''Karnavedha'' (, ) or ''Karnavedham'' is one of the sixteen major '' samskaras'' (sacraments) known as "Shodasha Samskaras" of

Hinduism Hinduism () is an Hypernymy and hyponymy, umbrella term for a range of Indian religions, Indian List of religions and spiritual traditions#Indian religions, religious and spiritual traditions (Sampradaya, ''sampradaya''s) that are unified ...

. It is an ear piercing ceremony that is typically performed between the first and fifth years of life. This can also be performed during later years.Pandey, R.B., "The Hindu Sacraments (Sanskāra)" in S. Radhakrishnan (ed.) ''The Cultural Heritage of India'', vol.II, (1962, reprint 2003). Kolkata:The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, , p.402 Brahmins, especially those studying the

vedas FIle:Atharva-Veda samhita page 471 illustration.png, upright=1.2, The Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism. Above: A page from the ''Atharvaveda''. The Vedas ( or ; ), sometimes collectively called the Veda, are a large body of relig ...

, undergo ''karnavedha'' and the other ''samskaras'' during their lifetime. The ''samskaras'' are mentioned in the

Brahmana The Brahmanas (; Sanskrit: , International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration, IAST: ''Brāhmaṇam'') are Vedas, Vedic śruti works attached to the Samhitas (hymns and mantras) of the Rigveda, Rig, Samaveda, Sama, Yajurveda, Yajur, and Athar ...

portion of the vedas. Some scholars advise that the performance of ''karnavedha'' should be considered just as important as '' upanayanam'' (sacred thread ceremony - another major ''samskara'') and the other sacraments as each holds its own symbolic spiritual value. While equally recommended for males and females, in modern times, ''karnavedha'' has become an uncommon practice amongst males. ''Karnavedha'' is considered a vedic rite of passage with symbolic spiritual significance. Some believe that it is intended to open the inner ears for receiving sacred sounds. Hearing of sacred sounds with concentration is considered meritorious in that it cleanses the mind and nurtures the spirit. During certain medieval periods, "''karnavedha''" became associated with religious attire and its performance became obligatory to the extent that its non-performance became regarded as sinful among some communities.

References

Samskaras Rituals Ear piercing {{Hinduism-stub ta:காதணி விழா