Aruna Prashna - अरुण प्रश्नः -I tamil by Vid.Sri.Rajagopal Sharma

Class-26
Āruṇa Prāśana (अꣳरुणप्राशनम्)

Āruṇa Prāśana is a traditional Saṁskāra (Vedic rite) performed for infants in Sanātana Dharma. It is part of the sixteen major saṁskāras (Ṣoḍaśa Saṁskāras) prescribed in the Gṛhya Sūtras.

Meaning

“Āruṇa” refers to the reddish hue of the rising Sun, symbolic of vitality and health.

“Prāśana” means feeding or administering.
Thus, Āruṇa Prāśana is the ritual of feeding the child with the essence of the Sun’s energy for health, longevity, and intellect.

When It Is Done

Usually performed on the sixth month after birth (sometimes in the fourth, sixth, or eighth month, depending on tradition).

This coincides with the stage when the infant begins to take food beyond mother’s milk.

Ritual Process (general outline, varies by tradition)

Sankalpa – The parents, guided by the priest, make a vow for the well-being of the child.

Worship of the Sun (Āditya Upāsanā) – Mantras from the Vedas (especially Sūrya-related mantras) are chanted.

Preparation of Medicine/Food – A mixture of ghee, honey, and sometimes gold bhasma or herbs is sanctified with mantras.

Feeding the Child – The father (or in some traditions, the mother) gives the sanctified mixture to the infant, symbolizing the child’s first intake of solid or semi-solid food.

Blessings – Elders bless the child for health, strength, wisdom, and longevity.

Purpose and Benefits

To mark the transition from exclusive breastfeeding to the intake of other foods.

Invokes the blessings of Sūrya Deva for:

Āyuḥ (longevity)

Ārogya (health)

Bala (strength)

Medhā (intelligence & clarity of mind)

Strengthens the child’s immunity and digestive fire (Agni), according to Āyurveda.

Relation to Other Saṁskāras

Closely related to Annaprāśana (the “first feeding of solid food”), but Āruṇa Prāśana is specifically Sun-centered and considered more medicinal and protective in purpose.

In some regions, Āruṇa Prāśana is performed as a special sub-rite within Annaprāśana.

✅ In short: Āruṇa Prāśana is the Vedic ritual of giving the infant its first sacred food with mantras to Sūrya, to ensure health, vitality, and intelligence.

Would you like me to also explain the specific Vedic mantras used in Āruṇa Prāśana, or keep it more general and practical?