REVIEW OF GARBHADANA SAMSKARA FROM INDIAN LITERATURE

Abstract

India though a second highly populated country has people suffering from infertility on one side and due to its population, on the other side, has restriction in having more number of children in a family, unlike in olden days. Being restricted to have only one or maximum two children, it's very essential to have a healthy progeny because both parents and children are inter dependant. Today's healthy child will become tomorrow's healthy citizen. Thus to have healthy children and healthy life, 16 samskaras (which remove impurities) have been mentioned in our Vedas from birth till death. Samskaras begin even before the birth of the individual. The present article highlights about the first samskara i.e garbhadana samskara which is done before conception to achieve excellent qualities of progeny. It is believed that the state of parents’ mind during conception affects the quality and well-being of the offspring. Apart from the Ayurvedic texts, Naradapurana, Manu smriti, Parashara smrithi, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad etc. described about the purpose, method and timing of the garbhadana samskara. Ignoring these traditional concepts and rich cultural heritage and following modern way of life is leading to various congenital disorders as well as diseases like autism, mental retardation, ADHD etc. in children after birth. It is high time to recognize our traditional values and follow them.