods and treat all religion as one.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 10

None knows the exact birth-date of Sai Baba or how He came to be in Shirdi, but it could be approximated by His stay in Shirdi. Since Baba was sixteen when He first came to Shirdi, and twenty when He reappeared in the village to stay forever, it can be assumed that Baba was born in 1838. He was approximately 80 years old when He ascended to the celestial plane. Throughout His time on Earth, Shirdi Baba always preached one message to his devotees. He said that all Gods were one, and that there was no difference between religions because they all believed in God and a Supreme Being. Baba used to read scriptures from all the religions, and pray to both Allah and the Hindu Gods. He saw Divinity in all people, animals, and beings. One such story is described in the tale of Nanavalli.

Nanavalli was a quiet man who lived in Shirdi, and worked for Baba at his Masjid. One day, he came to Baba and had a strange request that Baba get off His seat as he wanted to sit on it. Baba was not angry at all, and got up from His seat to let Nanavalli sit in it. Nanavalli sat in Baba’s feet and then fell at Baba’s feet. He passed away that day after serving Baba his whole life.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 9

Although many devotees came to visit Shirdi to obtain Sai Baba’s blessings, people believed that they could not enter or leave the village of God until He gave them permission. Sometimes, He would give hints or suggestions, and other times, His hints would be less overt. Devotees who followed Baba’s word were rewarded, while those who did not usually fell into problems.

Once, Baba’s devotee, Tatya Kote, came to Baba in a rush and told Him that he was going to Kopargtaon Bazaar. Baba told him not to rush, and to wait a while before leaving. Not listening to His words, Tatya Kote immediately left the village on his bullock cart. Soon, one of the horses steering the cart sprained its leg, and fell down. Tatya returned to the village and acknowledged his mistake in not listening to Baba’s advice.

Another instance of this was seen when a wealthy European man arrived in Shirdi to obtain Baba’s blessings. He wanted to be treated differently than the other devotees, and wanted special permission to kneel before Baba and kiss His hand. Baba did not like this, and prevented his entry into the mosque on every attempt. Baba told the man to sit with the other devotees, to which the man got angry and threatened to leave Shirdi. Baba told the man to stay another night in Shirdi, and that He would meet him the next day. The European man left the village anyway, meeting with an accident on the way. After seeing the problems that fell upon people who didn’t listen to Baba’s words, everyone that entered the village was careful to ask for Baba’s permission and blessings before journeying into and out of Shirdi.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 8

The author describes how taking birth in a human form is double-edged sword. Humans can make the best of the situation or ruin the opportunity by squandering in vices. The virtues of forgiveness, charity, and benevolence will help people move towards becoming more pure and, in turn, more in tune with God. By submitting oneself to a guru, the path to enlightenment seems clearer. Sai Baba’s devotees were known for being humble and pious due to their love for Him. Baba, in turn, showed love to anyone in whom He saw God.

One such example is Tatya Kote’s mother, Bayajabai, who was known for her service to Baba. She would spend time everyday searching for Baba in the forest where He did penance. Though she was poor, Bayajabai would bring Baba food and vegetables everyday and feed Him throughout his stay in the forest. Baba was immensely pleased by her faith and service and helped both Bayajabai and her son when they needed His help.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 7

Shri Sai Baba was a good and tolerant Guru. He believed that as long as people were pure of heart and pious in their beliefs, God would be good to them. He did not like to differentiate between religions or sects, and liked to participate in any functions that praised the Lord. Hindus, Christians, and Muslims prostrated before Baba, asking for his blessings. He treated all people in the same manner, and let his love flow through each person that received his darshan.

Sai Baba was proficient in many forms of Yoga, and liked to use His practices to help the people that believed in Him.

