In the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] we find suktas, mantras, yajnas asking for blessings from devatas to bestow a son — a powerful and virtuous son — on the man who prays.<ref name=":4">Deshpande, Kamalabai (1936) ''The Child in Ancient India.'' Poona: Aryasamskrti Press (Pages 28-43)</ref> The [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]] describes mantras, medicinal herbs and social obligations for the man to cohabit with his wife and raise healthy progeny. Traditionally, male progeny have been preferred, as the continuity of the family is maintained through male lineage, and sons are required to perform the necessary rituals that guarantee a safe sojourn for the father and mother after they leave this world. | In the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] we find suktas, mantras, yajnas asking for blessings from devatas to bestow a son — a powerful and virtuous son — on the man who prays.<ref name=":4">Deshpande, Kamalabai (1936) ''The Child in Ancient India.'' Poona: Aryasamskrti Press (Pages 28-43)</ref> The [[Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः)|Atharvaveda]] describes mantras, medicinal herbs and social obligations for the man to cohabit with his wife and raise healthy progeny. Traditionally, male progeny have been preferred, as the continuity of the family is maintained through male lineage, and sons are required to perform the necessary rituals that guarantee a safe sojourn for the father and mother after they leave this world. |