There are 16 Sanskars in Hinduism. Keshant Sanskar which is also popularly known as Godaan Sanskar is one of the 16 Vedic Sanskars. This Sanskar is thirteenth and performed when a child completes 16 years of his age. This Sanskar is performed after Vedarambh and before Samavartan Sanskar.

Basically, this ritual used to take place when a child completes his Vedic education in his tutor’s home or Gurukul. The boy had to follow the rituals of Brahmacharya Ashram. The boy does not cut his hair during his Gurukul period. It is only after completing his education the boy needs to shave his head and then bath in holy water.

This Sanskar is performed in the Gurukul itself. Rituals need to be followed strictly observed while performing this Sanskar. This Sanskar is performed in Uttarayan only. After these activities, the boy is accredited with a graduation degree. Only then he is permitted to step into the domain of family life.

This Sanskar is also called Godaan Sanskar. After the boy’s head is completely tonsured, his hair is mixed with cow dung and either buried under the ground of cowshed or thrown into a river so that they are out of reach of any Tantrik. The pupil then has to gift a cow to his teacher.

This ritual is very crucial in a pupil’s life and should be thoroughly performed in an auspicious Muhurat. Let’s see what are the factors that need to be considered for the Muhurat of Keshant Sanskar.

Nakshatra

While selecting the Muhurat for Keshant Sanskar the Nakshatra plays a very important in giving auspicious results. If the Muhurat of Keshant sanskar has either Swati, Punarwasu, Shravan, Dhanishtha, Hasta, Jyeshtha, Shatavisha, Mrigashira, Chitra or Revati Nakshatras, then the ritual will give auspicious results to the native. So if one wants to decide a good Muhurat to perform this Sanskar, the choice of any one of these Nakshatras will make the whole ceremony very fruitful.

Tithi

Tithi has always been an important factor in determining a Muhurat. The 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th or 13th Tithi is very good for this occasion. Bhadra and Rikta Tithis like the 4h,9th and 14th and 30th should be avoided. Kshaya Tithi is also not considered ideal.

Week day

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are auspicious for this Sanskar.

Ascendant

Ascendant is a vital factor in determining a good Muhurat. In this ritual, the birth moon sign Lagna and the eighth sign from the Ascendant are not considered auspicious. Astrologers say that these Ascendants should be particularly avoided. Benefics should occupy quadrants or trines to give auspicious results. Adequate Moon strength is important in transit. The Moon’s position at a particular time where it is strong is called Tara Shuddhi. Jupiter in Lagna is considered ideal. It will remove many Doshas if any in a particular Muhurat.

Astrological restrictions

Vedic astrology says the Moon and Ascendant purification is necessary on this occasion. The Moon is afflicted on the 4th, 8th and 12th house, that’s why these placements should be avoided. The 3rd, 5th, and 7th Tara are also malefic. Vishkumbha Karana and Vayatipat and Vaidhriti Yoga should also be avoided.