4 - Jatakarma Samskara

Jatakarma is a fourth Samskara from 16 Samskaras and first Samskara after the child is born. The word Jata means brought into existence while the word karma means action. The composite word, Jatakarma, thus means a rite of passage when one is born.

It is performed not just to celebrate the baby's birth but also to create a bond between the father and the baby.

This ritual is marked with recitation of Vaidic hymns praying to Devi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom.