Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

UTILITY OF GARBHADHANA SANSKARA WITH AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW W.S.R. PRECONCEPTIONAL CARE - A REVIEW STUDY Hetal P Baraiya1, Shilpa B Donga2, Kashyap Chauhan3 1MS (Ayu), PhD Scholar, Lecturer, Department of Streeroga & Prasootitantra, Shri Gu- labkunverba Ayurved Mahavidhyalaya, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India 2MD, PhD (Ayu), Associate Prof. Dept. of Streeroga & Prasootitantra, 3M.D. (Ayu), PhD Scholar, Dept. of Basic Principle, I.P.G.T. and R.A Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

ABSTRACT Pre-conceptional education is a part of cultural way of life in Indian tradition. It is necessary that the education of child’s excellence begins from pre-conception and continues all through the life. Garbha is affected by the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of both mother and father. The aim of the present study is to make arrangements to maintain the expected level of psycho- physical & spiritual health of associate woman & man with the help of Garbhadhana Sanskara. The process which can give capability or accomplishment is called Sanskara. The main aim of Gabhadhana Sanskara is to purify Atma and Deha of male and female before conception. As Garbhadhana Sanskara is the logic process, it removes the Doshas of Kshetra i.e. reproductive system of female and male and also of Mana. Thus de- sired couple are prepared for copulation. Keywords: Garbhadhana, Pre-conceptional, Sanskara

INTRODUCTION According to Maharshi - spiritual well-being of both mother and Garbhadhana Sanskara is one of the six- father. teen Sanskaras described in our . ‘ : : Garbhadhana Sanskara is the logic pro- [1] cess which removes the Doshas of Kshetra ‘ .The process which can i.e. reproductive system of female and give capability or accomplishment is male. With reference to this objective, the called Sanskara. The main aim of Sangrah states: Gabhadhana Sanskara is to purify Atma and Deha of male and female before con- ception. As per Charaka Pre- ‘ ’.[2] Mainly conceptional education is a part of cultural there are three main aims of Sanskara i.e. way of life in Indian tradition. It is neces- Doshamarjana, Atishayadhana, Hinaan- sary that the education of child’s excel- gapurti. Sanskara is the scientifically co- lence begins from pre-conception and con- ordinating process of these three works. To tinues all through the life. Garbha is af- remove vitiated Doshas from natural form fected by the physical, psychological and of objects is called Doshamarjana. To in- Hetal P Baraiya et al: Utility Of Garbhadhana Sanskara With Ayurvedic Point Of View W.S.R. Preconceptional Care - A Review Study sert more useful characters in natural form Charaka , ; of objects according to Desha and Kala is Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta, Adhijanana called Atishayadhana and to correct any Shashtra etc. deformity of natural object is called 2. Various publications, text books of Hinaangapur- Garbhadhana Sanskara, research pa- ti.[3] pers, proceedings of seminars will also be considered to collect the literary [4] The word material. Garbhavakranti means the union of 3. All the compiled literary materials will Shukra and Shonita with Atma Prakriti be critically analyzed and rearranged and along with development of the of present study. full term foetus. : Importance of Garbhadhana Sanskara: [6]

