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Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic , 2012, 3(3),

An Approach to Samskara in

Review article

Singh Karam1, Verma Bhavna2

1. Lecturer, Department of Kaumarbhritya/Balroga 2. Lecturer, Department of Basic Principles, Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar, Mahatma Hans Raj Marg, Punjab, 144008 ().

Abstract

Samskara (Sacraments) are a religious customs (rite), rituals sacrifices a religious ceremony. Samskara also build a wakefulness of the attainment of social status and rights for the individual. In Ayurveda, the word samskara also introduced as “Samskarao hi Gunaantradhyanum” means qualitative improvement is carried out by incorporating the specific qualities. The number of Samskara varies in different Hindu granthas, it is about 16-40, but the applicable Samskara are 16 (shodash) in number which spreads from garbhadan to anteysthi samskara. In the present paper, it can be concluded that the Samskara described in Ayurvedic texts are based on the various milestones of child growth and developments and hence provide a rational guideline toward his care from very conception to adolescence.

Keywords: Samskara, Sacraments, milestone, growth and development.

Introduction 1) Samskara (Sacraments) are a religious In Hindu culture it is believe that customs (rite), rituals and sacrifices a every aspect of life is sacred, so due to this religious ceremony. The life of the reason each important stage, from performer receives a higher sacredness conception to anteyeshti (death cremation) after performing them, it is believed. In is distinguished as special rituals. The Hindu culture, Samskara cover the Samskaras are performed for the physical, entire life of an individual which social, and religious development of the begins from the moment he is individual. The sacrament composed of conceived in the mother’s womb till worships of Gods and words spoken as his death (compassing of the funeral by the vaidya as per Ayurvedic ceremonies). texts. The sacraments occur at important 2) Sacrament also means conformation of events and give value to a person's life. some promise; things of unexplained Different meaning of Samskara:- significance, sacred influence and symbol. *Corresponding Author: 3) The Samskara are a series of Singh Karam, sacraments that serve as rites of H.no: 104, BSF Colony, passage (which is a ritual event that Jalandhar City, marks a person's progress from Punjab. 144008 one status to another) and mark the Email id- [email protected] various stages of the human life and to Ph. no- 08427826622, 9794342858 signify entry to a particular .

140 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 Singh Karam et.al, An approach to Samskara in Ayurveda

4) The word Samskar is derived from root () - an external discipline for word ‘Kri’ with ‘Sam’ upsarga, which internal spiritual tutoring. is being used for several meanings for In Ayurveda, the word samskara also example in sense of education, introduced as “Samskarao hi cultivation, and training, a purificatory Gunaantradhyanum” means qualitative rite or ceremony to change the qualities improvement is carried out by or intrinsic worth. incorporating the specific qualities (in A general definition of samskara, various dravyas or as encompassing nearly all of the above is "to aushadhi) (Charaka improve upon something while removing Vimansthana 1/21, p.680) (1). its undesirable attributes." Samskara or Sacraments give meaning to the teachings NUMBER OF SAMSKARA of the and Hindu religion. We need The number of Samskara varies in various Samskara from time to time for different Hindu dharma granthas, it is religious/spiritual motivation during this about 16-40, but the applicable Samskara passage of life. Samskara are rites that are are 16 (shodash) in number meant to purify and positively influence (Kaumarbhritya p.123) (2). These are: our lives throughout our growth and 1) Garbhadan (Sacrament of development, from conception unitl death. Impregnation or Conception) Samskara are religious rites which help 2) (Engendering a male issue) direct our lives towards Dharma (righteous 3) Simantonayana (Hair-parting) living). They help and guide us to higher 4) (Birth rituals e.g. at the time levels of morality and spirituality. when the child is being born) 5) () Objects of the Samskaras 6) Nishkrama (First outing or outing There are several objects of the ceremony) Samskaras, as to pray the god for better 7) (feeding ceremony) things in coming days and to eliminate 8) Chudakarma or Mundan (Shaving of harmful powers that agitated (or trouble) head) human life at different stages. 9) Karnavedhan (Piercing the earlobes) 1) Samskara aim in the first instance at 10) (Sacred thread initiation) material gain to the individual. During 11) Vedarambha (Beginning of vedic some ceremonies prayers are offered to study) gods for health, wealth, children, 12) Samavartan (End of studentship) intellect etc., which contribute to 13) Vivaha (Marriage Ceremony) family and social happiness. 14) Vanprastha (Renouncing the house- 2) Samskaras also build a wakefulness of holder's life) the attainment of social status and 15) Sanyyas(Leading the life of a monk) rights for the individual. 16) Anteyeshti (Death cremation). 3) Samskaras bring about cultural gains.The various ceremonies related CLASSIFICATION OF SAMSKARA to the samskaras help in the formation 1) The samskara can be categorising given and development of personality. above which range from conception (pre- 4) Samskaras convey a higher sacredness birth) to funeral (post-death) ceremonies to life. Various Impurities associated as:- with the body are cleared by a) Garbhastha (Pre-natal) Samskaras:- performing samskaras. The samskaras Garbhadan, Pumsavana, are a form of spiritual endeavour Simantoonayana

