About Mundan (Chudakarana)
What is Mundan (Chudakarana)?
Mundan (Chudakarana) is the first haircut of a child — usually in the first or third year — in which the birth hair is removed with mantras, for the child’s health, growth and long life.
The birth hair is believed to carry the impurities of birth; offering it is a samskara of purification. Many families offer the hair at their family deity’s temple — Tirumala, Palani or a kuladevata — and do the pooja at home.
Benefits
- Health and growth of the child
- Purification and protection
- Fulfils the traditional samskara
When to perform
- First, third or fifth year, on a muhurtham
- Avoiding the child’s birth month in many traditions
How Mundan (Chudakarana) is performed
- Ganapati pooja and sankalpam
- Punyahavachanam
- Mantras before the first cut
- Haircut by the barber
- Bath, new clothes and blessings
Mundan (Chudakarana) samagri list
- Turmeric, kumkum and akshinthalu
- Dough or a new cloth to collect the hair
- Sandal paste (to apply after)
- New clothes for the child
- Fruits, flowers and sweets
Do’s and don’ts
✅ Do
- Arrange a barber for the haircut
- Keep the child rested and fed
❌ Avoid
Mundan Ceremony near you
Read the full guide to Mundan Ceremony — meaning, vidhi, samagri, best time and cost — or see local details for your city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Mundan (Chudakarana) cost?
Mundan (Chudakarana) with a verified Stuti Mandir pandit starts from ₹3,500 as pandit dakshina, for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The price can be a little higher outside the metro cities, live video pujas cost less than a home visit, and the full bill is shown before you pay.
At what age is Mundan done?
Usually in the first or third year; some families do it in the fifth or seventh year.
Does the pandit arrange a barber?
The pandit performs the rituals; please arrange the barber, or ask us and we can help.