Suprajanana Samskara (सुप्रजनन संस्कारः)
Garbha sanskara/ Suprajanana/ Monthly regimen for healthy pregnancy *Vd. Sneha H. Kulkarni Ayurved, the science of life, describes the process of beginning of a new life in great depth. The new entity ‘jeev’ inherits the attributes from mother, father, from the past life karma and from the diet and the daily regimen that the mother follows during the pregnancy . The science speaks of’ Suprajanana’ which means thoughtful efforts taken to inculcate useful positive attributes in the garbha. This involves a complete regimen that leads to a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Garbha is defined as the union of Shukra (Purusha beej), Artava (Stree beej) and Atma inside the uterus . Beej is defined as the entity which gives origin to a new life similar to itself . The beeja therefore, is responsible for inheritance of maternal & paternal properties. Sanskara refers to the process of modulation or modification of the attributes, in order to reduce the harmful attributes and enhance the useful attributes . The journey of sanskara starts from the pre-conception phase. This process ensures 1) Pure, good quality Shukra and artava 2) The overall health of the male & female partners including the mental health; especially the female body, the uterus and related organs. (Referred to as Kshetra ). This is achieved through the following steps in both the partners - 1) Body detoxification measures (Vamana, Virechan,Basti, Uttarbasti) 2) Following stipulated diet and daily regimen 3) Counseling, self motivation and meditation for developing a balanced and satva predominant mind. The purpose of garbhasanskara, commonly described as “Garbhini paricharya” is as follows:
‘’ tasyam anupaghatay paripurnatvay sukhaprasavay ch” (A. sangraha Sharir teeka)
1) Anupaghata – A regimen that prevents miscarriages and ensures a full term pregnancy 2) Paripoornatvay- A regimen that ensures complete optimum physical growth & mental development of the foetus 3) Sukhaprasavay- A regimen that facilitates the labour
The principle of Garbhasanskara is “ Garbhasaman yogakshema hi…. (A.Sangraha sha 2/58 )
The welfare of the foetus is so well connected with that of the pregnant lady that she always should follow desired congenial (Satmya) diet, proper behavior and avoid the factors which can harm the foetus. The regimen is designed as per the month wise growth and development of the foetus; to maintain the continuous supply of the required raw material for building of the body and to avoid the possible harmful effects on the mother and the baby. The month wise regimen is as follows: Month Regimen 1 1. When in doubt of conception, non medicated milk repetitively in desired quantity 2. Congenial diet twice daily 3. Madhur, sheet & drava diet 2 1. Milk processed with Madhur medicines 2. Madhur, sheet & drava diet 3 1. Milk combines with Honey & ghee 2. Madhur, sheet & drava diet 4 1. Milk and butter (20 gm) 2. Cooked shashtik rice with curd 3. Pleasant favorite food along with milk, butter, Jangal mansa 5 1. Milk & ghee 2. Cooked shashtik rice with milk 3. Pleasant favorite food along with milk, ghee, jangal mansa 6 1. Milk & ghee processed with Madhur Medicines 2. Ghee or Yavagu processed with Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) 7 1. Milk & ghee processed with Madhur Medicines 2. Ghee processed with Vidarigandhadi group of medicines 8 1. Yavagu made with milk & processed with ghee repetitively 2. Asthapan & Anuvasana Basti 3. Snigdha yavagu, Jangal mansa rasa 9 1. Anuvasana basti of oil medicated with Madhur medicines 2. Vaginal tampon (Pichu) of this oil should be used 3. Snigdha yavagu, Jangal mansa rasa
• Garbhopaghatakar bhava (Factors likely to be harmful to the foetus)- the following things should be avoided by a pregnant lady: 1. Coitus 2. Exercise 3. Emaciation 4. Trauma 5. Excessive irritable activities 6. Hectic travels using uncomfortable vehicles 7. Staying awake at Night, sleeping during day hours 8. Suppression of natural urges 9. Indigestion 10. Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight or fire 11. Emotional outbreaks due to anger, fear, grief, excitement, terror 12. Excessive fasting 13. Squatting or using abnormal sitting postures 14. Exposure to undesired, harmful sounds and sights 15. Excessive guru, ushna, teekshna, rooksha food 16. Avoid meat & alcohol