141 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2012, 3(3), b) Balyawasthantargata (Childhood) b) Various results of impregnation in very Samskaras: Jatakarma, Namakarana, young or old woman ( Nishkramna, Sharirsthana 8/6 p.920 (1) and Astanga Annaprashana, Chudakarma, Hyridya Sharirsthana 1/9 p.339 (4). Karnavedhan. c) Specific rituals to be permitted by c) Adhyyanartha (Educational) Samskara: preceptor means putriya vidhi Vidyarambha, Upanayana , sacrament ( Samhita Vedarambha Sharirsthana 2/27 p.13 (3) and Astanga d) Grahasthartha (Marriage) Samskara: Hyridya Sharirsthana 1/27 p.343 (4). Vivaha d) The method of performing Putressti e) Death Samskara: Antyeshti. yajana (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana 8/11 p.923(1) and Astanga Hyridya 2) The Samskara in Balyaawastha may be Sharirsthana 1/27 p.343 (4). classified as follows- e) Effect of psychology of the woman on 1. Ksheerap kala: a) During Neonatal the foetus (Charaka Samhita Period: Jatakarma, Namkarana. b) Sharirsthana 8/14 p.924 (1), Sushruta During Infantile Period: , Samhita Sharirsthana 2/55 p.18 (3). Annaprashan/Phalaprashana, The auspicious day and time are Karnavedhan. fixed for and the sacrament 2. Ksheerannad/Annada kala: a) During follows a set guide.The articulated mantras Toddler Period: Chudkarana Samskara. represents in this Samskaras are essentially B) During Preschool and school Age: prayers offered to God to help the bride Upnayana Samskara, Vedarambha (female) conceive a good son.The Samskara significance of this samskara is highly important, as these ceremony purify and THESE SAMSKARA ARE AS refine field (woman’reproductive system) FOLLOWS: and seed (sperms), thus the born child will (A) PRE-NATAL SAMSKARA posses high qualities. 1. Garbhadhan (Conception) Samskara: This Samskara relates to 2. Punsavan Samskara (Engendering a conception. Procreation is a compulsory male issue): duty enjoined on the Hindu to pay back his The term pumsavana literally ancestral debt, except when either or both means 'male procreation'. So, the process the partners are functionally unfit. In which is adopted for achieving progeny of ayurvedic texts, garbhadhan sacrament desired sex is known as Punsava . elaborated related to environmental This is performed in second month factors, specific dietetics and cleansing (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana 8/19 p.926 measures which might influence the (1) or before vyaktibhava (Astanga reproductive capabilities and have great Hyridya Sharirsthana 1/37 p.345 (4). phsiological and psychological Different prescribe various significance. During this ceremony, certain formulations for use to pregnant woman rules which compose do’s and donot’s are which may result to male procreation only, advised like:- as their belief. According to Charaka a) Proper age for marriage and first (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana 8/19 p.926 conception (Charaka Samhita (1), healthy sunga (leaf buds) of Chikitsasthana 2/4/40, p.90 (1), tree, dhanyamasha and gaurasarsapa Sutrasthana 35/15 should be taken with curd during p.132 (3), Astanga Hridyum Pusyanaksatra. Similarly paste of jivaka, Sharirsthana 1/8 p.339 (4). rishbhaka, apamarga and sahachara taken

