Medhajanan (Palsola vidhi)

Importance

‘Medha’ is the subtle form of intellect. The one whose ‘medha’ is activated can accomplish anything. In the Trisuparna Holy text, medha is referred to as ‘Brahmaras’ (The nectar of Brahman). After achieving this state, the illusion and delusion of duality vanish and the truth of life becomes comprehensible. That is why, this sanskar is absolutely essential.

Muhurt

This ritual is performed on the fourth day after the sanskar of thread ceremony.

Sankalpa

‘I am performing this ritual of Medhajanan in order to venerate Parameshwar for the generation of spiritual intellect to master the Vedas, after completion of the sanskar of thread ceremony of my son. I am worshipping Deity Savitri also known as Medha’.

After the thread ceremony, the batu seeks blessings for the following.

1. Swasti : Swasti means well-being

2. Faith : No knowledge is possible to acquire without faith

3. Medha : Medha means grasping power

4. Success

5. Pradnya : Power to think

6. Vidya : Knowledge is imbibed because of Vidya

7. Intellect : Skill to express Vidya, prudence

The ritual

Deity Medha is invoked on the branch of the palas’tree and worshipped. In this ritual, reciting the mantra ‘सुश्रव0’  the batu should circumambulate the branch of the Brahmavruksha, thrice, watering it. Thereafter, he should bathe and as stated in the Upanayan ritual wear a new sacred thread, a piece of hide, a girdle, hold a staff etc. at the site of the Brahmavruksha amidst recitation of mantras and should discard the old ones at the tree. Then, the priests should recite the Medhasuktas and pray to the Deity. Since the palasbranch is watered and made wet this ritual is referred to as palasolyacha vidhi (The ritual of wetting the palas).

Reference : Sanatan’s Holy text, ‘Sixteen Sanskars’