Difference between revisions of "Chaulam (चौलम्)"
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| − | + | Chaulam (Samskrit: चौलम्) is one of the childhood samskaras rarely followed by traditional Indian families even in present times. While Chudakarana or Chaulam have been prescribed in various texts as a prerequisite for performing various rituals, it was also supported by the medical texts of Acharyas Sushruta and Charaka.<ref name=":12">Pandey, Raj Bali. (1949) ''Hindu Samskaras, A Socio-religious study of the Hindu Sacraments.'' Banaras: Vikrama Publications. (Pages 158-)</ref> | |
| − | Chaulam is also called Cūḍākarma and Cūḍākaraṇam. Cūḍā means tuft (of hair) that is kept on the back side of the head while the remaining part is clean shaven. In tradition it is popularly called "Śikhā". In Sanskrit the letters "la" and "ḍa" are often interchanged. So Caula and Cūḍā mean the same. The Saṃskāra for which the purpose is "Cūḍā" (tuft / Śikhā) is called Caulam, and also Cauḷam. | + | == Introduction == |
| + | Chaulam is also called Cūḍākarma and Cūḍākaraṇam. Cūḍā means tuft (of hair) that is kept on the back side of the head while the remaining part is clean shaven. In tradition it is popularly called "Śikhā". In Sanskrit the letters "la" and "ḍa" are often interchanged. So Caula and Cūḍā mean the same. The Saṃskāra for which the purpose is making a "Cūḍā" (tuft / Śikhā) is called Caulam, and also Cauḷam. | ||
| − | + | According to Dr. Pandey, cutting the hair and keeping the head clean was one of the primary reasons to have a shikha; the process for which later on came to be regarded as an important event in the life of an individual. To keep the head clean some device was bound to be invented. Chopping the hair by means of an iron instrument was the natural course but people were also afraid of cutting and injuring themselves in this process. Necessity and fear both mingled together and gave rise to the Chudakarana ceremonies.<ref name=":12" /> | |
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| + | == Chaula Samskara == | ||
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| + | === Time of performance === | ||
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| + | Chaulam is to be performed during the third year by counting days from the date of birth –<blockquote>जन्मनोऽपि तृतीये वर्षे चौलं पुनर्वस्वोः । आपस्तम्बगृह्यसूत्रम् १६.३॥ janmano'pi tṛtīye varṣe caulaṃ punarvasvoḥ । Āpastambagṛhyasūtram 16.3॥</blockquote>Caulam has to be performed during the third year by counting days from the date of birth and in the star Punarvasu. | ||
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| + | === Purpose of the Samskara === | ||
| + | The purpose of the Samskara as given in the scripture was the achievement of long life for the recipient. <blockquote>तेन ते आयुषे वपामि सुश्लोक्याय स्वस्तय इति । (Ashv. Grhy. Sutr. 1.17.12)</blockquote>Life is prolonged by tonsure; without it, it is shortened. Therefore, it should be performed by all means as mentioned in Viramitrodaya.<ref name=":12" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Medical Basis === | ||
| + | According to Sushruta, shaving and cutting the hair and nails remove impurities and give delight, lightness, prosperity, courage and happiness. Charaka opines, “Cutting and dressing of hair, beard and nails give strength, vigour, life, purity and beauty." At the basis of the tonsure ceremony the idea of health and beauty was prominent.<ref name=":12" /> | ||
[[Category:Samskaras]] | [[Category:Samskaras]] | ||
Revision as of 19:26, 16 May 2022
Chaulam (Samskrit: चौलम्) is one of the childhood samskaras rarely followed by traditional Indian families even in present times. While Chudakarana or Chaulam have been prescribed in various texts as a prerequisite for performing various rituals, it was also supported by the medical texts of Acharyas Sushruta and Charaka.[1]
Introduction
Chaulam is also called Cūḍākarma and Cūḍākaraṇam. Cūḍā means tuft (of hair) that is kept on the back side of the head while the remaining part is clean shaven. In tradition it is popularly called "Śikhā". In Sanskrit the letters "la" and "ḍa" are often interchanged. So Caula and Cūḍā mean the same. The Saṃskāra for which the purpose is making a "Cūḍā" (tuft / Śikhā) is called Caulam, and also Cauḷam.
According to Dr. Pandey, cutting the hair and keeping the head clean was one of the primary reasons to have a shikha; the process for which later on came to be regarded as an important event in the life of an individual. To keep the head clean some device was bound to be invented. Chopping the hair by means of an iron instrument was the natural course but people were also afraid of cutting and injuring themselves in this process. Necessity and fear both mingled together and gave rise to the Chudakarana ceremonies.[1]
Chaula Samskara
Time of performance
Chaulam is to be performed during the third year by counting days from the date of birth –
जन्मनोऽपि तृतीये वर्षे चौलं पुनर्वस्वोः । आपस्तम्बगृह्यसूत्रम् १६.३॥ janmano'pi tṛtīye varṣe caulaṃ punarvasvoḥ । Āpastambagṛhyasūtram 16.3॥
Caulam has to be performed during the third year by counting days from the date of birth and in the star Punarvasu.
Purpose of the Samskara
The purpose of the Samskara as given in the scripture was the achievement of long life for the recipient.
तेन ते आयुषे वपामि सुश्लोक्याय स्वस्तय इति । (Ashv. Grhy. Sutr. 1.17.12)
Life is prolonged by tonsure; without it, it is shortened. Therefore, it should be performed by all means as mentioned in Viramitrodaya.[1]
Medical Basis
According to Sushruta, shaving and cutting the hair and nails remove impurities and give delight, lightness, prosperity, courage and happiness. Charaka opines, “Cutting and dressing of hair, beard and nails give strength, vigour, life, purity and beauty." At the basis of the tonsure ceremony the idea of health and beauty was prominent.[1]