In a recent announcement, Telangana governor, Tamilisai Soundararajan, who is not only a gynecologist but also a fetal therapist, emphasized the significance of spiritual practices during pregnancy. She suggested that pregnant women should engage in chanting the 'Sunderkand' and reading revered epics like the Ramayana to foster the development of mentally and physically healthy babies. Governor Soundararajan made these remarks while launching the 'Garbha Sanskar' program, initiated by an RSS-linked body.

The 'Garbha Sanskar' program, developed by Samvardhinee Nyas, aims to provide expectant mothers with a combination of "scientific and traditional" approaches to ensure the birth of "sanskari and deshbhakt" (cultured and patriotic) babies. Medical professionals associated with the organization will offer a comprehensive package of recommendations, incorporating religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Sanskrit mantras, and the practice of yoga. This program is designed to begin from the pre-conception stage and continue until the child reaches two years of age. Furthermore, the family members of expectant mothers will also receive guidance and support throughout the program, as outlined in the 'Garbha Sanskar' module.

Samvardhinee Nyas, an affiliate of the Rashtra Sevika Sangh, a women's organization that runs parallel to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), spearheads this program. During the virtual launch event, Governor Soundararajan commended the efforts of Samvardhinee Nyas in developing the 'Garbha Sanskar' module. She expressed her belief that the implementation of this "scientific and holistic approach" towards pregnancy would yield positive outcomes.

She further mentioned the cultural practices observed in villages, where expectant mothers often read the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other epics, including the Sunderkandam of Kamba Ramayana, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Governor Soundararajan highlighted the benefits of chanting the "Sunderkand" during pregnancy, stating that it would have a positive impact on the well-being of the unborn babies.

The "Sunderkand" is a significant chapter in the Hindu epic, "Ramayana," narrating the heroic adventures of Lord Hanuman, showcasing his selflessness, strength, and devotion to Lord Rama. Governor Soundararajan, also serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, stressed that while the scientific approach to pregnancy aims to prevent complications, a holistic approach can help pregnant women give birth to healthy and vibrant babies. She emphasized the importance of practicing yoga during pregnancy, as it promotes the physical and mental well-being of both the expectant mother and the baby in the womb, ultimately aiding in a normal delivery. The governor underscored the significance of motherhood and the 'Garbha Sanskar' program in nurturing future generations.

Leena Gahane, co-head of the intellectual wing of the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, also expressed her appreciation for the launch of the 'Garbha Sanskar' module on the 350th death anniversary of Jijabai ji. She expressed her hopes that the implementation of the program would contribute to raising a generation with qualities akin to Shivaji Maharaj, the revered founder of the Maratha Empire. Jijabai, often referred to as Rajmata, was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

According to a senior functionary of the Samvardhinee Nyas, the 'Garbha Sanskar' program will be rolled out nationwide through the involvement of doctors associated with the organization. The country has been divided into five regions, each of which will have a team of ten doctors responsible for implementing the program. Initially, each doctor will handle 20 cases of pregnancy within their respective regions. To ensure effective guidance and supervision, an eight-member central team comprising ayurvedic, homeopathy, and allopathy doctors, as well as a subject expert, has been assembled.

With the launch of the 'Garbha Sanskar' program, pregnant women in Telangana and across the country are now provided with a unique blend of scientific knowledge and traditional practices, empowering them to embark on a journey towards holistic well-being for themselves and their unborn children.

"The Garbha Sanska programme has been developed with a holistic and scientific approach towards pregnancy, right from the conception to delivery to ensures babies learn sanskar (culture and values) in womb. The process will continue till they attain the age of two," a RSS affiliate organisation Samvardhinee Nyas functionary told PTI.

The RSS-affiliated body said it will launch a 'Garbha Sanskar' campaign for pregnant women to encourage them to read religious texts like Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana, chant Sanskrit mantras, and practice yoga so that "sanskari and deshbhakt" babies are born.

"The programme has been developed with a holistic and scientific approach towards pregnancy, right from the conception to delivery to ensures babies learn sanskar (culture and values) in womb. The process will continue till they attain the age of two," a Samvardhinee Nyas functionary told PTI.
The program will be implemented across the country by doctors associated with the Samvardhinee Nyas wing of Rashtra Sevika Sangh, a women's organization of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Pregnant women and their families will be advised about various aspects of having a 'sanskari' child including taking healthy food, and providing good surroundings and atmosphere, the Nyas functionary told PTI.

