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Simantonnayana – Meaning - Sanskar - Hair Parting Ceremony of Hindu Pregnant Women

Simantonnayana is one of the important Hindu samskaras for a pregnant woman and it is the hair parting ceremony. In Hinduism, the Simantonnayana ceremony is performed for health and long life of the mother and for the protection of the fetus (unborn child). The ceremony is usually performed in the fourth or the fifth month as per the Grihya Sutras. The ancient texts are of the view that the ceremony can be held anytime from the fourth month to the eighth month.

After the fourth month the development of the baby’s organs starts. In Hindu religion, it is believed that the mind of the child begins from the fifth month. Pregnant women were required to take utmost care during the period and this was symbolically explained by parting of hair. Another reason for the ceremony was also to keep the mother happy, peaceful and content. As it is believed that the mental health of the mother influences the child.

The ceremony differs from community to community. And the parting of the hair in some communities is performed by the husband.