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Line 28: − Ayurved ascholars have set up the minimum age for conception for woman at 16 the yrs of age and 25yrs of age for a man. It is believed that, generally at this age, a man and a woman have developed fully and can give birth a new life without much complications.<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>पञ्चविंशे ततो वर्षे पुमान् नारी तु षोडशे | समत्वागतवीर्यौ तौ जानीयात् कुशलो भिषक् ||१३|| (Sush. Samh. 35.13)<ref name=":2">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 13)</ref> </blockquote>+ − + − + − * Man and a woman should be physically and psychologically stable and fit (सर्वदोषवर्जितौ स्त्रीपुरुषौ संसृज्येयाताम्): With this it is suggested that man or a woman who have overeaten or hungry, thirsty, scared, stressed, anxious, angry or do not have liking for each other etc either can not conceive or give birth to a child which might have some abnormalities. Also the woman who does not fit into the age criteria set above, who his suffering from some chronic disease or not in good health due to some ailment should also keep from indulging into this act for giving a child birth for her as well as the progeny's better health. ' + − + − + − + − + − + + + Line 55:
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→Garbhadhana pre-requisites
=== Age appropriate for garbhadhanam ===
=== Age appropriate for garbhadhanam ===
Ayurveda scholars have set up the minimum age for conception for woman at 16 the yrs of age and 25yrs of age for a man. It is believed that, generally at this age, a man and a woman have developed fully and can give birth a new life smoothly without much complications.<ref name=":2" /> <blockquote>पञ्चविंशे ततो वर्षे पुमान् नारी तु षोडशे | समत्वागतवीर्यौ तौ जानीयात् कुशलो भिषक् ||१३|| (Sush. Samh. 35.13)<ref name=":2">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 35 Sutra 13)</ref> </blockquote>
=== Garbhadhana pre-requisites ===
=== Garbhadhana pre-requisites ===
Along with the age there are few criteria set by the scholars which are believed to be helpful in developing a healthy new life. Those are as follows,<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 6-9)</ref>
Along with the age, there are few criteria set by the scholars which are believed to be helpful in developing a healthy new life. Those are as follows,<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 6-9)</ref>
* Atulya-gotra (अतुल्यगोत्र): The man and woman should not be from the same [[Gotra and Pravara (गोत्रप्रवरश्च)|Gotra]] (clan).
* Atulya-gotra (अतुल्यगोत्र): The man and woman should not be from the same [[Gotra and Pravara (गोत्रप्रवरश्च)|Gotra (गोत्र clan).]]
* In the fertile period of cycle (रजःक्षयान्ते) : Menstruation of the woman should have stopped i.e. after 3 to 4 days of her menstruation only, they should unite not during menstruation.
* In the fertile period of cycle (रजःक्षयान्ते) : Menstruation of the woman should have stopped i.e. after 3 to 4 days of her menstruation only, they should unite not during menstruation.
* Man and a woman should be physically and psychologically stable and fit (सर्वदोषवर्जितौ- devoid of any defect /disorder स्त्रीपुरुषौ-woman and a man संसृज्येयाताम्-unite): With the term devoid of any defect/disorder, it is suggested that physical as well as mental health of the couple is of utmost importance for successful conception. A man or a woman who have overeaten or hungry, thirsty, scared, stressed, anxious, angry or do not have liking for each other etc either can not conceive or give birth to a child which might have some abnormalities. Also the woman who does not fit into the age criteria set above, who his suffering from some chronic disease or not in good health due to some ailment should refrain from indulging into this act for giving a child birth for her as well as the progeny's better health. If any such issue is evident, it is mandatory to get it cured first and only then attempt for garbhadhana for mother and baby's wellbeing.
=== Garbhadhana vidhi ===
=== गर्भाधान विधिः॥ Garbhadhana vidhi ===
Garbhadhana actually means conception and thus the details related to the act of union for increasing the chances of conception and saw the seeds of healthy progeny are included under this.
