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Garbadhana (Samskrit: गर्भाधानम्) is classified as the first of the sixteen Samkaras. The rite through which a man placed his seed in a woman was called Garbhadhana. Saunaka gives the similar definition though in slightly different words: the rite by the performance of which a woman receives semen scattered (by her husband) is called Garbhalambhanam or Garbhadhana.<ref name=":1">Pandey, Raj Bali. (1949) ''Hindu Samskaras, A Socio-religious study of the Hindu Sacraments.'' Banaras: Vikrama Publications. (Pages 79-)</ref>
One of the prenatal sacraments, this Samskara was performed at the time when the couple are mentally and physically fit to continue procreation.<ref name=":1" />
== Introduction ==
Procreation is a natural act. A human pair copulated, whenever there was a physical demand for it, without any anticipation of progeny, though it was a usual consequence. The Garbhadhana Samskara, however, presupposed a well established home, a regular marriage, a desire of possessing children and a religious idea that a benevolent divine cause helped men in begetting children. So the origin of this Samskara belongs to a time when the civilization was far advanced from their primitive conditions.
Literally it means "implanting an embryo (into wife)". The name suggests the first sexual intercourse of husband and wife. It can be traced to Atharvaveda (5.25) and Bṛhadāraṇyakopaniṣat (6.4.21). This is to be performed on the fourth day after Menses.
Literally it means "implanting an embryo (into wife)". The name suggests the first sexual intercourse of husband and wife. It can be traced to Atharvaveda (5.25) and Bṛhadāraṇyakopaniṣat (6.4.21). This is to be performed on the fourth day after Menses.
Carakasaṃhitā (Śārīrasthānam, 2.25) says that the lady would give birth to a child similar to the one whom she had had in mind during conception:<blockquote>गर्भोत्पत्तौ तु मनः स्त्रियाः यं जन्तुं व्रजेत् तत्सदृशं प्रसूते।</blockquote><blockquote>garbhotpattau tu manaḥ striyāḥ yaṃ jantuṃ vrajet tatsadṛśaṃ prasūte।</blockquote>
Carakasaṃhitā (Śārīrasthānam, 2.25) says that the lady would give birth to a child similar to the one whom she had had in mind during conception:<blockquote>गर्भोत्पत्तौ तु मनः स्त्रियाः यं जन्तुं व्रजेत् तत्सदृशं प्रसूते। garbhotpattau tu manaḥ striyāḥ yaṃ jantuṃ vrajet tatsadṛśaṃ prasūte।</blockquote>
[[Category:Samskaras]]
[[Category:Samskaras]]