142 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 Singh Karam et.al, An approach to Samskara in Ayurveda with etc. According to Sushruta e. The religious significance of this (Sushruta Samhita Sharirsthana 2/35 p.15 Samskara is to bring prosperity to the (3), description of punsavana given as: mother and long life to the unborn pregnant woman instil three or four drops child. of juice in the right nostril which are Sulakshmana, Batasunga, Sahadevi and (B) NEONATAL SAMSKARA Vishvadeva pounded with milk. She 4. Jatkarma Samskara (ceremony should not spit out the juice. Similar performed after birth or Birth rituals): description given by Vagbhata (Astanga According to Charaka, after the Hyridya Sharirsthana 1/38-42 p.345 (4). cutting of umbilical cord (nalchhedan) the The significance of this Samskara is to infant’s birth rites should be performed. As invoke celestial (or divine) and excellent per Charaka (Charaka Samhita qualities in the child. Sharirsthana 8/46 p.950 (1)), on first day of birth, the child should be given first 3. Simantonayana (Hair-parting): feeding of honey and ghrita consecrated a. In this, the husband parts the wife's (or blessed) with as given for this hair.The time to perform this purpose. Thereafter, firstly milk from the sacrament have many views, but right breast should be offered (or given) to overall it is performed in fourth to the child. A water filled pitcher and eight month of pregnancy. consecrated with mantras should be kept b. In Ayurvedic texts during period of near the head of baby, probably to pregnancy, acharyas advised maintain proper humidity in Kumaragara. monthwise various dietetic regimen Acharya Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita and mode of conducts for pregnant Sharirsthana 10/15-17 p.76 (3) says that on woman which results in normal first day after performing nalachhedan, the development of foetus who has good child should be sprinkled with cold water health, strength, voice, compactness and then honey and ghrita mixed with etc. (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana powder in small quantity and 8/32-38 p.937, Sushruta Samhita sanctified with mantras should be given Sharirsthana 10/2 p.73 (3). three times to baby. On second and third c. Acharya also advised that if mother not day ghrita medicated with lakshmana, on follow proper advised lifestyle then it fourth day honey and ghrita in the amount may result in vitiation which which fills the palm of neonate produce abnormalities of fetous (savapanitalsamita) given two times as (garbhang-vikriti), affecting its well as offer prang-nevartsatnya (breast appearance, complexion and indriyas milk) to baby. According to Vagbhata (sense organ) (Sushruta Samhita (Astanga Hyridya Uttartantra 1/11 p.877 Sharirsthana 3/14-15 p.24 (3), (4), Jatakarma (birth ceremony) should be Charaka Samhita sharirsthana 2/29-30 performed by Prajapatya method. p.846 (1), Astanga Hyridya Importance of Jatakarma samskara: Sharirsthana 1/48 p.346(4). 1. Rooting and sucking reflex as well as d. As it is now well known that smoking, sucking-swallowing-breathing alcohol, certain medications and drugs coordination is assessed while offering have a detrimental ill-effect on the honey and ghee. foetus. So by following this ceremony, 2.The Jatakarma can also prove an as an husband and family advised to take efficient tool of examination to rule out every possible care to safeguard the oral anomalies such as cleft palate, natal physical and mental health of pregnant teeth, fissured tongue, ankyloglossia, woman. tracheo-esophageal fistula etc.