Garbhadhana literally means conception and thus the details related to the act of union for increasing the chances of conception and saw the seeds of healthy progeny into mother's womb are included under this vidhi (procedure).
* Place: A couple should unite in a private place
* Place: A couple should unite in a private place
* The ideal position for coitus has also been suggested. The female is advised to receive the sperm lying on her back. When the union/conception occurs in this position all the doshas are at their own place and in the state of normalcy meaning they wont infiltrate the product of conception and harm or hamper its quality.
* The ideal position for coitus has also been suggested. The female is advised to receive the sperm lying on her back. When the union/conception occurs in this position all the [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] are at their own place and in the state of normalcy meaning they wont infiltrate the product of conception and harm or hamper its quality.
* Cleaning with cold water (पर्याप्ते चैनां शीतोदकेन परिषिञ्चेत् ) is recommended.
* Cleaning with cold water (पर्याप्ते चैनां शीतोदकेन परिषिञ्चेत् ) is recommended.
* Other important factors affecting conception: High emphasis has been laid upon the mental state of the partners in this entire process of conception. The couple is advised to unite only after the sufficient arousal. They should have had wholesome diet which they relish but at the same time the food should be not be overeaten. Ambiance of the place is also taken into consideration and it is advised that one can make use of various fragrances of choice and comfortable bed to make things go well.
* Other important factors affecting conception: High emphasis has been laid upon the mental state of the partners in this entire process of conception. The couple is advised to unite only after the sufficient arousal. They should have had wholesome diet which they relish but at the same time the food should be not be overeaten. Ambiance of the place is also taken into consideration and it is advised that one can make use of various fragrances of choice and comfortable bed to make things go well.
*
*
* When all the above mentioned conditions are considered and followed, a couple is advised to copulate for producing a new life. Acharya Vagbhata also gives a vedic verse that generates an environment and a call to the new life energy (atman) that is going to enter the product of conception to bring it to life. The sutra is as follows,
* When all the above mentioned conditions are considered and followed, a couple is advised to copulate for producing a new life. Acharya Vagbhata also gives a vedic verse that generates an environment and a call to the new life energy (atman) that is going to enter the product of conception to bring it to life. This sutra is to be uttered before the act. The sutra is as follows,
<blockquote>तत्र मन्त्रं प्रयुञ्जीत- “अहिरसि आयुरसि सर्वतः प्रतिष्ठाऽसि धाता त्वा ददतु विधाता त्वा दधातु ब्रह्मवर्चसा भव” इति|
<blockquote>तत्र मन्त्रं प्रयुञ्जीत-
“अहिरसि आयुरसि सर्वतः प्रतिष्ठाऽसि धाता त्वा ददतु विधाता त्वा दधातु ब्रह्मवर्चसा भव” इति|
“ब्रह्मा बृहस्पतिर्विष्णुःसोमःसूर्यस्तथाऽश्विनौ|
“ब्रह्मा बृहस्पतिर्विष्णुःसोमःसूर्यस्तथाऽश्विनौ|
इत्युक्त्वा संवसेयाताम्||८|| (Char. Samh. 8.8)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Meaning: Then, they should recite the ''mantra'' meaning: ‘Thou art the day; Thou art the life; Thou art well established from all sides. May the supporter endow Thee; may the dispenser dispense to Thee: be Thou born with ''Brahmic'' splendor’. May Brahma, Brhaspati, Visnu, Soma, Surya and the two Ashwins, as also Bhaga, Mitra and Varuna, bless me with a heroic son.’ Having uttered this, the couple should commence the sexual act.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Jatisutriya_Sharira#Postures_and_circumstances_to_be_avoided_for_coitus charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>
इत्युक्त्वा संवसेयाताम्||८|| (Char. Samh. 8.8)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Meaning: Then, they should recite the ''mantra'' meaning: ‘Thou art the day; Thou art the life; Thou art well established from all sides. May the supporter endow Thee; may the dispenser dispense to Thee: be Thou born with ''Brahmic'' splendor’. May Brahma, Brhaspati, Visnu, Soma, Surya and the two Ashwins, as also Bhaga, Mitra and Varuna, bless me with a heroic son.’ Having uttered this, the couple should commence the sexual act.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Jatisutriya_Sharira#Postures_and_circumstances_to_be_avoided_for_coitus charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>
A detailed regime to be followed a week before conception and even after that has also been suggested in Ayurveda literature. All these external environmental factors play important role in increasing the chances of conception, sustenance of a pregnancy and well-being of a mother and baby. A trained [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] can guide the interested couples in this regard.