"For this, we have divided the country into five regions and each will have a team of 10 doctors who will implement the programme. Each of these doctors will start by taking up 20 cases of pregnancy in their respective regions," the Samvardhinee Nyas functionary told PTI.

The organization has formed an eight-member central team for the implementation of the Garbha Sanskar program. The team comprises ayurvedic, homeopathy, and allopathy doctors and a "subject expert".

"Every child taking birth, be it a boy or a girl, should come with good sanskar, good thoughts and be a deshbhakt (patriot). Our future generations should come to this world and grow up with a sense of service, values and culture, respect for women," another senior functionary of the Nyas said. Under the program, the Nyas functionary said, the pregnant women will be encouraged to chant some mantras in Sanskrit and read the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and other religious scriptures.

"Chanting of Sanskrit mantras and the reading of the Bhagavad Gita by parents can have a profound impact on the development and growth of the babies' brain in the womb which will continue after their birth. Positive vibrations reach to the baby in womb with chanting of Sanskrit shlokas," she told PTI.

Under the program, parents will be guided to have communication with the baby in the womb, she said

"After four months in the womb, the baby starts listening. It has been proven by science. So parents will talk to the baby in the womb at a certain time, tell the baby about family members, Bharat, the state they live in and stories of India's great personalities," she added.

Pregnant women will also be provided with lessons on yoga so that they have "a normal delivery", she added.

What is Garbh Sanskar?

The ritual of Garbha Sanskar holds great significance in Hindu culture, as it encompasses various practices and beliefs aimed at nurturing the overall well-being of the unborn child and the expectant mother. Garbha Sanskar, which translates to "womb culture" or "womb education," is a profound ritual that focuses on creating a positive and nurturing environment for the developing fetus.

The Garbha Sanskar ritual begins even before conception, emphasizing the importance of preparing both the mind and body of the couple who are planning to conceive. It is believed that the thoughts, emotions, and lifestyle choices of the parents during this pre-conception period can have a profound impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual development of the child.

Once conception occurs, the expectant mother is encouraged to follow a series of practices that promote a harmonious connection between her and the unborn child. These practices include reciting sacred texts, performing specific mantras and prayers, engaging in meditation and yoga, and listening to soothing and devotional music. The recitation of religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or Sunderkand is believed to have a positive influence on the baby's growth and development.

Garbh Sanskar is the practice of instilling virtues, values, and 'Sanskar' in the unborn baby during the period of pregnancy. It recognizes that pregnancy is a crucial stage where the foundation of a child's mental and neural structure is laid. This stage plays a significant role in shaping the child's health, behavior, nature, and even their future.

The birth of a 'Sanskarit' child depends on two factors:

1. Prarabdh: The karmic deeds of the previous birth.

2. Purusharth: The conscious efforts made in this lifetime to impart virtues to the child.

While we have no control over our past karmic deeds (Prarabdh), we can certainly influence the Sanskars in our child through our conscious efforts (Purusharth). The entire process of Garbh Sanskar revolves around the collective Purusharth of the father, mother, and family members.

To illustrate this, let's consider the example of a mathematics student. A student can become a skilled mathematician if they have an innate aptitude for mathematics (Prarabdh). However, what truly shapes their mathematical abilities is the consistent nurturing, guidance, and dedicated efforts poured into developing their mathematical skills from an early age (Purusharth). Therefore, to become a great mathematician, one needs both a natural inclination towards mathematics and the continuous grooming and cultivation provided by teachers, parents, and mentors.

Similarly, Garbh Sanskar recognizes the importance of creating a positive and conducive environment for the unborn child's holistic development. It involves various practices such as reciting sacred mantras, reading spiritual texts, listening to soothing music, practicing yoga, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These activities are designed to enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the mother and indirectly impact the growing fetus.

The collective Purusharth of the family members is crucial in Garbh Sanskar. The expectant parents and other family members actively participate in creating an atmosphere of love, positivity, and spirituality around the pregnant mother. They provide emotional support, share uplifting experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations to nurture not only the physical health but also the overall character and personality of the unborn child.

Garbh Sanskar emphasizes that the impressions formed in the womb can have a lasting impact on the child's life. It encourages parents to surround themselves and their unborn child with positive influences, thoughts, and vibrations. By consciously choosing uplifting activities, thoughts, and behaviors, parents can help shape the child's disposition, intelligence, and emotional well-being.

While Garbh Sanskar honors ancient traditions, it is essential to strike a balance between tradition and scientific knowledge. Modern research supports the notion that the environment and experiences during pregnancy can influence the child's development. Therefore, it is crucial to combine traditional wisdom with contemporary understanding to ensure the optimal growth and well-being of the mother and child.

