In Hindu society, spiritualism and religious beliefs have been the guiding principles since time immemorial. They have always been linked with one’s growth and activities undertaken at different stages of life. We carry out rituals as per our religious belief at a particular time. These ceremonies are known as Sanskaras. Their purpose is to give religious and social sanctity to the different stages of physical growth and development. There are a total of sixteen Sanskaras.

The Nishkraman Sanskar holds the sixth place in Shodash Sanskar. That means this Sanskar is known as the sixth sanskar in Hinduism. Nishkraman Sanskar is performed after the Naamkaran ceremony of a baby is done.

According to Vedic astrological principles, the Nishkraman Sanskar should be performed from within 12 days of baby’s birth up to 4 months of his or her age. The significance of this Sanskar is that on this occasion the child for the first time comes into contact with God’s beautiful creation, nature. The child is showered with the rays of Sun and Moon on this occasion.

The Sun’s blessings are taken by the child so that his or her character becomes as bright and mighty like the Sun. The Moon’s blessings are taken so that the child is bestowed with the calm and serene qualities similar to that of Moon. In short, in this ritual, a child is wished to have a bright but calm nature. As this ritual has an important effect on a child’s life, astrology provides Muhurat for this occasion. Let’s see what the determinants to consider Muhurats for this Sanskar are.

Consideration of Nakshatra

Selection of Nakshatra is very important as the ceremony should give auspicious results. Astrology says that the day in which the Sanskar will be performed should have either of the Nakshatras like Shravan, Mrigashira, Dhanishtha, Punarwasu, Anuradha, Pushya or Revati. These Nakshatras are very auspicious for this ritual.

Consideration of Tithi

Tithi is a vital determinant in a Muhurat. Astrology says that every Tithi is auspicious for Nishkraman Sanskar except Rikta Tithi i.e. the 4th, 9th and 14th lunar days. That’s why these dates should be avoided. Besides this new Moon day should also be avoided.

Consideration of weekday

According to Vedic astrology Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are auspicious weekdays for performing this Sanskar. Tuesdays and Saturdays are inauspicious to carry out this ritual.

Astrological restrictions

Astrology says the 3rd, 5th, and 7th Tara is not auspicious. Bhadra Tithi is very inauspicious for this occasion. The days which have inauspicious combination should be strictly avoided for carrying out this ceremony. Adequate Moon strength in transit. In other words, Chandra Shuddhi and Tara shuddhi must also be ensured. The Moon Shuddhi is most important.

Vishesh

Besides Nishkraman Sanskar there is a sub-Sanskar which needs a special mention. Astrology recommends Shashti Pujan to please Goddess Kattyani on the 6th day from the child’s birth between Jatakarma and Nishkraman Sanskar.

A ritual called Dola Arohan is performed on the 10th,12th,16th,18th or 32nd day of the child’s birth. To ensure auspicious results from this sub-Sanskar the above mentioned Nakshatra, Tithi, weekdays are required. For this ritual, the 5th Nakshatra before and 7th Nakshatra after Sun is said to be very auspicious.