A detailed regime (related to diet, lifestyle and activities) to be followed a week before conception and even after that for some period of time has also been suggested in Ayurveda literature. All these external environmental factors play important role in increasing the chances of conception, sustenance of a pregnancy and well-being of a mother and baby. A trained [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya]] can guide the interested couples in this regard.
=== Putreeya vidhi ===
=== पुत्रीय विधिः ॥ Putreeya vidhi ===
Ayurveda Acharyas have also expounded a sacrament or a [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|Yajna]] wherein man and woman (couple) together they should perform the holy oblation to fire expressing their longing for a progeny. This is called as Putreeya vidhi. <ref name=":3">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 10-17)</ref> After explaining all the details regarding arrangement and preparation of yajna procedure acharyas describe the actual procedure. It is suggested that, the woman, desirous of progeny, should sit with her husband on the west side of the altar, while the priest should sit to the south, and together they should perform the holy oblation to fire expressing their longing for a progeny. Then, the priest, addressing the God of procreation (Prajapati) for the fulfilment of her desire in her womb, should perform the ‘boon bestowing rite’, by chanting the said hymn ‘May devata Visnu bless the womb and make it fertile’. Then, the priest should prepare a bolus of cooked rice in an earthen pot by mixing the oblation with ghee, offering it to the holy fire thrice according to the prescribed methods. He should then give the sanctified pot of water to the woman to be used for all her purposes.
Ayurveda Acharyas have also expounded a [[Yajna (यज्ञः)]] or a sacrament wherein man and woman (couple) together they should perform the holy oblation to fire expressing their longing for a progeny. This is called as Putreeya vidhi. <ref name=":3">Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 10-17)</ref> After explaining all the details regarding arrangement and preparation of yajna procedure, acharyas describe the actual procedure. It is suggested that, the woman, desirous of progeny, should sit with her husband on the west side of the altar, while the priest should sit to the south, and together they should perform the holy oblation to fire expressing their longing for a progeny. Then, the priest, addressing the God of procreation (Prajapati) for the fulfilment of her desire in her womb, should perform the ‘boon bestowing rite’, by chanting the said hymn ‘May devata Visnu bless the womb and make it fertile’. Then, the priest should prepare a bolus of cooked rice in an earthen pot by mixing the oblation with ghee, offering it to the holy fire thrice according to the prescribed methods. He should then give the sanctified pot of water to the woman to be used for all her purposes.
On the completion of the rite, she should, placing her right foot first, walk around the fire keeping to her right and accompanied by her husband. Then, after taking the the blessing of the ''brahmanas'', the couple should consume the remains of the sacrificial ghee - first the husband and then the wife - taking care not to leave any leftovers. On completion of this ritual, they shall cohabit for a period of eight nights, wearing the dress etc., as prescribed earlier. In this manner they will be able to beget a progeny, as desired.
On the completion of the rite, she should, placing her right foot first, walk around the fire keeping to her right and accompanied by her husband. Then, after taking the the blessing of the ''brahmanas'', the couple should consume the remains of the sacrificial ghee - first the husband and then the wife - taking care not to leave any leftovers. On completion of this ritual, they shall cohabit for a period of eight nights, wearing the dress etc., as prescribed earlier. In this manner they will be able to beget a progeny, as desired.