Couple can invite divine souls to take birth : |[5] When a man hav- ऋतुकाले as transition phase is going on. Spiritually ing healthy sperm which copulates with a during this time all the divine souls are woman, having healthy reproductive sys- keen to take birth. Divine souls come with tem. Here Shukra means Dhaturupa good learning to perform good acts in this Shukra present in male reproductive organ world. Hence are constantly looking for is excreted, in the form of Bija (sperm). the right parents, perfect environment Due to constant intake of healthy diet and where they are groomed in such a manner to follow proper lifestyle by man and so that they can continue with their noble woman, Shukra and Shonita grows nor- work which may be purpose of re-birth. mally and ejects at appropriate time with Therefore, the couple has to increase the all healthy Beejabhaga and Beejabhaga good Karmic level to such an extent that Avayavas which are responsible for ma- the divine soul chooses it to be its parents. gestical and healthy child. Ideally preparation for conception should Aims and objectives start 3-4 months prior conception as per  To make arrangements to maintain the Garbhadhana Sanskara. We believe that expected level of psycho- physical and pregnancy should be by choice and not by spiritual health of associate woman and chance, so should be carefully planned and man. managed as per the principles of  The main aim of Gabhadhana San- Garbhadhana Sanskara as we have a skara is to purify Atma and Deha of complete control during this development male and female before conception. phase of foetus. Before conceive it’s im-  To give birth to a well cultured, virtu- portant for a woman that she has to follow ous, majestic, vigorous, healthy, beau- fertility enhancing diet and herbs with her tiful and extremely intelligent child. partner three months before planning The child has to be unique, unrivalled, pregnancy. Once the body is nourished by noble, extremely talented and enriched a healthy diet and lifestyle, general tonics with all the good human qualities. and fertility enhancing herbs can be taken. MATERIALS AND MATHODS These herbs can also help offset the effects 1. Literary information about the study of stress in today’s busy lifestyles. Ayur- will be compiled from texts- vedic herbs are highly rejuvenating herb 2530 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Hetal P Baraiya et al: Utility Of Garbhadhana Sanskara With Ayurvedic Point Of View W.S.R. Preconceptional Care - A Review Study that both promotes semen production and ovulation period. Perfect ovulation time is strengthens the uterus. It has long been needed to achieve fertilization. Mid alter- used in India to promote immunity, nate days for coitus is advised from 10th to strength and fertility. 18th according to modern science is also Specific acts for achieving conception as reflects Ayurvedic concepts. Acharya preconceptional acts [7]: Kashyap described different days for coi- The specific acts done to achieve concep- tus in different casts which reflects differ- tion are successful only in those couples ent menstrual cycles of each cast according who possess pure or healthy Shukra to their activities, foods and atmosphere (sperms), Artava (ovum) and Garbhashaya around. (uterus). Following references are shown At the mentioned marriage- that Ayurvedic have very won- able age and age for conception in Sam- derful concept of pre-conceptional act. hitas, male and female are fully mature.  Proper age for marriage and first con- Since both partners are full of valour and ception [8],[9],[10] vigour at that age, the born child also pos-  Atulyagotra for marriage[11] sesses these qualities. Chances of neural  Contraindicated conditions of women tube defects in the foetus of a girl less than for coitus and their effects[12],[13] sixteen and increasing incidence of  Rajahsvala Charya (mode of living Down’s syndrome in first pregnancy after during menstruation) [14],[15],[16] thirty years onwards age of woman are  Ritukala[17],[18],[19],[20] noted. Mentioned contraindications for  Putriya Vidhi[21] or Pu- coitus might have been given because treshtiYagya[22],[23] those all can cause congenital anomalies in  Prayoga[24] foetus. Marriage in Atulya is also  Normal and abnormal postures for coi- one of the scientific references from Ayur- tus and their effects[25],[26] veda. It prevents the hereditary diseases  Factors essential for conception[27],[28] from forbear.Normal and abnormal pos- Mode of living during menstruation i.e. tures for coitus described in Samhitas indi- Rajahsvalacharya is described in our cate the normal and abnormal locations of Samhitas reflects the social customs of that all three Doshas. In abnormal postures period. These restrictions might help in chances of conception become very less. avoiding hard labour at least for those Factors essential for conception are proper three days when the lady is physically and functioning , normal psychology, psychologically in some changed status. healthy and properly functioning female According to modern science, proliferative reproductive system, well prepared uterus, phase restart from the first day of menstru- healthy sperms and ovum which can be ation and new ovum is going to mature achieved by Garbhadhana Sanskara. during this period. With these restriction After menstruation, the coitus is also restricted which can prevent couple is being purified by Panchakarma lady from vaginal and cervical infection, i.e. Snehana, Swedana, Vamana, as during menstruation defence vaginal Virechana, Asthapana and Anuvasana flora is also washed out. Basti. After that the man should use Ghrita Ritukala described by and milk medicated with the drugs of give the total information of Madhura and woman should con-