143 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2012, 3(3),

3. Benefit of breast-feeding: (Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana 45/96 a. Breast feeding at the earliest just p.177 (3). after delivery by healthy baby proves c. Ghee also has lubricating property. beneficial to him and mother. So, results in lubrication of the G.I. Benefits of breast-feeding include its tract mucosa. nutritional (as right amount of Fatty d. Ghee contains fat soluble vitamins acid, lactose, water and amino acids such as A, D and E. It contains for human digestion, brain saturated fatty acids but of short development and growth (5), chain fatty acids. immunological superiority, anti- 6. Benefit of use of svarna (Gold): infective properties, and benefit to a. Use of gold (suvara-prashan) mother as helps uterine involution, increases intellect, digestive and reduces postpartum haemorrhage metabolic power, strength, aayusha incidence and protection against (provide longevity), increase pregnancy (6) etc. complexion (varnaya), graham- b. Delayed initiation of breastfeeding apahum ( Samhita (hour to day 7) increases more risk of Lehaadhyaya p.4-5 (12). neonatal mortality (Karen M. b. Shudha svarna also said Edmond et al. (7). vatashamaka, , dipan, 4. Honey used during this ceremony netrya, medhya etc. provide following benefit as:- (Bhaisajyaratnavali 2/99-100 p.26 a. Madhu has sheet, , madhur and (13). kashaya (in rasa), raktapitta and c. Gold compounds have kapha-nasaka as well as chhedan Immunomodulatory effects (C.K (Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana Hashimoto et.al. 1992) (14). 27/245 p.554 (1), hridya, tridoshhar 7. Jatkarma ceremony is an appropriate etc (Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana opportunity for physicians to encourage 45/132 p.18o (3). maternal confidence through proper b. Honey also acts as source of guidance and education for better breast because it contains feeding practices during infantile period. mainly fructose (about 38.5%) and glucose (about 31.0%) as well as 5. Namakarana Samskara (Naming vitamins and multiminerals (8, 9). Ceremony): c. Honey has antimicrobial properties A sacrament for imposing of (antibacterial activity against divinity in newly-born human child. Based coagulase-negative staphylococci on the arrangement of the constellations at (V.M.French et al.) (10). birth, the child is named on a day fixed by d. Honey also used in wound dressing caste tradition. The Namkaran Samskara (P.C.Molan et.al.) (11). (Naming Ceremony) of the child is 5. Ghee have following effect on body: normally performed on the tenth or twelfth a. According to Charaka, ghee is useful day after birth. to rasa, shukra dhatus and oja In Ayurvedic texts, according to (immunity), pittaanilahara, svra- Charaka (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana -prashadanum (Charaka 8/50 p.953 (1) on the tenth day, the mother Samhita Sutrasthana 13/14 p.258 (1). alongwith the baby having taken bath with b. By Sushruta, ghee increases samriti, water containing or medicated with medha (intellect), kaanti, voice, oja, sarvagandha (aromatic) drugs, gaursarspa strength, vishahar, rakshoghan (white mustard) and lodhra, having wear light, uncontaminated and clear cloth,

144 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 Singh Karam et.al, An approach to Samskara in Ayurveda wearing favourable, pleasing, light and Importance of Namakarana samskara: fine ornaments. After that she should touch a. A person name is foremost and auspicious objects, worship the appropriate defining aspect of his identity. god, fire and who possessing b. It is an important tool for shikha, wear white cloth, without any socialisation. deformity. After swastikavachana by c. The child should be named in a , the child should be kept over a manner that is meaningful and bed of new (nutan), unsoiled cloths, she reflects a dignified quality. (mother) should sit keeping head of the d. During this ceremony, education is child towards the east or north. Then the given to parents and other family father should say that the child is offering members that the child should be prayer to the god and , and then given the atmosphere where his/her give two names- one Naksatrika and the inherent qualities can be awakened. other Abhiprayika (name for day to day e. Name of a baby promotes the healthy use). It should begin with ghosa-alphabets psychology, good physical and and middle with antasth (semi-vowel) and mental development. end with usma-alphabets. Beside there f. Acharya Charaka has described Ayu- should not be a letter with vrddha pariksha after naming ceremony, category, in this type of name and be which is deciding the healthy and identical with the names of three diseased condition of the baby generation (father, grandfather and great (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthana 8/51). grandfather). The name also should be g. Starting of late neonatal period. famous one. The Naksatrika type of name h. Disappearance of physiological should have similarity to the planet of jaundice (15). Persistence of jaundice birth. It should be composed of either two after tenth day in neonate should be or four letters. considered serious. According to Sushruta (Sushruta i. Baby regains the birth weight. Samhita Sharirsthana 10/27p.78 (3) on the j. Umbilical cord falls normally after 5 tenth day parents after performing to 10 days but may take longer (15). mangala (auspicious celebrations) and kautuka worships should fix the name of (C) INFANTILE SAMSKARA the child according to their wish (abhista) 6. Niskramana Samskara (outing or nakshatra. ceremony or First outing): Vagabhata (Astanga Hridta This Samskara is performed when Uttaratantra 1/22-23 p.879 (4) stated near the child is taken out of the home for the about descriptionon as acharya Charaka. first time. According to Kashyapa The father of child should perform the (Kashyapa Samhita Khilasthana 12/4-5 naming ceremony after tenth day p.316 (12), in fourth month, baby who according to tradition of one’s family.The having been given bath, adorned, wearing woman who has delivered (and also the new clean clothes, possessing mustard, child) should be given the ritual bath honey and Ghrita or Gorochana, he following the traditional customs of the alongwith Dhatri (wet nurse) should be family. The child should be adorned with taken out of the house and ready to enter auspicious marks on the body (forehead) it the temple. Thereafter worshiping the made form Manohwa, ala, rochana, agru (burning fire) with Ghrita and Akshata and and chandana. Then the father should then after venerating the Brahmana, God perform the naming of the child. The name , Skanda, and other family should be respected, benedictory and gods with gandh (fragrances), pushpa consists the letters similar to Charaka. (flowers), (fumigations), mala

