Muhurtham
Naming Ceremony Muhurtham
The naming ceremony (Namakaranam, Namakaran) is traditionally held on the 11th, 12th or 16th day after birth, or later on a favourable day. The name is often chosen from the syllable of the baby’s birth star (Nakshatra Pada).
- Favourable stars
- Rohini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati
- Favourable Tithis
- Shukla Paksha Tithis other than Rikta
- Checked for
- Chennai
About Naming Ceremony
The naming ceremony (Namakaranam, Namakaran) is traditionally held on the 11th, 12th or 16th day after birth, or later on a favourable day. The name is often chosen from the syllable of the baby’s birth star (Nakshatra Pada).
Rules commonly followed
Soft and moveable stars such as Rohini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Shravana and Revati are favoured. Rikta Tithis and Amavasya are avoided. The ceremony is usually held in the morning.
Choosing the name
The Nakshatra baby names page lists syllables for every star and Pada. Families may also check the name number with numerology.
The naming day
Namakaran is traditionally held on the eleventh or twelfth day after birth, or on a later auspicious day if that is not possible. The father whispers the chosen name into the child's right ear, and elders bless the child with rice and turmeric. Many families pick a first syllable from the child's birth star Pada, called the nama akshara.
Choosing the day
A waxing Moon, a gentle or fixed star such as Rohini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Hasta, Shravana or Revati, and a weekday such as Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday are preferred. Families avoid the days of an eclipse and the inauspicious Rahu Kalam for the naming moment itself.
Classical rules for Naming Ceremony
Favourable Nakshatras: Rohini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati. Favourable Tithis: Shukla Paksha Tithis other than Rikta. Avoid: Rikta Tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi), Amavasya.
How the dates are chosen
The list checks each day for a favourable Nakshatra and lunar day (Tithi) for this ceremony at sunrise in Chennai. A full Muhurtham also looks at the weekday, Yoga, Karana, Lagna at the ceremony time, Rahu Kalam and the personal charts of the people involved, so use the list to shortlist dates and then fix the exact time with the Muhurtham finder.
Common questions
Which Nakshatras are good for Naming Ceremony?
The classical favourable stars for Naming Ceremony are Rohini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Anuradha, Shravana, Revati.
Which Tithis are good for Naming Ceremony?
The favourable lunar days are Shukla Paksha Tithis other than Rikta (counted within each fortnight).
What should be avoided for Naming Ceremony?
Classical lists advise avoiding Rikta Tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi), Amavasya.
Are these dates valid for every city?
Dates are checked at sunrise in Chennai. Star and Tithi changes happen at the same moment everywhere but fall at different local times, so check the Panchangam for your city.
Do I still need a personal Muhurtham?
Yes for major ceremonies. Personal Tara Bala, Chandra Bala and the ceremony Lagna are fixed from the birth charts of the people involved.
How many dates are listed?
Up to twelve dates in the next sixty days that meet both the star and Tithi rules.
Is Rahu Kalam considered?
Rahu Kalam is a daily window rather than a whole-day rule. Avoid it when you fix the exact time; the Panchangam page for each date shows it.
Can I search other ceremonies?
Yes. The Muhurtham finder ranks dates for many more activities and lets you add your own birth details.
Why are only some upcoming dates shown?
The list shows days in the next two months where both the star and the Tithi at sunrise match the classical rules. Personal checks for your birth stars may remove some of them.
Should I avoid Rahu Kalam on these dates?
Yes. Even on a good day, choose a time outside Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam and Gulika. The Panchangam link for each date shows these windows.
Who should confirm the final naming ceremony Muhurtham?
The priest or astrologer performing the ceremony, using the birth details of the people involved.
Can the family astrologer adjust this Muhurtham to our charts?
Yes. A general Muhurtham shows the good windows for everyone; a family astrologer then checks the birth stars and the current Dasha of the people involved and picks the best of those windows for them.
What should we do if no good date fits our plans?
Families usually choose the best available window, begin with a prayer to Ganesha and the family deity, and keep the most important moment of the rite inside a strong Lagna or Abhijit Muhurtham.