Garbh Sanskar is a beautiful way to celebrate the miracle of life and recognize the profound connection between the expectant mother and her unborn child. It is a process that acknowledges the power of conscious efforts in shaping a child's life right from the earliest stages. By embracing Garbh Sanskar, parents can lay a strong foundation for their child's future, nurturing them to become virtuous, compassionate, and accomplished individuals.

Chanting of Sanskrit mantras holds a special place in Garbha Sanskar. The vibrations produced by these mantras are believed to have a calming effect on both the mother and the baby. Mantras dedicated to the deities associated with fertility, protection, and good health are commonly recited during this ritual. The soothing resonance of the mantras helps in instilling a sense of peace, spirituality, and positivity in the mother's mind, which is then transmitted to the developing fetus.

Practicing yoga during pregnancy is another essential aspect of Garbha Sanskar. Yoga postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) specifically designed for pregnant women help in maintaining physical fitness, reducing stress, and ensuring optimal blood circulation. These practices not only enhance the mother's physical and mental well-being but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the baby.

Apart from these individual practices, the Garbha Sanskar ritual often involves the active participation of family members. The expectant mother is supported and guided by her loved ones throughout the pregnancy journey. Family members may assist in creating a serene and positive ambiance at home, engaging in storytelling, and sharing uplifting experiences. The idea behind this involvement is to surround the unborn child with love, positive energy, and a nurturing environment.

While Garbha Sanskar is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, it is also essential to embrace a scientific approach to pregnancy. The combination of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge helps in promoting a balanced approach toward prenatal care, ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the child.

The ritual of Garbha Sanskar serves as a beautiful reminder of the sacredness of motherhood and the profound bond between a mother and her unborn child. It is a way to celebrate the miracle of life and create an environment that fosters the growth of a healthy, happy, and spiritually inclined individual.

The Beauty and Benefits of Garbh Sanskar

Garbh Sanskar is not merely a practice but an exquisite blend of science and art, a sacred journey that begins the moment a couple decides to bring forth a new life into this world. It is an endeavor to create an optimal environment, where physical, mental, and spiritual health converge, inviting a divine soul to blossom within a womb that radiates love and well-being.

During the precious phase of pregnancy, the parents embark on a profound understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They strive to nurture an atmosphere that breathes positivity, confidence, health, and brilliance into the developing baby, embedding these virtues so deeply within their essence that they become an inseparable part of their being. And as the child enters the world, they effortlessly assimilate the qualities instilled by their parents, embracing them with a natural grace and accelerated growth. These children, adorned with emotional bonds, exude a radiant health, brilliance, and intelligence that astounds all who behold them.

Indeed, the remarkable power to shape a child's destiny lies within the realm of Garbh Sanskar. By consciously channeling our intentions and desires during pregnancy, we have the ability to program the child, instilling within them the very qualities we hold dear. Yet, in the midst of our modern, bustling lives, consumed by the pursuit of material wealth, we have inadvertently turned our gaze away from this ancient wisdom, neglecting its profound treasures.

Garbh Sanskar allows us to transcend the mundane, to connect with the profound heritage of our ancestors. It beckons us to weave together the threads of traditional wisdom and contemporary understanding, creating a tapestry of holistic growth and well-being. This sacred journey invites expectant parents to embrace the time-honored rituals, the enchanting melodies of sacred chants, the ethereal verses of spiritual texts, and the graceful movements of yoga. Through these timeless practices, the parents cultivate a harmonious unity between body, mind, and soul, laying a strong foundation for their child's future.

The benefits of Garbh Sanskar extend far beyond the realms of pregnancy. Its essence reverberates through the lives of the children it touches, nurturing their emotional connection with their parents, infusing their beings with a sense of purpose and innate wisdom. It bestows upon them a radiant health that emanates from within, a brilliance that illuminates their path, and an intelligence that surpasses expectations.

Let us rekindle our reverence for this wondrous ancient science, reviving its splendor and integrating it into our lives. Let us take a moment to pause, to reconnect with the miraculous gift of life, and to honor the profound impact we can have on the souls we carry within us. In embracing Garbh Sanskar, we embark on a transcendent journey that not only blesses our children but also enriches our own lives, nurturing a deep bond between parents and child that spans beyond the realms of time.

For in the tapestry of Garbh Sanskar, we rediscover the artistry of creation, the symphony of life, and the eternal connection between the divine and the human.