145 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2012, 3(3),

() etc. gifts and eatable substances 7. Karnavedhan Samskara (Piercing the and so many other methods; thereafter earlobes): reciting the Brahmanas and taking their There are different views about performing blessings and saluting the Guru, should re- this ceremony in Ayurvedic texts: enter own house; having entered, the a. According to Sushruta in 6th or 7th physician should recite the mantra month (Sushruta Samhita (hymen) for offering prayer. Sutrasthana 16/3 p.64-65 (3). b. According to Vagbhata in 6th, 7th, 8th Importance of Nishkramana: month (Astanga Hyridya Uttaratantra 1. During bath of baby, it is also good 1/28-32 p.882-883 (4). time for check any deformity by c. There is a chapter named vaidya as well as clearing any stress “Chudakarniye” in Kashyapa samhita or anxiety of parents related to baby. (Kashyapa Samhita Sutrasthana 21 2. At forth month age (during this p.15 (12), but there is no reference ceremony), following devlopement available about performing this changes appear in infant: At forth ceremony because chapter is month, infant able to reaching out for incomplete from beginning. Procedure:- objects with both hand (Bidextrous According to Sushruta (Sushruta reach), able to rolls over the bed, Samhita Sutrasthana 16/3 p.64 (3), In the recognizes the mother and responds sixth or seventh month, in fortnight and to her voice, anticipate the feeds, auspicious (date), Karana, muhurta laugh loudly when talked by and naksatra, after reciting auspicious someone, responds to sound well, hymns, the child should be placed in the starts cooing, curious and shows lap of wet-nurse or male attendant interest in surrounding environment, engaging and consoling him with toys; Able to fix eyes on external objects then the physician pulling the ear with his and adaptation to external left hand should pierce the ear lobe at the environment begins (6). naturally designed hole enlightened with 3. Disappearance of grasping reflex (3- the sun’s rays (devkrrite chhidra) with his 4 months), placing reflex (3-4 right hand slowly and evenly by needle or month), stepping reflex (3-4 awl in case of thin and thick lobes months), rooting reflex (3-4 months), respectively; In male child firstly right ear tonic neck (2-6 month), Moro’s should be pierced but in female child, first reflex (3-4month) (16). But left ear should be pierced and then the pichhuvarti be inserted. Similar procedure persistence of these reflexes mentioned by Vagbhata (Astanga Hyridya indicative of cerebral palsy. Uttaratantra 1/28-32 p.882-83 (4). Details 4. At 4 month of age, infants are in respective references are discussed. described as “hatching” socially, Contraindication of Samskara becoming interested in a wider world is ajirna (Indigestion), urge of defecation, (17). excessive hot climate. 5. According to Acharya Kashypa Importance of Karnavedhan Samskara: (Kashyapa Samhita Sutrasthana 20 a. By Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita p.13 (12), the teeth inseminated in Sutrasthana 16/3 p.64 (3), the child’s fourth month are weak, decay early ears are pierced for the purpose of and are afflicted with many diseases. raksha-nimit (protection from It should be diseased and weak. diseases) and bhushan-nimit (ornamentation). According to

146 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 Singh Karam et.al, An approach to Samskara in Ayurveda