2531 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Hetal P Baraiya et al: Utility Of Garbhadhana Sanskara With Ayurvedic Point Of View W.S.R. Preconceptional Care - A Review Study sume oil and Masha. And till ovulation efit future offspring, but also present cou- period they should maintain celibacy. It is ples. Making sure each of they are as bal- observed in some Ayurvedic research anced as possible before conceiving. works that after Panchakarma procedure Key differentiating qualities using princi- chances of ovulation is more. The females ples of Garbhadhana Sanskara are: who were suffering from anovulation for  Purification of mind, body and soul of many years get good results in ovulation couple. after this Panchakarma procedure. It is  Invitation of divine soul to take birth also observed in some research works that though your womb. sperm count and motility are also increase  Finding right time of conception from after Panchakarma and those drugs. So astrological aspect, choosing right quality of Bija i.e. both Shukra and Shoni- Nakshatra, lunar days, planetary posi- ta will be better after it. tion etc. The procedure of Putreshti  In case of history of hereditary diseases Yagya given in the texts is advised for spe- in family, Garbhadhana Sanskara pro- cific spiritual environment to achieve con- cess mitigates the risk of disease to a ception. The drugs which are used for Ya- greater extent if started during plan- gya have such properties to make the envi- ning phase with full devotion. ronment free from germs. It is proved that  Yagya therapy for pre-conception chanting of specific can modify planning. the waves around us. Sushrutacharya has  Mantra therapy involves chanting of described benefits Putriya Vidhi i.e. beejamantra in a specific rhythm pre – : : : conception and post conception. : : : DISCUSSION Sanskara means purificatory rite. To make [29],[30],[31] । their child, a couple joyfully imparts the Lifestyle and diet before conception: Vedic Sanskaras, right from his/her birth Looking at diet, parents to be should aim and thus helps the child to eventually at- to follow a Satvika diet of organic, whole tain the spiritual platform. In fact, purifica- foods for 1-3 months prior to conception. tion of a human being starts even before If you are overweight, it’s worth shedding birth and this Sanskara is called excess kgs before conception. Looking at Garbhadhana Sanskara. By the perfor- lifestyle, it is important for the woman to mance of this Sanskara, the physical con- rest during her monthly cycle. Ideally this tact between a man and a woman is sancti- time is spent on quiet activities, with as fied. Also intelligent, pious and God- much physical and mental rest as possible conscious children are born by the strength as resistance is lowered. The couple should of performance of Garbhadhana Sanskara. also be in a happy mood without any nega- Also to beget a child in a godly atmos- tive feelings.There is plenty of research to phere is known in the Vedic scriptures as indicate that the state of health of parents Garbhadhana Sanskara. Before conceive at the time of conception has far-reaching it’s important for a woman that she has to implications for a child’s future develop- follow fertility enhancing diet and herbs ment. Any attempts to become more bal- with her partner three months before plan- anced before conceiving will not only ben- ning pregnancy. Once the body is nour- 2532 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Hetal P Baraiya et al: Utility Of Garbhadhana Sanskara With Ayurvedic Point Of View W.S.R. Preconceptional Care - A Review Study ished by a healthy diet and lifestyle, gen- ion. The mental state of the father and eral tonics and fertility enhancing herbs mother before sex will certainly affect the can be taken. These herbs can also help mentality of the child to be begotten. A offset the effects of stress in today’s busy child who is begotten out of lust may not lifestyles. Ayurvedic herbs are highly reju- turn out as the parents’ desire. Therefore, venating herb that both promotes semen before a child is conceived, the production and strengthens the uterus. It Garbhadhana Sanskara is performed. This has long been used in India to promote ceremony moulds the mentality of the fa- immunity, strength and fertility. The first ther in such a way that when he plants his step is to detoxify the body known as Pan- seed in the womb of his wife, he will beget chakarma. The reproductive tissues in a child whose mind will be completely both men and women are dependent on the saturated with a devotional attitude. health of the other six types of body tis- Life begins with pregnancy be- sues that Ayurveda recognises. The health cause it gives birth to another life. Every- of all tissues is dependent on having good body wants that their children should in- (digestion) which controls how well herit good and moral qualities. All parents we assimilate food into the body. Hence, try to give all the happiness of the world to the first step in producing healthy sperm their children. The birth of a human being and eggs is to ensure Agni is working well. is a great science, and therefore refor- This is achieved through a deep internal mation of the act of impregnation accord- cleansing to balance the Doshas and re- ing to the Vedic ritual called Garbhadhana move toxins known as Ama, ensuring di- Sanskara is very important for generating gestion works optimally. Reducing toxicity good population. in the body is especially important. Re- REFERENCES search has consistently shown that chemi- 1. Kumarila Bhatta. Tantravartika. Quot- cal pesticides reduce sperm count. ed by Kane, P.V., History of - CONCLUSION Shashtra, Vol. 1, Hindi Tr., Lucknow, It is to be concluded that while conceiving 1975. P.176. a child one's mind must be very sober and 2. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, devotional. For this purpose the , Vimanasthana, Garbhadhana Sanskara is recommended 1/21(2), edited by Vaidya Jadavaji in the Vedic scriptures. According to Var- Trikamji Acharya, reprint edition, nashrama the civilized people in society Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashana, would perform the purificatory ritual be- 2011; 235p. fore conceiving a child.This is performed 3. Adhijanana Shashtra, Punarutthana- the day husband and wife decide to unite Prakashana Trust, Ahmedabad, for conceiving a child and the birth of 2nd edition, 2014, pg 39 child was never an accident. 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2533 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Hetal P Baraiya et al: Utility Of Garbhadhana Sanskara With Ayurvedic Point Of View W.S.R. Preconceptional Care - A Review Study 5. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, edited by Dr.Shivprasad Sharma, re- Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana, 3/3, print edition, Chaukhamba Se- edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji ries office, Varanasi 2008; 273p. Acharya, reprint edition, Chaukhamba 14. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 2011; Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana, 8/5, 308p edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji 6. Anonymous. Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta. Acharya, reprint edition, Chaukhamba Gorakhpur: Geeta press; 33rd ed. Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 2011; 2011:Adhyaya 6/41, p.116. 340p. 7. Ayurvediya Prasutitantra & Striroga, 15. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Part 1, Premavati Tiwari, second edi- Sharirasthana, 2/25, edited by Vaidya tion, reprint 2011 Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana 8. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- Sharirasthana, 10/43, edited by Vaidya khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana nasi 2012; 346p. Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- 16. Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya, khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- Sharirasthana, 1/24-26, edited by Pt. nasi 2012; 391p. Sadashiva Shastri Paradakara 9. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Su- Bhishagacharya, reprint edition, Chau- trasthana, 35/13, edited by Vaidya khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana nashi 2011; 367p. Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- 17. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- Sharirasthana, 3/6, edited by Vaidya nasi 2012; 151p. Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana 10. Vriddha Vagbhata , Ashtanga San- Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- graha, Shashilekha Commentary, khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- Sharirathana, 1/3, Prof. Jyotir Mitra, nasi 2012; 351p. edited by Dr.Shivprasad Sharma, re- 18. Vriddha Vagbhata, Ashtanga San- print edition, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Se- graha, Shashilekha Commentary, ries office, Varanasi 2008; 265p. Sharirathana, 1/40, Prof. Jyotir Mitra, 11. Bhela, Bhela Samhita, text with Eng- edited by Dr.Shivprasad Sharma, re- lish commentary, Sharirathana, 3/1, ed- print edition, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Se- ited by Dr. P. Srinivasa Rao, reprint ries office, Varanasi 2008; 270p. edition, Chowkhamba Krishnadas 19. Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya, Academy, Varanasi; 129p. Sharirasthana, 1/40, edited by Pt. Hari 12. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, Sadashiva Shastri Paradakara Bhish- Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana, 8/6, agacharya, reprint edition, Chaukham- edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji ba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi Acharya, reprint edition, Chaukhamba 2011; 369p. Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 2011; 20. Vriddha Jivaka, Samhita, 341p. Sharirasthana, Jatisutriyasharira 13. Vriddha Vagbhata, Ashtanga San- Adhyaya, 5/5, Pandit Hemaraja Shar- graha, Shashilekha Commentary, ma, Hindi Translation by Shrisatyapaa Sharirathana, 1/58, Prof. Jyotir Mitra, Bhishagacharya, reprint edition, Chau-

