[INDOLOGY] Inquiry on Name-Bestowal Practices in South Asia

[Yang Qu]

Dear esteemed colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m currently seeking sources—scholarly
or otherwise—that examine the practice and significance of name-bestowal in
South Asian contexts. In particular, I’m interested in moments when
ascetics, spiritual teachers, or even literati confer a new name—often
Sanskritized or Indianized—on a disciple as part of a formal initiation
process.

I’m especially curious about cases where Indian spiritual teachers give new
names to foreign disciples, thereby ritually establishing a spiritual bond,
such as the relationship of a “heart-son” or similar affiliation.

I would be deeply grateful for any guidance, references, or suggestions you
may have.

Warmest thanks in advance,
Yang Qu
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