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

[rajam]

There is a tradition in Kerala, South India — that is, to name a child based on the star (nakṣatra). 
Current living example is Aswathi Thirunal Prince Rama Varma (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aswathi_Thirunal_Rama_Varma). 

> On Apr 17, 2025, at 1:49 AM, Rolf Heinrich Koch via INDOLOGY <indology at list.indology.info> wrote:
> 
> Dear Yang Qu.
> As far as I know from India and western Samnyasins, at least the birthday or the horoscope is used on the side of the namesake. 
> 
> The nakṣatra provides the first (mūla) letter for the name.
> 
> Best
> Heiner
> Am 17.04.2025 um 01:18 schrieb Yang Qu via INDOLOGY:
>> 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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> -- 
> Dr. R. H. Koch - Germany/Sri Lanka 
> www.rolfheinrichkoch.wordpress.com <http://www.rolfheinrichkoch.wordpress.com/>
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