English Commentaries

Godana 1.72.25

The Asvalayanakarika says that the ritual of godana (cutting of hair) should be performed in the sixteenth year of a boy. It should be conducted like the caula, but the boy should not sit on the lap of his father. The facial hair should be shaved. They should bathe and then stay silent for the remaining part of the day. After the sunset he should talk with the guru (father or teacher) saying ‘I grant a boon’, and he should gift a pair of cows. This is a ritual prior to what is called samavartana. It is said in the Yajnavalkyasmrti ‘a student should finish the study of the Vedas or complete the vratas (restrictive vows) or finish both. Then he should give the guru what he wants and take the ritual bath with his permission’.