Significance of Cudakarana

Cudakarana is a significant rite in Hindu tradition that marks the first shaving of a child's head, typically conducted when the child is around one year old or before the third year. In the context of Vaishnavism, it is linked to Nimai's initiation and proper conduct. The term also relates to the Keshanta ceremony, reflecting a broader understanding of hair-cutting rites found in sacred texts. Overall, Cudakarana symbolizes an important cultural and spiritual milestone in early childhood.

In German: Cudakarana; In Finnish: Cudakarana; In Spanish: Cudakarana; In Dutch: Geknipt

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Cudakarana'

Hinduism Books

Cudakarana in Hinduism refers to the ceremonial tonsure of a child's head, typically conducted before age three, symbolizing initiation into proper conduct and cultural rites associated with hair-cutting traditions.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A description associated with the Keshanta ceremony, indicating a broader understanding of hair-cutting rites in sacred texts.[1]

From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra

(1) The tonsure of a child's head, typically performed when he is one year old or before the third year.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A rite performed for Nimai's initiation into proper conduct, possibly relating to the first haircut in Hindu tradition.[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The ceremony of tonsure, marking the first shaving of a child's hair.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.