2534 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 3; Issue 8; August- 2015 Hetal P Baraiya et al: Utility Of Garbhadhana Sanskara With Ayurvedic Point Of View W.S.R. Preconceptional Care - A Review Study khambha Sanskrit Sansthana, Varanasi khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- 2009; p80. nasi 2011; 372p. 21. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, 27. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Sharirasthana, 2/27-28, edited by Sharirasthana, 2/33, edited by Vaidya Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana Narayana Ram Acharya, reprint edi- Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- tion, Chaukhamba Surbharati Pra- khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- kashana, Varanasi 2012; 346p. nasi 2012; 348p. 22. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, 28. Vagbhata, AshtangaHridaya, Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana, 8/10- Sharirasthana, 1/8-9, edited by Pt. Hari 11, edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Sadashiva Shastri Paradakara Bhish- Acharya, reprint edition, Chaukhamba agacharya, reprint edition, Chaukham- Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 2011; ba Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 342p. 2011; 363p. 23. Vriddha Jivaka, Kashyapa Samhita, 29. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Sharirasthana, Jatisutriyasharira Sharirasthana, 2/34, edited by Vaidya Adhyaya, 5/8, Pandit Hemaraja Shar- Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana ma, Hindi Translation by Shrisatyapaa Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- Bhishagacharya, reprint edition, Chau- khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- khambha Sanskrit Sansthana, Varanasi nasi 2012; 348p. 2009; p81. 30. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, 24. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, Sharirasthana, 3/35, edited by Vaidya Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana, 8/7-8, Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya & Narayana edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Ram Acharya, reprint edition, Chau- Acharya, reprint edition, Chaukhamba khamba Surbharati Prakashana, Vara- Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 2011; nasi 2012; 354p. 341p. 31. Vriddha Vagbhata, Ashtanga San- 25. Agnivesha, Charaka & Dridhabala, graha, Shashilekha Commentary, Charaka Samhita, Sharirasthana, 8/6, Sharirathana, 1/68, Prof. JyotirMitra, edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji edited by Dr. Shivprasad Sharma, re- Acharya, reprint edition, Chaukhamba print edition, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Se- Surbharati Prakashana, Varanasi 2011; ries office, Varanasi 2008; 275p. 341p. CORRESPONDING AUTHOR 26. Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya, Dr. Hetal Pravinbhai Baraiya Sharirasthana, 1/58-59, edited by Pt. Email: [email protected] Hari Sadashiva Shastri Paradakara Bhishagacharya, reprint edition, Chau-

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