Mundan

Mundan Vidhi is performed to carry out the first hair cut of the baby. If it is carried out as
per the Vedic Method it removes any deficiencies developed in the child before birth.It is
also said that the shaving of the hair stimulates proper growth of the brain and
nerves. During this vidhi all the hair of the baby are removed and the baby's head is cleanly
shaven.Hair collected during the hair cut are kept inbetween two puris ( fried indian bread )
and then offered to holy waters like Ganges, Yamuna or any other holy water bed.

It is said that birth hair carries undesirable ideas and traits from past birth. So they need to be removed and new ideas ful l of
eminence should be grown in its place. Parents are given education that the success of life is in using our talents,
capabilities, and intelligence to benefit the world.
There is a significant reason as to why the head is shaved in such an elaborate ritualistic way. According
to the Hindu beliefs, the hair present at birth is supposed to represent unwanted traits from the past lives.
In order to make sure that the child has no undesirable qualities of the past birth in this life, the head is
shaved off to ensure a new beginning and a fresh start. Medically, it is said that shaving off the hair
stimulates the blood cells and improves circulation to the brain. Some also believe that this gives the child
a long life.

The babys hair from the pregnancy period is not strong. To strengthen the hair roots,
the head is tonsured. Removal of hair has both a medical and spiritual benefit.
Medically, the scalp is nourished with Vitamin D owing to its exposure to the sun. A tuft
of hair left at the back of head, known as a "Shikha" is believed to help protect that part
of our brain which helps our memory. Spiritually, this Mundan ceremony is also
supposed to spiritualise the body of the child which was only biological until that
ceremony - the Shikha is also supposed to denote the place where, for a pious person,
the soul leaves the body at the time of death. A similar ceremony is observed with
Chinese and Mongolian children as well. Shaving the head is termed as "Ayushkarma"
in Sanskrit, the scriptural language of the Hindus. It means enhancing the longevity or
the life span of the child. ("Ayuh" in Ayurveda also means this). Shaving the head at the
right time is hence important among Hindus. Indeed, traditional Brahmins or priests
refer to an almanac each time they go to a barber, while orthodox Hindus do not visit a
hair salon on a moonless day! Only renounced monks, known as Swamis or
"Sannyasis" shave their head on the Amavasya (moonless) day. Avoiding shaving at
night could be based on hygienic concerns.
Why is a mundan performed?
In most communities a mundan or first haircut is done in the belief that it purifies the child. Many also believe that
a mundan:
rids the baby of his past life's negativity
bestows a long life and a good future
protects the child from the evil eye
cleanses the child's body and soul
helps to keep the baby's head cool, especially in hot summer months
helps relieve headache and pains caused by teething
improves the growth of the baby's hair