Garbhadhana (गर्भाधान)

This is the first of the sixteen samskaras, the life-cycle ceremonies of Hindu tradition. It is performed before conception.

What it is

The prayer made by a married couple before conceiving a child, asking that the child be healthy and good. In modern practice it is a quiet family prayer and sometimes a short puja; many families do not perform it as a ceremony.

What is usually done

A short puja and the intention to bring up the child with care; some couples choose a time with their priest.

Why it matters to families

The samskaras mark the stages of a life and bring the family and community together at each of them. Families keep as many as suit their tradition and their circumstances. Many keep the ceremonies that remain popular (naming, first food, first haircut, the thread, wedding and last rites) and treat the rest as a prayer of blessing.

See the full list of sixteen.

Read next

• Pumsavana (पुंसवन)
• Antyeshti (last rites) (अन्त्येष्टि)

These pages describe common practice in plain words. Customs differ by region, community and family, and your own family's tradition and a priest of your community come first. Dates of auspicious times change every year: ask a priest or use a trusted panchang. Nothing here promises any result.