Reviving Garbha Sanskar Ritual

Garbha Sanskar was a must for pregnant woman in a joint family system but it is today a forgotten Hindu tradition – thanks to the nuclear family. Garbha Sanskar is taking care of the growing fetus in a mother’s womb based on the belief that the baby in the womb is sensitive to the physical, mental or emotional perceptions experienced by the mother. Garbha Sanskar was very popular among Hindus but last two decades saw this great tradition being neglected by couples. Now several individuals and organizations are making an effort to bring back the Garbha Sanskar rituals.

The ritual is seeing a revival in Nagpur in Maharashtra, India. The Sanskar makes sure that a healthy baby is born. It is also reduces the chances of premature birth, birth defects and miscarriage.

Times of India reports
During pregnancy, the emotional perceptions experienced by the mother affects the well-being of the child. It is believed that chanting Sanskrit shlokas, reading biographies of famous personalities encourages positive thinking in the mother. It flushes away all negativity and feelings of distraught from emotionally upsetting events. To bring back this long forgotten practice, Dr Mrunmai Masodkar has taken up this venture and started a centre named 'Garbha Sanskar Margdarshan'. She aims to popularize this concept among Nagpurians.
Masodkar has started a complete nine-month course (trimester wise) ensuring an all-round development of the unborn child. She charges Rs 1000 per month. She has been the local treasurer of the women's forum for National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA). Her course includes yoga, pranayam, meditation, month-wise diet charts and certain exercises that are beneficial during pregnancy.