Introduction
Karnavedh means piercing the ears. It is counted among the sixteen samskaras, and many homes still keep it with great affection. Some do it with the mundan, some separately, some at a temple and some at home, with a jeweller or a doctor.
There is a well-known prayer in the Ṛgveda (1.89.8): "भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयाम देवाः": O gods, may we hear only what is good with our ears. Many families remember this on the day of karnavedh.
First of all: your family's kul tradition comes first. At what age, which ear first, by whose hand: your home's custom decides.
Which time
The Muhūrta-cintāmaṇi (Saṁskāra-prakaraṇa, verse 24) gives two kinds of time for karnavedh:
- the 6th, 7th or 8th month after birth, or
- an odd year, such as the 3rd or 5th.
The pandit matches the tithi, weekday and nakshatra from the panchang; the Riktā tithis and Bhadra are usually left aside. Keep it in daytime, in good light, when the child is fed and calm.
For boys and girls
In many communities karnavedh is done for both boys and girls. Some families do it only for daughters, some for both. Both customs are old; follow your own.
A clean and safe method
In karnavedh the most important thing is not the muhurta but cleanliness.
- Sterile tools only. A single-use needle or a properly sterilised piercing tool. Never an old household needle or thread.
- Trained hands: a doctor, or an experienced person who washes hands and wears gloves.
- A healthy child: if the child has a fever, a cold or any discomfort that day, move the date. Keep it apart from vaccination days; check with the doctor.
- A small, plain stud: light, without danglers, in a metal that doesn't irritate the skin. No heavy earrings or jewellery set with stones.
- Aftercare: keep the spot clean and dry, and follow what the doctor or piercer advised. If redness, swelling or pain grows, see the doctor.
The rite
It usually begins by remembering Ganesha (ॐ गं गणपतये नमः). Mother or grandmother holds the child, and someone lovingly distracts the child with a toy or a song. Then blessings from the elders, and sweets. Tears are natural; in a little while the child is playing again.
सुरक्षा पहले (Safety first)
- Doctor first: for the baby's health, feeding or any discomfort, the doctor is the first help. A muhurta can always move to fit the doctor's advice.
- Nothing in the baby's mouth: don't put anything in the baby's mouth that the doctor hasn't approved. No honey at all before the first birthday; keep ghutti, coins and rings away from the mouth.
- No tight thread on the neck: never tie a black thread or cord tightly around the neck. If you wish, a loose thread on the wrist, with an adult watching.
- Sterile tools for ear-piercing: if karnavedh is done, only sterile tools and trained hands.
- No gems on babies: no gems, stones or heavy jewellery on small children.