Mundan Or head Tonsuring Ceremony

Why is a Mundan(मुंडन) or a Head Tonsuring Ceremony Done?

Tonsuring the head of the baby (Mundan)(मुंडन) is an auspicious ritual. The main reason behind this ceremony is the age-old belief that the first hair of the baby carries the sins of previous birth. Some families preserve a lock of the baby’s hair. The tradition of head-tonsuring is not unique to Indian religions. Many cultures across the globe perform hair tonsuring in their own unique ways.

The Main Beliefs Behind Tonsuring Baby’s Head

According to Hindu scripture, Mundan Sankar has an important role to play in the life of a child. However, this practice is also based on other beliefs. Learn more about it below:

• The hair is shaved as it is assumed to protect the baby from evil.
• The removal of birth hair will free the baby from any unpleasant memories of the previous life.
• Some religions simply perform mundan to celebrate the milestone of the baby.
• Tonsuring is associated with obtaining a long life as per Yajurveda.
• Other benefits of shaving include lice prevention, healthy growth of hair, and stimulated blood flow to the brain.
• Some believe that tonsuring cleanse the baby’s mind and soul.
• During summer, tonsuring improves air circulation to the scalp and keeps it cool.

[Read: Annaprasana Ceremony: First Rice-Eating Celebrations]

Appropriate Age for Tonsuring Baby’s Head

The baby’s tonsuring is usually in the odd months – 7th, 9th, 11th Month, etc and year, i.e. first, third, and the like. Most often, the family will perform the ritual in the first year of the baby’s life. Once the baby grows, they get resistant and cranky, creating problems during the ritual. Most families seek the advice of a priest, who calculates the most auspicious day for tonsuring from the Kundli (कुंडली) or considering the date and time of birth.

Baby Head Shaving Ritual

The temple or the baby’s home are common places for conducting the ritual. The priest and a barber participate in the ritual along with close relatives.

• The priest performs a havan (हवन) with the mother and baby seated near the havan (हवन). He then shaves a part of the child’s head while chanting mantras. The barber then completes the process. These mantras pray for the long life of the baby, and for blessings of good health and prosperity.
• In some religions, the girl’s head is shaved off completely, while a small tuft at the top of the head is left in the boys. This tuft is called shikha(शिखा) or choti(चोटी).
• The shaved head is then washed with Ganga jal (sacred water).
• Following this, the priest or barber will apply a paste of turmeric and sandalwood to the baby’s head. These ingredients have soothing and antiseptic properties. Since a baby’s head may suffer tiny nicks as a result of tonsuring, the paste takes care of the healing part.
• The family will then collect the hair and offer it at the temple as an offering to the presiding deity.

In this age of nuclear families, most families do not have the time to perform the ritual in a temple, so they opt for saloon barbers who specialize in giving the first haircut or shaving the baby’s head completely. The family will then collect the hair and offer it at the temple of their presiding deity.

[Read: Baby Hair Growth Tips]

Tips For a Safe Mundan (मुंडन)

A safe mundane requires some pre-planning and preparation. The baby is still too young and would be cranky and fussy. Strangers touching them, the mantras, and the smoke of the havan, all these factors make your baby resist the proceedings and give you a hard time. Some tips that could help are:

• Try to schedule it when the baby is alert and not sleepy during the day – the result is a less cranky baby – less fuss.
• Make sure the baby rests well and eats properly before the ceremony
• Keep your baby’s toys and pacifier handy. These will help you successfully distract the baby, and you won’t have to deal with the crying and howling baby. You can focus on the rituals instead of a cranky little one.
• Have a soft and clean cloth with sufficient cushioning ready for the baby to lie upon.
• Use baby shampoo to create lather on the head before shaving.
• Provide new shaving equipment to the barber and priest. Most of us do not have time to ensure sterilization.
• Provide warm water for rinsing.
• Just stay within the reach of your baby or within their eyesight to provide assurance and comfort.
• Give a warm bath to the baby after mundan, since tiny hairs may lodge in folds of skin, especially behind the ears.
• Apply a mild antiseptic cream or turmeric-sandalwood paste on the head after the shaving is complete.

[Read: Piercing Baby’s Ears]

Precautions to Follow For a Mundan (मुंडन)

It is important to follow some precautionary measures while performing  mundan for babies:

• Be careful about the shaving equipment – it should either be new or sterilized.
• You may want to give an additional hand in keeping the baby still during the tonsuring – babies can be very fidgety!
• Do not try your shaving skills on the baby – employ a professional. The baby’s skin is very soft, and even the slightest nicks and cuts can be very painful.
• Sometimes the complete shaving is not necessary; trimming is enough, so inquire! You can save yourself the worry and baby the nicks from the razor.

The Mundan 0r head tonsuring ceremony has a spiritual significance in our culture. Whether you perform it due to the influence of the elders or respect for the religion, simply follow the above tips to ensure smooth sailing through it.

Read Also : Circumcision: What, How, When, Benefits And Risks