With this vidhi, they believe that one can get a child with desired qualities e.g colour of eyes, complexion, physical features etc. (Now -a-days this is called as genetically modified or designer babies). Also, along with this, the woman is advised to a proper code of conduct suitable to get a child with desired psychological traits. (This is can be taught to the woman or a pregnant lady under [[Suprajanana Samskara (सुप्रजनन संस्कारः)|Suprajanana Samskara]]).
With this vidhi, they believe that one can get a child with desired qualities e.g color of eyes, complexion, physical features etc provided all the directions are strictly followed. Also, along with this, the woman who is going to bear a child in womb, is advised a proper code of conduct to get a child with desired psychological traits. (This is can be taught to the woman or a pregnant lady under [[Suprajanana Samskara (सुप्रजनन संस्कारः)|Suprajanana Samskara सुप्रजनन संस्कारः]] by a trained [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidya वैद्यः]]).
In this way, Putreeya vidhi has been described which includes rituals that couples desirous of a healthy progeny – of the attributes of their liking should follow.
In this way, Putreeya vidhi has been described which includes rituals that couples desirous of a healthy progeny (of the attributes of their liking) should follow.
==== Phalam ====
==== फलम् ॥ Phalam ====
<blockquote>यथोक्तेन विधिनोपसंस्कृतशरीरयोः स्त्रीपुरुषयोर्मिश्रीभावमापन्नयोः शुक्रं शोणितेन सह संयोगं समेत्याव्यापन्नमव्यापन्नेन योनावनुपहतायामप्रदुष्टे गर्भाशये गर्भमभिनिर्वर्तयत्येकान्तेन|
<blockquote>यथोक्तेन विधिनोपसंस्कृतशरीरयोः स्त्रीपुरुषयोर्मिश्रीभावमापन्नयोः शुक्रं शोणितेन सह संयोगं समेत्याव्यापन्नमव्यापन्नेन योनावनुपहतायामप्रदुष्टे गर्भाशये गर्भमभिनिर्वर्तयत्येकान्तेन|
== Why Garbhadhana/ Putreeya vidhi and modern day perspective ==
== Why Garbhadhana/ Putreeya vidhi and modern day perspective ==
* '''Low fertility rate:''' Global fertility rates have decreased considerably since the 1970s.<ref>Pezzulo C. et al. Geographical distribution of fertility rates in 70 low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries, 2010–16: a subnational analysis of cross-sectional surveys, [https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00082-6 The Lancet Global Health,2021; 9 (6): e802-e812,ISSN 2214-109X]</ref> According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility. A study says that, total fertility rate varied from below replacement (2·1 children per women) in 36 of the 932 subnational regions (mainly located in India, Myanmar, Colombia, and Armenia). Therefore infertility has become a serious health issue worldwide. Of 60–80 million couples suffering from infertility every year worldwide, probably between 15 and 20 million (25%) are in India alone. The magnitude of the problem calls for urgent action.<ref>Katole A, Saoji AV. Prevalence of Primary Infertility and its Associated Risk Factors in Urban Population of Central India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. ''Indian J Community Med''. 2019;44(4):337-341. doi:10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_7_19</ref> Therefore samskaras like garbhadhanam, procedures described that along with some important guidelines might serve to address this issue to at least some extent. This could be a cost effective, easily accessible and safe modality which could be practiced to increase the chances of conception in couples trying to conceive.