Kashyapa (Kashyapa Samhita gradually simultaneously with Sutrasthana 21 p.15 (12), the discontinuing breast-milk. experienced and expert physician 3. Acharya Kashyapa (Kashyapa Samhita (vaidya) should pierce the ear of Khilasthana 12/15 p.318 (12) has child, for achievement of religion described annaprashana samskara in detail. (dharma), desires () and wealth Here, they advised feeding of various (). It seems that this procedure fruits in the sixth month. After eruption of may stimulate the strengthening of teeth or in tenth month, the feeding of immune system in response to injury cereals (annaprashan) should be done to the ear lobules which initiate during auspicious day in prajapatya antigen-antibody reaction in early constellation, after worshipping the gods life period. and brahamanes by cereals with meat and b. By Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita donations. Later Kashyapa (Kashyapa Sutrasthana 16/5 p.65 (3) and Samhita Khilasthana 12/19-23 p.319 (12) Kashyapa (Kashyapa Samhita give some for nourishment of Sutrasthana 21 p.15 (12), this growing child as:- procedure must be performed by a. Prepare a avleha by combination of expert (kushal) surgeon (bhishag), old, husk free and well washed not by unexpert (agyani) vaidya or sashti rice, mixed with oleaginous which leads to various complications substances and salt.The powders of like fever, manyastambha, wheat and barley also should be hanutambha, karnasula etc. given, according to congeniality. c. Proper asptic measures and b. Ushna leha (electuary) cooked with instruments used during procedure vidanga, lavan, oleaginous e.g. sterile needle, medicated substances is beneficial, to the one solutions, medicines etc. having diarrhoea, kodo should be d. While piercing the ears, prayers and mixed. mantras are offered to God to grant c. To the one having predominance of good health and strength to the baby. Pitta, mrdvika with honey and ghrita e. Appropriate time to examine should be given, and in respective month (6, 7, 8 months) predominance of Vata, diet with devlopement milestones. juice of matulunga and salt. d. The one knowing desh (place of 8. Annaprashana Samskara (First living), agni (digestive power), feeding of solid food or Feeding of strength and period, when ever cereals): observes the child as hungry, should In 6th month- Phalaprashan is advised by give him the food according to Kashyapa whereas Annaprashan is congeniality with the gap of one or suggested by Sushruta and Vagbhata. In two periods. the 10th month, Annaprashan Samskar is indicated by Kashyapa. Importance of Annaprashana:- 1. According to Sushruta (Sushruta 1. Fruit juices should be given to the child Samhita Sharirsthana 10/54 p.81 (3), the from sixth month which are source of child at the age of six months, should be vitamins especially vitamin C. given food light and hitkar (appropriate 2. First meal offer to infant would be wholesome food). easily digested, light and soft as advised 2. Acharya Vagbhata (Astanga Hyridya by Kashyapa. Uttaratantra 1/39 p.884 (4) advised that 3. At age of 6 month, breast milk now not solid food should be offered to the child enough to fulfil the requirement of

147 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2012, 3(3), growing child. So, it is the accurate time to of:Mashed roti, rice/bread/biscuit mixed in introduction of supplementary feeding as sweetened undiluted milk Or Mashed phalprashan. roti/rice/bread mixed in thick dal with 4. Breast milk is deficient in iron, viamin ghee/oil or khichadi with added A, D, K and calcium (6), so by offering oil/ghee.Add cooked vegetables Or phalprashan and annprashan ceremony at Dalid/halwa/kheer prepared in milk or any this time with breast milk, we can reduce cereal porridge cooked in milk Or the deficiency of related essential vitamins. Mashed boiled/ froed potatoes. Offer 5. We can examine the six month infant Banana/biscuit/papaya/cheeko/mango as which has following milestone (6): Starts snacks in between the serving. sitting with own support (Sits in tripod fashion), Unidextrous reach, recognizes (D) SAMSKARA IN PRESCHOOL strangers or develops stranger anxiety, AND SCHOOL AGE pronounce monosyllables (pa, ba, da etc.), 9. Chudakaram (or Mundan) Samskara: lift the head and chest off the surface with This samskara involves shaving the head weight bearing on hands, may roll from (of a son). There is a chapter named prone to supine, able to bear most of the “Chudakarniye” in Kashyapa Samhita weight on legs when holding the child in (Kashyapa Samhita Sutrasthana 21 p.14-16 standing position. Similarly tenth month (12), but there is no reference available corresponding milestones may also about chudakarm procedure because examine e.g. bisyllables, standing with chapter is incomplete from beginning. This support, sitting without support, waves samskara involves first shaving of the bye-bye etc. child’s hair. According to Sushruta, the 6. Primary teeth also start erupted e.g. cutting of hairs, nail gives lightness, Central incisors (5-7 month), Lateral prosperity, courage and happiness incisors (7-11 month, First molars (10-16 (Sushruta Samhita Chikitshasthana 24/73 month) (17). p.109 (3). Acharya Charaka (Charaka 7. Similiar to phal/annaprashan Samhita Sutrasthana 5/100) also gives introduction in Ayurveda, same principle similar opinion. followed in modern paediatrics as after six Importance of Chudakaram: month of age weaning (which is the 1. Acharya Charaka (Charaka Samhita process of gradually introducing a infant to Sharirsthana 8/51 p.954 (1) described adult diet and withdrawing the supply of general examination of infant in its mother's milk) starts as (17):- Offer detail. During examination of skull foods which are soft, easily digestible and or cranium, skull without defect, well avoid foods with high allergenic potential formed, slightly larger than usual, yet (cow's milk, eggs, fish, nuts, soybeans). not disproportionate to the body and For feeding, parents should advise to make resembling an open umbrella is use of a cup rather than a bottle. Fluids deemed favourable. other than breast milk, formula, and water 2. At one year age balaawastha changes should be discouraged. Give no more than to annada awastha (Kashyapa 4–6 oz/day of fruit juices. Phytate intake Samhita Khilasthana 3/73 p.246 (12) should be low to enhance mineral and according to Sushruta (Sushruta absorption. Samhita Sutrasthana 35/34 p.135 (3), 8. IMNCI recommendation for ksherrpa changes to ksheerannada at breastfeeding and complementary feeding one year, at three year age starts for 6-12 months are given as (6): annada stage. Breastfeed as often as the child wants. 3. Diagnosis of Phakka roga (1 year) Give at least one katori at a time made as by acharya Kashyapa

