The Karnavedha Mantra is chanted during the ear-piercing samskara (sacrament) for children, as prescribed in the Grihya Sutras such as the Paraskara Grihya Sutra (2.3) and the Ashvalayana Grihya Sutra (1.17). This ritual is one of the sixteen samskaras (shodasha samskaras) and is typically performed in the third or fifth year of a child's life. The mantra invokes various deities, including the Ashvins, Surya, and the guardians of the directions, to bestow protection, health, and longevity upon the child.
The piercing of the ears is believed to open the channels of hearing (shrotra nadi), enhancing the child's ability to receive sacred knowledge and mantras. According to the Mantra Mahodadhi (7.45-48), the beej-akshara 'Klim' is often associated with this rite, representing attraction and protection. The ritual is usually performed in the morning, under an auspicious nakshatra, with the child seated on the father's lap.
The goldsmith or a priest pierces the ears using a gold or silver needle while the mantra is recited. The recommended count is 108 repetitions of the primary mantra. Cautions include ensuring the child is calm and the piercing is done hygienically; the mantra should not be chanted without proper ritual preparation.
The Karnavedha Mantra thus serves both a physical and spiritual purpose, aligning the child with divine energies for a prosperous life.
Om, I pierce the ears with the seed-syllable Klīm.
The mantra contains the beej-akshara 'klīṁ', which is associated with Kāma (desire) and Kṛṣṇa, used here for attraction of divine grace and protection during the piercing.