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Traditionally, Hinduism comprises
of sixteen special ceremonies. Amongst them, the naming ceremony one of the
most important. This ceremony is performed on the tenth or twelfth day after
the birth. This ceremony has immense importance, as the name of an individual
does affect his personality and life to some extent it not totally. It is mentioned
in the Srimadbhagwat Mahapurana that there was a hard working Brahmin named
Ajaannil.
Listening to his father’s orders
he would regularly go to the forest to collect wood etc. One day as usual he
went to the forest and saw a man along with a prostitute. Seeing this he also
got involved with the prostitute. Since that day, he squandered whatever little
money he earned on the prostitute. After some time this licentious Brahmin came
across a great saint and kept the name of his son 'Narayana' on the saint’s
advice. When the Brahmin was in his death bed and when the lord of death Yamaraj
came to take him away the Brahmin looking at his ferocious and scary form became
scared and immediately called his loving son shouting Narayana. Listening to
the word 'Narayana' Lord Vishnu’s agents ran to bring the Brahmin. So eventually
this Brahmin escaped Yama loka and attained Vishnu loka.
In this way even famous saint poet
Tulsidas has praised the importance of a name.
KALYUGA KEVAL NAAM UCHAARA|
SUMIRA SUMIRA NAR SITARAHI PAARA||