Pregnancy, a time of optimism, love, and bliss, brings about both physical and emotional changes in a woman’s life. To navigate this transformative journey, many turn to the ancient practice of Garbh Sanskar—a Vedic philosophy that emphasizes the significance of a mother’s thoughts, emotions, and surroundings during pregnancy.
The Essence of Garbh Sanskar
Garbh Sanskar, rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom and traced back to the Vedas, is a holistic approach to nurturing a child’s well-being even before birth. It encompasses a range of practices, including dietary plans, herbal products, meditation, art, yogic breathing, and the recitation of sacred mantras.
Chanting Mantras for Each Month of Pregnancy
In Garbh Sanskar, each month of pregnancy is associated with the influence of a planetary body, and specific mantras are recited to channel positive energy and foster the holistic development of the unborn child. Let’s explore a few of these powerful mantras:
1. First Month: Prajapathi Mantra
Mantra: अहयैही भगवान ब्रह्म, प्रजा-कार्थः प्रजापथे | प्रगृहनीश्व बालिम स-इमाम, सपथ्यं रक्षा घरबीनम ||
Aehyaehi Bhagavan Brahman, Praja-Karthaha Prajaapathae
Pragrihneeshva Balim Sa-imam, saapathyam raksha Gharbineem
Meaning: Accept this sacred offering with grace and protect the woman on her familial journey from any potential threats, Lord Brahma, the creator of all beings.
Best time to recite: Anytime after bath Number of times to chant: 108 times (minimum 1 time to 108 times) Who can recite: Pregnant women Chant facing: The idol or picture of a goddess
2. Second Month: Ashwini Devas Mantra
Mantra: अश्विनौ देवा धेवेसो, प्रग्रुहनीधन बालिम ध्विमम | सपथ्यं गरबीनेम स-इमाम सा रक्षां पूजायनाया ||
Ashvinou Dheva Dhevaesow, Pragruhneedhan Balim Dhvimam
Saapathyaam Garbineem sa-imam sa Rakshatham Poojai Anayaa
Meaning: Graciously receive this sacred offering and protect the woman on her familial journey from all dangers, O Aswini Devas, the divine physicians.
Best time to recite: Anytime after bath Number of times to chant: 108 times (minimum 1 time to 108 times) Who can recite: Pregnant women Chant facing: The idol or picture of a goddess
3. Third Month – Rudraasha Mantra
Mantra: रुद्राशा एकादश ब्रोक्था, प्रग्रहनन्थु बालिम धविमं | यक्षमागम प्रीथाय वृथम, नित्यं रक्षांधु गरबीनीम ||
Rudhrasha Aekaadhasha Broktha, Pragrahnanthu Balim Dhvimam
Yakshamaagam Preethayae Vrutham, Nithyam Rakshandhu Garbineem
Meaning: Oh, the eleven Sacred Rudras! Kindly receive our offering, made in accordance with your divine will, and ensure the safety of this woman on her familial path. We seek your mercy and blessings.
Best time to recite: Anytime after bath Number of times to chant: 108 times (minimum 1 time to 108 times) Who can recite: Pregnant women Chant facing: The idol or picture of a goddess
4. Fourth Month Pregnancy Sloka (गर्भावस्था का चौथा महीना): This Vedic mantra pays homage to the Sun, symbolizing life-giving energy. Chanting this mantra is believed to bring ease and compassion. The radiance of the twelve Holy Sun Gods is invoked for the protection of the pregnant woman.
Mantra: आधिथ्य ध्वधाशा ब्रोकथाह, प्रग्रीमनीतवं बालिम थविमं | यशमाकम थेजसम वृद्धा, नित्यं रक्षथा गर्भनीम ||
Aadhithyaa Dhvaadhasha Brokthaha, Pragrimneethvam Balim thvimam
Yashmaakam Thejasaam Vridhya, nithyam rakshatha garbineem
Meaning: May the brilliance of the twelve Sacred Sun Gods intensify through our offerings. Kindly consider our sincere request and shield this woman from any potential dangers along her familial journey
Chant this mantra facing the idol or picture of a goddess after bathing at least 108 times.
5. Fifth Month Pregnancy Sloka (गर्भावस्था का पाँचवा महीना): This mantra emphasizes the eternal essence of birth and development, balancing the mind and enhancing instincts. Chanting supports the transition from fertilization to the growth of the fetus, fostering a healthy environment.
Mantra: विनायक गणाध्यक्ष, शिव पुत्र महाबल प्रथम | प्रगृहनीश्व बालिम स-इमाम, सपथ्यं रक्षा गर्भनीम ||
Vinayaka Ganaadhyaksha, Shiva puthra Mahabala
Pragrihneeshva Balim sa-imam, Saapathyam raksha garbineem
Meaning: Accept this sacred offering and ensure the protection of the woman treading the familial path. Oh Vinayaka, Oh Ganesha, Oh Son of Lord Shiva, Oh Mighty God, guard her from all potential threats.
Chant this mantra facing the idol or picture of a goddess after bathing at least 108 times.
6. Sixth Month Pregnancy Sloka (गर्भावस्था का छठा महीना): This mantra provides a therapeutic space within the spirit, safeguarding both the mother and the child. Imagining healing blessings surrounding the mother and baby, it maintains a positive environment during the sixth month of pregnancy.
