Our ancestors had in depth understanding of Genetics & Genetic engineering. This was told in the form of Astrology to each individual. Each one of us has a characteristic Kundali / Jataka. Our Gotra suggests our genetic make – up or genetic profile. If individuals with similar genetic makeup marry then their off-springs have increased risk of acquiring genetic anomalies. Hence it was always suggested to marry in ‘Atulya Gotra’.
Gotra specifies a group or race of people with a specific genetic coding. It represents the hereditary traits. Gotra are the yardsticks to understand the concept of specialties of a race. This is the science behind Gotra. But due to lack of knowledge & understanding many of us do not know the importance of this Gotra. As all other ancient Indian sciences suffered during British invasion, the ancient science of astrology too declined. Matching jathaka / kundali is now being given least importance during marriage.
Ayurveda describes – Beeja, Beejabhaga & Beejabhaga avayava which suggests Genotype, Chromosome & Genes respectively. Sage Charaka, great scholar of Ayurveda, describes in shareera sthana of his Samhita about Heredity, Oogenesis, Spermatogensis and Organogenesis in fetus in different terminologies. Dushti or defect in any of these will result in anomalies concerned to the parts developing from that portion.
During our history taking if the couples are found to be,
- similar gotra
- consanguineous marriage
- having any family history of genetic disorders
- carriers of recessive genes which may become dominant in fetus Ex: Thalassemia
- or having any other genetic factors
Garbha Samskara is a must for such couples to rule out the possibility of anomalies in the child. Samskara is not just a mechanical process. It is a process through which we can bring about changes. These alterations can be in physico – chemical properties, biological & it can be up to genetic level. Samskara is a process of genetic engineering in itself where we can add, delete or modify certain features of genes.
In our mythology & history we have the references of various stories where desired kind of changes were brought about in child through Garbha Samskara,
- Birth of spiritual & good natured Prahalaada from demon like Hiranyakashyapu was due to the efforts of his mother Kayadhu.
- The strong desire of Manu & Shataroopa to get god himself as child was fulfilled in next janma by the birth of Lord Shree Rama.
- Shivaji was the outcome of the continued efforts of Mata Jeeja Bai.
- Swami Vivekananda was born to a devoted mother – Bhuvaneshwari Devi.
Like this there are lot of instances in our mythology to prove desired quality child can be obtained.
‘Customized Child’ can be designed through Samskara i.e., scientific way of planning. It is possible only in India, the land of vast knowledge & only through Ayurveda, the ancient science of life.
Note : All these explanations are based on session done by Dr.Hitesh Jani.
Dr.Hitesh Jani is a well known personality in the field of Ayurveda. He was the key person in initiating Garbha Samskara Anusandhan Kendra, Jamnagar. He has worked as Professor & Physician in Panchakarma Department, Shree Gulabkuwarba Ayurved Chikitasalay, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar.
He is now working as State President in Ayurveda Vyas Peet & Bharateeya Dharohar. He is member of National Executive Committee Vishva Ayurved Parishad & Vishva Mangal Gau Gram Yatra. He is actively involved in social activities like creating awareness about Ayurveda, Garbha Samskara, Go vignyana, Organic farming etc. He is an important resource person of RSS & promoting Indian traditional knowledge for the betterment of society & future generation.
Special thanks to him & his whole team.
(Author: Dr. Shilpa S. N, Senior consultant, Sriranga Ayurveda Chikitsa Mandira, Healthcare unit of Prakruthi Ayurveda Pratistana ®, Mysore – 23)