While Baba was sitting near the dhuni (holy fire) in His mosque one day, He reached for a log to push into the fire. But instead of a log, He pushed His arm into the fire, which burned and scorched immediately. Baba’s followers came running towards Him, and dragged him away from the fire, asking Him why He had done such a thing. Baba replied that He had sensed that the wife of a blacksmith was near a fire in her home. She had been in a hurry and slipped near the fire, dropping her child into the furnace. Baba thrust his hand into the dhuni to save the child. His followers were amazed as to see the love and mercy of the Lord.

Leela, the wife of one of Baba’s devotees, was worried for the health of her son, who was suffering with the Bubonic Plague. She went to Baba, and told Him that she was scared that her son may not be able to survive the disease. Baba told her that illness would pass, just as the clouds in the sky would move away, revealing the sun behind them. Saying this, He lifted up His kafni, showing her the bubbles of pus on His chest. Baba smiled and said that He suffered for His devotees, and that their difficulties were His. Baba suffered for all that believed in Him because He believed in their devotion and the love that they showed for Him.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 6

Gopalrao Gund, a great devotee of Sai Baba, was blessed with a baby boy. He wanted to celebrate the occasion with a grand festival on the day of Rama Navami. Gopalrao Gund asked Baba for advice, who granted His permission for the celebration. Unfortunately, there was a scarcity of water in the village, and the remaining water was salty. Upon hearing this news, Baba dropped flowers into the well, making the water sweet. After the celebration, Gopalrao Gund and his friend, Nanasaheb Nimonkar, added two embroidered flags to the top of Baba’s mosque. This act is still performed in Shirdi on days of celebration.

The festival of Rama Navami has since been a grand celebration in Shirdi. Each year, more devotees became involved in the process, adding songs, music, and traditions to the celebrations. Sai Baba was happy when His followers started becoming involved in the festival because people were willing put aside their differences and work together to make the celebrations successful.

[Source]

Sai Satcharita Chapter 5

Shri Sai Baba was only in Shirdi for a few years before suddenly disappearing. His devotees were baffled that He had left them on their own, but knew that if they were devout, He would return to them. Baba returned to Shirdi in quite an amusing way.

Chand Patil, a wealthy man who lived in Nizam, lost his horse while on a trip to Aurangabad. While on his way home, Patil came across a queer man sitting under a mango tree. He wore a Kafni (a long robe) and a cap on His head, which made Him look like a Fakir (a Muslim saint). The man called out to Chand Patil, and asked him what his problems were. Patil told him that he had lost his horse, and had not found him after months of searching. The Fakir told Patil to search in the dam close to where they were sitting, where Patil found his horse.

Chand Patil returned to the Fakir with his horse, where the two men started to smoke a chillim (pipe). Patil realized that there was no fire to light the lamp nor was there any water to wet the pipe with. Patil watched with amazement as the Fakir struck the chillim on the ground, starting a flame. When the men had finished smoking the chillim, He struck it against the ground again, magically soaking it with water. Once the two men had rested, Chand Patil invited the Fakir to his home so that he could be a part of his nephew’s marriage celebrations. The Fakir accepted Patil’s hospitality, and went to his home the next day, where He was again invited to attend the marriage of Patil’s nephew in Shirdi.

Chand Patil’s whole family and the Fakir went to Shirdi for the marriage, but when the Fakir stepped off the carts onto the ground, a villager, Mahalaspati, cheered “Ya sai,” which meant “Welcome, Sai.” After that day, the Fakir was known as Sai Baba, and remained in Shirdi from then on.

Sai Baba had no home or earthly possessions, but started to live in an old mosque in the middle of Shirdi to serve the people of the village.

Baba used to borrow oil from local shopkeepers, called the Banias, to light the mosque throughout the night. After some time, the Banias decided that they would no longer supply Baba with oil. Baba was not worried by this, and returned to the mosque with his tumrel (tin pot). He added water to the few drops of oil in the tumrel, drank it, and returned it to the container. He then used this water to fill all the lamps, and lit them. The lamps burned throughout the night, bringing shame to the Banias, who then apologized to Baba and repented for their mistake.

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