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(Kashyapa Samhita Chikitsasthana, raised intracranial pressure exclude Phakachikitsitum chapter p.139 (12). crying infants, hydrocephalus, 4. After shaving of head, the size and vitamin A poisoning, Urea cycle shape of the head should be enzyme defects, Vitamin D documented carefully for normal or dependent rickets etc. abnormal findings. 11. The skull may be unduly small as in 5. A tower-head, or oxycephalic skull, microcephaly or generalised suggests premature closure of sutures craniostenosis, Trisomies 13 and 21, and is associated with various forms Lissencephaly, cerebral dysgenesis of inherited craniosynostosis. etc. or large in hydrocephalous, 6. Marked venous distension may be hydrocephaly, cerebral gigantism, observed during inspection of the porencephaly, and intracranial scalp for any vein prominence tumors etc (18). because of increased ICP and 12. At one year infant following thrombosis of the superior sagittal milestones developed such as walk sinus. During scalp examination, without support, mature pincer grasp inspect any cutaneous abnormalities developed, starts turning pages of such as cutis aplasia or abnormal hair book and scribble, playing simple whorls as they may suggest an ball game, First molar eruption underlying genetic disorder (17). occurs (16-20 month) (6). 7. Various neurodevelopmental abnormalities may be revealed by 10. Upanayana (Threading Ceremony) gross evaluation of anthropomorphic Samskara: aspects of the face. A detailed procedure is to be 8. Palpation of scalp carefully may also followed by the disciple (shishya) on the reveal cranial defects or craniotabes, instructions of his teachers (guru) while a peculiar softening of the parietal starting the study of ayurveda as in bone so that gentle pressure produces Charaka (Charaka Samhita Vimanasthana a sensation similar to indenting a 8/7-13 p.737-42 (1), Sushruta (Sushruta Ping-Pong ball (17). Samhita Sutrasthana 2 p.8-10 (3) and 9. Auscultation of the skull is an Kashyapa (Kashyapa Samhita important adjunct to a neurologic Vimanasthana, Shishoopkramniya chapter examination. p.56-65 (12). This Samskara correlate with 10. The anterior fontanel (18) (AF) is the pre-school age (3-6 years). Amongst all largest fontanel and is placed at the the Samskara, the upanayana samaskara is junction of the sagital suture, coronal considered to be of foremost value. The suture and frontal suture. The child enters studentship and a life of anterior fontanelle is not completely perfect discipline which involves closed until about the middle of the brahmacharya (celibacy). second year (between 12 to 18 months of age). Examination of 11. Vedarambha (Beginning Vedic anterior fontanel is useful clinical as study) Samskara: excessively large AF and its delayed According to acharya Sushruta closure is present in following (Sushruta Samhita Sharirsthana 10/57 p.82 condition: Malnutrition, (3) as the child acquires capacity, strength Hydrocephalus, Cretinism, Down to learn and education should be started. syndrome, Trisomies 13 and 18, This Samskara correlates with school age rickets, pituitary dwarf etc. Bulging (6-12 years age). In this samskara, each anterior fontanel is sign of

