Sataysa

Sarva was born under Jyestha, a mool nakshatra, which is considered to be bad luck for the father's health. I found this rather dramatic explanation on the internet.

There are twenty-seven constellations (Nakshatras) in all some of which are considered inauspicious. A child born in the first stage of the 'Moola Nakshatra' brings destruction to his father, In the second stage- to his mother, In the third stage- to wealth and property. A child born in the fourth stage of the 'Moola-Nakshatra' though remains harmless but it is better if the rituals are performed for the pacification of this Nakshatra because it eliminates the fears and apprehensions that is generally associated with the name 'Mool-Nakshatra'. If a child is born in any of the following Mool Nakshatras, the pacification becomes mandatory to neutralize the ill effects.

As a consequence, we were advised a special prayer was required. A five hour prayer. With lots of accessories. I reckon like all good churches, the hindu church is a great untaxed industry, with patronage at the highest places.

Anyway, the ceremony proved to be far too arduous for us to organize in Melbourne on our own with two kids, as it had to be done on a set date, at a set time, with only certain North Indian type priests. So a trip was made to Perth at Xmas/New Year and Sarva's "sataysa" pooja was planned. My mum loves this stuff.

Deepti and I performed most of the rituals, but Sarva was required as a prop at some stages. He performed well. With the 40 degree heat, we lasted the five hours. And yes I am wearing a hankerchief on my head. Naina will never live this photo down.


As a pleasing break before the finale involving the "havan" we were doused in tap water. Refreshingly cold on a 40 degree day.

Sarva displaying his one pack

Mr Bean

Getting cool

Happy baby

Haavan ceremony (fire to left)

Taking advantage of the itinerary, we planned to have his first hair cut (mundan) in Perth. After last time, I had wanted to organize it in Perth at the Hare Krishna temple but was told they weren't very good at doing the whole head, so leave it until Sarva got to India. So this time, he also had a little bit cut off by his buas. The full shave was performed in early February in India and the hair taken to Devgarh near Patna, on the Ganges. Anyway, Sarva was more interested in bua's dupatta.


Sarva was five months old by this stage (yes the ceremony was that long), so we also did his first proper cooked food meal (Annaprashan) ceremony.

Think he fell asleep

It was such a long hot day, but worth it anyway. Even just for the ripped abs. And the multiple outfits.