Keshanta : An Important Ceremony After Reaching The Age Of 16

Keshanta : The ritual you are referring to is called Keshantham or Godanam. It is a ceremony where a young boy shaves his beard for the first time after reaching the age of sixteen. This rite symbolizes the importance of celibacy and emphasizes the need to be mindful of one’s actions and not yield to youthful desires. The thread of this rite is similar to the Chudakarana (first haircut) ceremony.

In this tradition, at the conclusion of the ceremony, the student donates a cow to his teacher as a gesture of gratitude and respect. This is why Keshantham is also known as Godanam, which means “giving of a cow to the Guru.”

Keshanta & Purpose

The purpose of Keshantham is to signify the transition of the young person into responsible adulthood and to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of Brahmacharya (celibacy) and discipline. The overall procedure of this ritual is quite similar to the Chudakarana ceremony, with the main difference being that in Chudakarana, the hair on the head is cut, whereas, in Keshantham, the mustache and beard are removed.

After the Keshantham ceremony, it is customary to present a cow to the Guru as a token of appreciation and reverence. This act of gifting a cow to the Guru in the southern region has led to the ceremony being referred to as “Godanam.”

So, Keshantham or Godanam is a ritual that marks the shaving of the beard for the first time, symbolizing the transition to adulthood and the importance of celibacy. It is a significant event in a young person’s life, demonstrating their commitment to self-control and responsibility.

Also Read : https://telugutraditions.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=752&action=edit