Karnavedha : A Sacred & Holy Ceremony For Ear Piercing
Karnavedha : Also known as ear piercing, is a ceremony performed within the first five years of a child’s life. While the initial purpose of wearing earrings may have been for beauty, it gradually gained importance in rituals due to its believed health benefits. Sushruta, an ancient sage, mentions that piercing children’s ears protects them from diseases and serves as an adornment.
True Karnavedha involves the teacher chanting mantras into the disciple’s ear, symbolizing the transmission of knowledge and seeking the blessings of the lineage and gurus for divine grace and spiritual attainment.
Karnavedha & Various Shastras
In various Shastras (sacred texts), there is no direct mention of Karnavedha in the Grihya Shastras. However, it is explained in the appendix of the Paraskara Sutras and is also mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Karnavedha rites are typically performed on the 10th, 12th, or 16th day after the child’s birth.
There is a belief that performing Karnavedha at a young age is less painful for the child. Jupiter’s position is taken into consideration for determining an auspicious time. However, Sushruta suggests that it is better to perform Karnavedha in the sixth or seventh month of the child, considering their health. The child is made to sit on the mother’s lap, facing east, and given toys to play with before piercing the right ear followed by the left ear. It is recommended to press the pierced area with a cotton cloth soaked in oil to soothe it.
During the piercing ceremony, worship is offered to deities such as Vishnu, Rudra, Brahma, Surya, Chandra, Dikpalakas (guardians of directions), Ashwini Devas, Saraswati, and the sacred cow. For male children, the right ear is pierced first. Gold needles are considered the best choice for sewing the ears. After the piercing, a drop is applied to prevent infection in the eyes, followed by offering prayers to God.
The Katyayana Sutra describes the Karnavedha ceremony as piercing the right ear first while chanting mantras that signify “May we listen to only good words first,” and then stitching the left ear while reciting mantras like “Vakshyanti…”. The ritual concludes with a Brahmin meal.
Over time, various elements have been added to the Karnavedha ceremony. It involves worshipping deities, such as Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Surya, Chandra, Dikpalakas, Nasatyas, Saraswati, Brahman, and cows. The caste guru (spiritual guide) is honored and made to sit on a Brahmasana. Saffron is applied to the baby’s ears, and a doctor or skilled person sews the right ear first for male children or the left ear for female children. Scholars and relatives are then worshipped. Offerings such as Sarkara (sugar), Mathu (curd), and Ghritam (ghee) are given to devotees, while Brahmins receive these three sweet substances.
In some traditions, if a child cries during ear piercing, they are made to lick honey. The material of the needle used for piercing varies, with gold used for Kshatriyas (warriors), silver for Brahmins and Vaishyas (merchants), and metal needles for Shudras (laborers), as mentioned in the Veeramitrodaya text.
Also Read : Muhurtha Nischayam : Choosing An Auspicious Day For Sacred Rituals