Pumsavana (पुंसवन)

This is the second of the sixteen samskaras, the life-cycle ceremonies of Hindu tradition. It is performed in the third month of pregnancy.

What it is

A rite for the well-being of the unborn child and the mother, said in the early months. Its old wording about the sex of the child is no longer used by most families, who treat it simply as a prayer for a healthy baby.

What is usually done

A blessing by elders and a simple puja; today usually combined with a family gathering.

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

• Simantonnayana (godh bharai) (सीमन्तोन्नयन)
• Garbhadhana (गर्भाधान)

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.