* '''Low fertility rate:''' Global fertility rates have reduced considerably since the 1970s.<ref>Pezzulo C. et al. Geographical distribution of fertility rates in 70 low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries, 2010–16: a subnational analysis of cross-sectional surveys, [https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00082-6 The Lancet Global Health,2021; 9 (6): e802-e812,ISSN 2214-109X]</ref> According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility. A study says that, total fertility rate varied from below replacement (2·1 children per women) in 36 of the 932 subnational regions (mainly located in India, Myanmar, Colombia, and Armenia). Therefore infertility has become a serious health issue worldwide. Of 60–80 million couples suffering from infertility every year worldwide, probably between 15 and 20 million (25%) are in India alone. The magnitude of the problem calls for urgent action.<ref>Katole A, Saoji AV. Prevalence of Primary Infertility and its Associated Risk Factors in Urban Population of Central India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. ''Indian J Community Med''. 2019;44(4):337-341. doi:10.4103/ijcm.IJCM_7_19</ref> Therefore samskaras like garbhadhanam and the procedures and instructions described under it might serve to address this issue to some extent. This could be a cost effective, easily accessible and safe modality which can be practiced by couples trying to conceive to increase the chances of conception.
* '''Designer babies :''' A “designer baby” is a baby whose genetic make-up has been selected or engineered to ensure certain traits are present and/or to eliminate particular effects/defects. The demand for designer babies is high in today's world and it is expected that this prenatal demand for designer babies will grow dramatically over next decade. <ref>Demand for 'designer babies' to grow dramatically. [https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article/demand-designer-babies-grow-dramatically The Times.] </ref><ref>Designing a Baby: the Market and the Concerns. Available from https://web.colby.edu/st112wa2018/2018/04/28/designing-a-baby-the-market-and-the-concerns/</ref> Designer baby is a child who is developed from an embryo that had been genetically altered. The changes would affect every cell in that child's body, and be passed to all their children and their children's children. This process has become known as heritable genome editing. Although genetic modification of babies to make child with desirable qualities looks modern it is appears to be false. The desire to have a baby who would be superior to the parents and will be having all the desirous qualities was prevalent in ancient times as well. Therefore samskaras might have been used as tools to develop babies with superior qualities in past times. Samskaras like Garbhadhana provide a guideline for increasing the chances of conception, enhancing the quality of the embryo and ensure its prenatal wellbeing. Various instructions given by Ayurveda scholars under all prenatal samaskaras like garbhadhanam and procedures like Putreeya vidhi (described earlier on this page) might have a strong impact on overall quality of a baby in mother's womb which should be further evaluated and validated. Moreover the tools and the methods used to bring about the desired modifications are completely ethical and sustainable.
* '''Designer babies :''' A “designer baby” is a baby whose genetic make-up has been selected or engineered to ensure certain traits are present and/or to eliminate particular effects/defects. The demand for designer babies is high in today's world and it is expected that this prenatal demand for designer babies will grow dramatically over next decade. <ref>Demand for 'designer babies' to grow dramatically. [https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article/demand-designer-babies-grow-dramatically The Times.] </ref><ref>Designing a Baby: the Market and the Concerns. Available from https://web.colby.edu/st112wa2018/2018/04/28/designing-a-baby-the-market-and-the-concerns/</ref> Designer baby is a child who is developed from an embryo that had been genetically altered. The changes would affect every cell in that child's body, and be passed to all their children and their children's children. This process has become known as heritable genome editing. Although genetic modification of babies to make child with desirable qualities looks modern, it appears to be false. The desire to have a baby who would be superior to the parents and will be having all the desirous qualities was prevalent in ancient times as well. Therefore samskaras might have been used as tools to develop babies with superior qualities in past times. Samskaras like Garbhadhana provide a guideline for increasing the chances of conception, enhancing the quality of the embryo and ensure its prenatal wellbeing. Various instructions given by Ayurveda scholars under all prenatal samaskaras like garbhadhanam and procedures like Putreeya vidhi (described earlier on this page) might have a strong impact on overall quality of a baby in mother's womb. Moreover the tools and the methods used to bring about the desired modifications are completely ethical and sustainable. Thus Garbhadhana is one of the first important steps to produce children of desired qualities. This could be the ancient way for indirect genetic modifications in babies to produce a superior future generation.
== References ==
== References ==
[[Category:Samskaras]]
[[Category:Samskaras]]