149 Published online in http://ijam.co.in ISSN: 0976-5921 International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2012, 3(3), student, according to his lineage, masters Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd., his own branch of the Vedas. New Delhi, 7th edition, 2009. 7. Karen M.Edmond, Charles Zandoh, Conclusion Maria A. Quigley, Seeba Amenga- In the present paper, it can be Etego, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Betty R. concluded that the Samskara (Sacraments) Kirkwood. Delayed breastfeeding are a religious customs (rite), rituals initiation increases risk of neonatal sacrifices a religious ceremony. Samskara mortality. Pediatrics 2006;117, No.3. described in Ayurvedic texts are based on 8. Amy E. Jeffrey, Carlos M. the various stages of child growth and Echazarreta. Medical uses of honey. developments and hence provide a rational Rev Biomed 1996; 7:43-49. guideline toward his care during 9. Cantarelli, M.A. Pellerano, R.G. celebrating different ceremonies from very Marchevsky, E.J.Camina, J.M. conception to childhood. Quality of honey from Argentina: study of chemical composition and References trace elements. J. Argent. Chem. Soc. 1. Pandit Kashinatha Shastri, Dr. 2008;96(1-2): 33-41. Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi. Charaka 10. V.M. French, R.A.Cooper and Samhita of Agnivesa elaborated P.C.Molan. The antibacterial activity ‘Vidyotini’ Hindi commentary, Part-I of honey against coagulase-negative (reprint year: 2005) and Part-II staphylococci. Journal of (reprint year: 2006), : Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2005;56 (1): 228-231. 221001 (India). 11. P.C.Molan. The evidence supporting 2. Devendernath Mishra, the use of honey as a wound dressing. Kaumarbhritya, Chaukhamba International Journal of Lower Prathisthana, Delhi, second edition Extremity Wounds 2006;5(1):40-54. 2008. 12. Pandit Hemraj Sharma, Sri Satyapala 3. Kaviraj Ambikadutta Shastri. Susruta Bhisagacharya. Kasyapa Samhita or Samhita edited with ‘Ayurveda Vrddhajivakaya with The Sandipika’ Hindi commentary, Part-I Vidyotini Hindi commentary and (reprint year: 2005) and Part-II Hindi translation of Sanskrit (reprint year: 2004), II, Varanasi: introduction, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Sanskrit Sansthan, edition reprint- Varanasi (India). 2006. 4. Brahmanand Tripathi. Astanga 13. Kaviraj Ambika Dutt Shastri, Hrdayam of Srimadvagbhata, Edited Rajeshwar Dutt Shastri, editors, with ‘Nirmala’ Hindi Commentary, Bhaisjyaratnavali, Hindi commentary, Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi Pratishthan, Reprint edition 2009. (India), edition: reprint, 2012. 5. Bhavana Singh. Knowledge, Attitude 14. CK Hashimoto, CE Whitehurst, T and Practice of Breast Feeding - A Matsubara, K Hirohata, and PE Case Study. University Hospital, Lipsky. Immunomodulatory effects Kwame Nkrumah. European Journal of therapeutic gold compounds. Gold of Scientific Research sodium thiomalate inhibits the activity 2010;40(3):404-422. of T cell protein kinase. J Clin Invest. 6. O.P. Ghai, V.K Paul., Arvind Bagga. 1992; 89(6):1839-1848. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. CBS

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15. Prof.Meharban Singh. Care of the F.Stanton. Nelson Textbook of Newborn. Sagar publications, New Pediatrics,. Thomson Press (India) Delhi, sixth edition, 2004. Ltd., 18th Edition, 2008. 16. Piyush Gupta. Clinical Methods in 18. Meharban Singh. Pediatric clinical Pediatrics. CBS publishers, 2009. methods. Sagar Publications, New 17. Robert M.Kliegman, Richard Delhi, Repriented 2006. E.Behrman, Hal B Jenson, Bonita

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