Mantra: स्कंध षणमुग देवेश पुत्र प्रीति विवर्धन प्रथम | प्रगृहनीश्व बालिम स-इमाम, सपथ्यं रक्षा गर्भनीम ||
Skandha Shanmuga devaesha puthra preethi vivardhana
Pragrihneeshva Balim sa-imam, Saapathyam raksha garbineem
Meaning:Accept this sacred offering and shield the woman on the familial path from all dangers, Oh Skanda, Oh God adorned with six heads, Oh Chief of Devas, Oh God who nurtures the love for our sons.
Chant this mantra facing the idol or picture of a goddess after bath, at least 108 times.
7. Seventh Month Pregnancy Sloka (गर्भावस्था का सातवां महीना): This mantra aims to help the pregnant woman connect with the Universe, bringing balance to emotions and cognition. Chanting throughout the seventh month promotes physical and intellectual balance for both the mother and child.
Mantra: प्रभासः प्रभावश्यामः प्रत्याउशो मारुथोएनालाह द्रुवोधारा धरशैव, वासवोएस्तो प्रकीरथिथाः प्रग्रुहनीतवं बलिम स-इमाम, नित्यं रक्षथा गरबिनीम ||
Prabhaasaha prabhavashyamaha prathyusha maaruthoenalaha
Druvodhara dharashaiva, vasavoeshtow prakeerthithaha
Pragruhneethvam balim sa-imam, nithyam Rakshatha Garbineem
Meaning: Accept this sacred offering and protect the woman on the familial journey from all perils, Oh Prabhasa, Oh Prabhava, Oh Syama, Of Prathyusha, Oh Marutha, Oh Anala, Oh Dhruva, Oh Dhuradhura, You who embody the essence of the eight sacred Vasus.
Chant this mantra facing the idol or picture of a goddess after bathing at least 108 times.
8. Eighth Month Pregnancy Sloka (गर्भावस्था का आठवां महीना): This mantra invokes feminine and artistic power, aiding in connecting with feminine intuition and trusting instincts during pregnancy and labor. It supports achieving mental equilibrium.
Mantra: पिथुरदेवी पिधुश्रेष्ठे, बहू पुत्री महा बाले बूढा श्रेष्ठे निशा वसा, निर्वृथा शौनागप्रिय मैं प्रगृहनीश्व बालिम स-इमाम, सपथ्यं रक्षा गर्भनीम ||
Pithurdevi pidhushraeshtae, bahu puthree mahaa bale
Boodha sreshtae nisha vaasae, nirvrithae shanmugapriya
Pragrihneeshva Balim sa-imam, Saapathyam raksha garbineem
Meaning: Goddess of my ancestors, transcendent above them, Mother of all daughters, Mighty and surpassing all beings, Guardian of the night, Immaculate and revered by Sounaka, graciously receive this sacred offering and ensure the safety of this woman on her familial journey.
Chant this mantra facing the idol or picture of a goddess after bathing at least 108 times.
9. Ninth Month Pregnancy Sloka (गर्भावस्था का नौवां महीना): In the ninth month, this mantra is believed to bring excellent nutrition, tranquility, and strength to the mother and child. Its energy supports the overall growth and well-being of the child in the womb and beyond.
Mantra: रक्षा रक्षा महादेव, बख्ता-अनुग्रह कारगा | पाक्षी वाहन गोविंदा, सपथ्यं रक्षा गर्भनीम ||
Raksha Raksha Mahadeva, Baktha-Anugraha karaga
Pakshi Vaahana Govindha, Saapathyam raksha Garbineem
Meaning: Oh Supreme Deity, delighting in the protection and blessings bestowed upon devotees, Govinda, the celestial rider on a bird, kindly shield this woman on her familial journey from any impending dangers.
Chant this mantra facing the idol or picture of a goddess after bathing at least 108 times.
Garbh Sanskar Practices
Garbh Sanskar is not just about chanting mantras; it involves a holistic approach to pregnancy. The practices associated with Garbh Sanskar aim to create a positive and nurturing environment for both the mother and the unborn child. From dietary guidelines to yogic breathing exercises, every aspect is thoughtfully designed to promote overall well-being.
Benefits of Chanting Garbh Sanskar Mantras
- Calming Effect: Pregnancy brings physical and emotional changes. Chanting mantras helps calm the mind, relieving stress and tension.
- Emotional Well-being: Mantras instill a sense of joy, empowering both the mother and the developing child with positive energy.
- Mind-Body Connection: Reciting mantras allows mothers to connect with their unborn child, fostering a reassuring relationship.
- Spiritual Growth: Mantras are believed to contribute to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the child, even before birth.
- Long-term Benefits: The positive effects of chanting mantras may extend to the child’s increased awareness, alertness, and happiness.
Garbh Sanskar, with its emphasis on spiritual and holistic practices, provides a unique approach to pregnancy. Chanting mantras is not merely a ritual but a way to create a positive, nurturing space for both the mother and the unborn child. As the soothing vibrations of these mantras resonate, they contribute to the overall well-being and growth of the child, aligning with the ancient wisdom that spans across generations. Embrace the journey of pregnancy with Garbh Sanskar, celebrating the miracle of life with love, positivity, and ancient wisdom.