Mundan or Chudakarana Sanskar is the most sought-after Sanskar in Varanasi. It is one of the important Samskaras in Hinduism. It is the first time the child’s head has been shaved. It is performed in the presence of an expert pandit with proper chanting of the mantras. The pandit selects an auspicious date and time for this ceremony. Performing this ceremony in one of the sacred cities, like Varanasi (Kashi), is considered highly auspicious. Varanasi (Kashi), one of the oldest cities in the world and highly revered in Hinduism, is a perfect place to conduct ceremonies such as the Mundan Sanskar. People around the globe visit Varanasi (Kashi) to perform various religious ceremonies because of their deep faith in the city. Due to the high vibrational frequencies, any religious or spiritual tour to Kashi elevates one’s soul in many ways.

Sacred rivers like the Ganga have been part of Hinduism for ages, and civilisations have been nurtured and developed along their banks. Ghats were also built on the banks of sacred rivers by different rulers, kings, lineages, etc, over time to conduct various religious and spiritual ceremonies. Varanasi (Kashi) is also called the city of Ghats, as it is one of the oldest cities, with so many Ghats and stories and lore surrounding them. Ganga is considered a mother, not just a river; therefore, her importance is immense in conducting religious ceremonies.

Best Age For Mundan Sanskar:

The ideal age for the Mundan Sanskar depends on family customs and traditions nowadays. Earlier, the Mundan Sanskar was performed in the first year or between the first and third year. The age can also be 5 or 7 years, as some families prefer to perform it a little later, when the child is physically stronger. Girls also undergo Mundan Sanskar, but these days, families take out a few strands of hair as a customary practice; however, girls should also undergo head-shaving.

Famous Ghats And Temples For Mundan In Varanasi:

There is no particular Ghat for Mundan in Varanasi. Some of the Ghats that became popular over time for Mundan Sanskar include Assi Ghat, Gai Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Durga Kund has also become popular for Mundan in Varanasi. Mundan is also performed at various other Ghats, Temples, and Ashrams in Varanasi.

Step-by-Step Procedure For Mundan Sanskar In Varanasi:

1. Pooja Altar: The Pooja altar is set up by the Pandit ji first for the invocation of Gods and Goddesses. Gauri-Ganesh, Kalash-Navgrah and other deities are invoked to seek divine blessings for the child.

2. Mundan Ceremony: Shaving of the head of the child is performed by an expert barber along with Kesh Poojan, Jutika Poojan, Keshadhiwas, etc. Some families leave the tuft, while others prefer to shave the head completely. It depends entirely on the family's customs and traditions.

3. Applying Turmeric: Turmeric paste is applied as a customary ritual, which soothes the skin and acts as an antiseptic for the skin.

4. Havan: Havan is performed as a completion of the ceremony, followed by aarti and prasad distribution. Fire oblations are considered very sacred and offered to the Gods and Goddesses to seek their blessings.

List Of Pooja Materials (Pooja Samagri) For Mundan Sanskar:

Pooja Samagri Items	Pooja Samagri Items
Gangajal	Kalash with Coconut & Mango Leaves
Roli / Kumkum	Haldi (Turmeric)
Chandan (Sandal Paste)	Akshat (Unbroken Rice)
Flowers & Garlands	Dhoop / Agarbatti
Diya (Ghee Lamp)	Fruits (5 Types)
Sweets / Mishri / Ladoo	Betel Leaves & Nuts
Asan / Cloth	Wooden Chowki
Rice / Wheat / Jaggery / Ghee	Havan Kund & Samidha
Camphor / Cotton Wicks	Turmeric-Sandal Paste
New Razor / Shaving Kit	Towel / Napkin
New Clothes for Baby	Holy Thread (Kalawa)
Dakshina (Coins / Cash)	Plate / Thali Set

Cost And Package For Mundan Sanskar In Varanasi: 

The cost of a Mundan Sanskar in Varanasi can vary based on the individual's needs and preferences. A simple Mundan Sanskar with basic pooja materials and one pandit typically costs between ₹ 3,500 and ₹ 5,500. A standard Mundan Sanskar with complete pooja materials and two pandits is ₹9100. An advanced package, including complete pooja materials and three to five pandits, ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹21,000. Below is a table outlining the approximate costs of the Mundan Sanskar.

Package Details	Pandits	Puja Materials & Barber	Puja Type	Price (₹)
Basic Panchopchar Puja	1 Pandit	Included	Panchopchar (No Havan)	₹3,500
Basic Sodashopchar Puja with Havan	1 Pandit	Included	Sodashopchar with Havan	₹5,500
Sodashopchar Puja with Havan	2 Pandits	Included	Sodashopchar with Havan	₹9,100
Sodashopchar Puja with Havan (Extended)	3 Pandits	Included	Sodashopchar with Havan	₹15,000
Grand Sodashopchar Puja with Havan	5 Pandits	Included	Sodashopchar with Havan	₹21,000

Benefits Of Mundan Sanskar:

1. Health Benefits: Any birth-related skin infections on the scalp will be cleansed after shaving the head of the child, and the turmeric paste, which is applied post-shaving of the head, acts as an antiseptic and soothes the skin.

2. Spiritual Benefits: It is a Hindu belief that the shaving will clear any past life karmic burdens left to be resolved on the head, and it frees the child from unnecessary past life karmic burdens.

3. Religious Benefits: Mundan is one of the most important Sanskaras among the sixteen Sanskaras of Hinduism. It is believed that the Mundan Sanskar brings good fortune to the child and that the child receives blessings for high intellect from the Gods and Goddesses. 

How To Book a Pandit For Mundan Sanskar In Varanasi:

Pandit for Mundan Sanskar in Varanasi can be booked online through platforms like VidhiPujan. They will take care of end-to-end needs, from providing the best pandit to procuring all necessary pooja items. They will also take care of the barber and the cleaning of the Ghat on the day before the Pooja. It is recommended to use online service providers, as they are reliable and trustworthy. It will also save a lot of time and energy by having all of the above arranged by one's own contacts and means.

Conclusion: Varanasi (Kashi), as the home of Shiva, is the ideal place to perform the Mundan Sanskar and seek blessings from Mahadev. Conducting this ritual under Shiva's divine protection grants the child strength and well-being during their growing years. Every child, whether girl or boy, should undergo Mundan Sanskar, as it is one of the most significant Sanskaras among the Sixteen Sanskaras.