Maternity in VEDIC literature

Maternity in VEDIC literature

By Asha Kumari

Most of the Indian systems of learning consider that every stream of knowledge has emanated from one basic source- the Vedas, Ayurved is no exception, rather it has given itself the status of 'upaveda', Kashyapa has gone a step ahead in proclaiming it as the fifth Veda and that too most important like the thumb among the five fingers of a hand. But when we talk of the vedic literature in this context, it includes the four samhitas (Rik, yajus, saman and atharvan), Brahman granthas, Upanishads and Sutra granthas.

A human being has three intrinsic desires among those 'putreshana (intrinsic desire to have a son) is counted on top, because it was betieved that a father is reborn as a son. Since the parents provide not only body but also intellect, strength, energy etc. to the child, great importance to their physical health and phycological stat has been given in the vedic literature, special instruction have been laid down for the type of girl a man should get married to. Marriage of only a healthy couple is suggested.

After marriage the couple enters into their grihastha ashram where in coitus is permitted for procreation only and not for carnal pleasure. In the process of procreation the woman is said to be the kshetra (field) and the bija (seed) is from the man, seat of which is his vrishana (testicles). For getting a healthy, intelligent and strong child physical and psychological health of both the counterparts was considered mandatory. That is why direct or indirect reference of entire reproductive organs, physiology of menstruation, specially ritukala (ovulation period) for conception, making the female reproductory organs capable of receiving virya (sperm) of the man, maintenance and nourishment of the embryo/fetus are found from samhitas to the sutra granthas. Importance of gavini(fallopian tubes) in respect to conception attracts special attention.

Before impregnation for cleansing the yoni (female reproductory organs) and bringing it to healthy state special sanskaras are prescribed. Various rites are described to be performed for achieving conception. Desire to have a male child was intense as it was felt that only a son can make one immortal by carrying forth his lineage. Pumsavana samskara is prescribed for that, apart from various rites and recitation of mantras oral administration of some drugs also is prescribed.

Garbharakshana or garbhavalambana (protection and maintenance of the fetus) has been taken care of and for that number of rites and samskaras are prescribed. Fetal development also is described there.The concept that it is covered with 'ulva and 'jarayu' and it gets its nutrition through nabhi (umbilical cord) which is poshaka and pranadharaka (naurishiing and maintaing life) is very clearly mentioned.

It is relevant to mention that the concept of congenital anamolies of fetus and pathogenic (durnama) and nonpathogenic (sunama) organism known as krimis or rakshasas (bacteria/virus) hiding in the kitchen and living rooms etc. did exist in the Vedas. These organism were considered to be causing abortion, troubles to the fetus, still births, neonatal deaths and puerperal complications. The sun rays, some drugs and also specific prayers and rites are described as the measures for eradicating these krimis or rakshasas.

Normal period of delivery is supposed to be the tenth month even though gestation of eleven to twelve months is also mentioned. Importance of vayu for expulsion of the fetus (as vayu is the causative factor for uterine contractions) has been emphasized. Mechanism of labour also finds place where delivery through head (vertex), dilatation of yoni (cervix and vaginal canal) for expulsion of larger fetus through a narrow passage, development of pain to expel the fetus, rupture of membrane, discharge of amniotic fluid and delivery of fetus along with its membranes followed by plecenta attached superfecially to the uterus not deeper into the muscles or veins, was considered normal process. Various mantras are prescribed to be recited to help easy delivery of even the obstructed labour. Anaesthesia also is referred in this context albeit indirectly. In Atharvaveda even surgical procedure has been referred to deal with obstructed labour. Dietetic and other managements for puerperal woman are also mentioned.

Infertility and menstrual disorders being the main impediment in the fulfillment of the cherished desire of getting a son, have also been addressed, contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancy are found there and even termination of the unwanted pregnancy is referred even though it is considered a sin and the person who induces it is supposed to be punished.

Matter related to maternity is scattered in the entire vedic literature which paved the path for further development of a separate subject as 'prasutitantra' in the Ayurvedic texts.