Taking a full hindu name/including surname

#1 15-10-2014, 09:32 PM

Hi, I just have questions about adopting names in Hinduism/Swaminarayan dharm for conversion. I have chosen a dharmic name in full(first, middle, last). I plan to change my name officially soon. I just wanted to know if taking the surname "Khanna"(meaning sword) is ok even if I'm not family or connected to them. How inappropriate would that be?

Is there a naming procedure for converts/can you just choose a name that you want? Thanks.

Vinayaka · #2 15-10-2014, 09:40 PM

That's a fairly common name. If you speak to a priest at the local BAPS temple, you will get more information.

Often names (just the beginning syllable) is attached to your nakshatra. A good astrologer would be able to help you out.

It would not be inappropriate at all, at least in my opinion. (I changed my name legally in 1980)

#3 15-10-2014, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinayaka

That's a fairly common name. If you speak to a priest at the local BAPS temple, you will get more information.

Often names (just the beginning syllable) is attached to your nakshatra. A good astrologer would be able to help you out.

It would not be inappropriate at all, at least in my opinion. (I changed my name legally in 1980)

thanks, so much. i plan to get to a temple soon for research.

Mystical Warrior · #4 16-10-2014, 05:07 AM

I want to change my name too but my wife insist that she changed her name once (when we got married) and she will not do it again. I can't say I blame her, but do I have to do a name change legally, esp since someone else is involved.

Vinayaka · #5 16-10-2014, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystical Warrior

I want to change my name too but my wife insist that she changed her name once (when we got married) and she will not do it again. I can't say I blame her, but do I have to do a name change legally, esp since someone else is involved.

Nobody has to do anything. Hinduism isn't some religion with rigid rules. It's totally your own choice, and not necessary. Of all the westerners who encounter Hinduism, and practice it in some way, probably less than 1% change their name legally. Most don't consider it necessary or practical.

There are many (Dr. David Frawley aka Vamadeva Shastri, all ISKCON devotees as far as I know, etc. who have two names... a spiritual one, and their birth name. So it's one name in their Hindu circle, and another name for the world.

Personally, I think its a huge step that deserves at least 5 years of serious study and consideration. Not something to do on some whim. But that's just me.