CHILDHOOD SAMSKARA – RELEVANCE IN HEALTHY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT – A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
Dr. Sunil P. Changle* and Dr. Bharti S. Changle
ABSTRACT
Hindu methodology described various Sanskara outlined from birth to death of an individual. Out of 16 Sanskara described, 8 are for children. These deliberate and positive impressions which help create deep and lasting impressions on the mind of a person so as to generate interest, which help bring out a positive personality and free the mind of its negativities. This article analyzed this Sanskara in details and gives a critical approach to their relevance in light of modern scientific knowledge. Though primarily considered as religious rites, they were significant in context as religious and provided opportunity for routine examination of child at regular interval. Childhood Sanskara revealed that they were aimed at preparing the baby fit for extra uterine life successfully. According to Upanishad, Sanskaras goes a long way to fulfilling the four pursuit of life i.e.dharma, arth, kama & moksha. Sanskara are 16 in number which spread from Garbhadhanato Anteshti. Among these 16, only 11 will fall under the period upto childhood. Ayurveda also describes different sanskara in different period of life to make attainment of different milestones thus ensuring the proper growth and also differentiate them from the child having developmental delay.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Developmental milestone, Sanskara.
[Full Text Article]
Impact Factor : 6.044
