seemantha · baby shower · valaikappu
Seemantha: the prenatal samskara
When it is performed
Seemantonnayana is performed in the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, during the waxing moon, on a day when the moon is in a male nakshatra by tradition. Regional names differ — Valaikappu in Tamil families, Godh Bharai in North India, Dohale Jevan in Maharashtra — but the samskara is the same.
Purpose
The rite is for the wellbeing of both mother and child, and marks the point at which the household turns its attention to the coming birth. The literal meaning — "parting of the hair" — refers to a gesture the husband performs, parting the wife's hair upward with a porcupine quill or darbha, symbolising growth and protection.
What happens
Punyahavachanam, kalasha pooja, the sankalpa for a safe delivery, the hair-parting gesture, and the bangle ceremony in which sumangalis place glass bangles on the mother-to-be's wrists. The sound of the bangles is held to reach the child.
Preparing
Arrange green and red glass bangles, a new saree, and comfortable low seating. Prepare the mother-to-be's favourite foods — the tradition explicitly honours her cravings. Invite married women of the family for the tamboola exchange.
The ceremony this guide describes
Seemantha
Seemantha is also known as the Baby Shower ceremony is performed for pregnant women who are in their seventh month of pregnancy. This ceremony is performed for a pregnant woman and also for the baby in her womb. It helps to get away from any evil eyes. Food is cooked as per the desire of the pregnant women. Seemantha ceremony is performed by doing Ganesha Pooja, Kalasha pooja for the mother. This Kalasa water provides strength to the mother and enables her to give birth to a strong and healthy baby. When to Perform Seemantha? It is performed during the odd pregnancy months such as 7th and 9th. The date and Lagna have to be fixed on a Shuba Muhurth date based on the Nakshatra of the husband and wife. Benefits of Seemantha: Performing a Seemantha ceremony helps in uplifting the brain of the baby in the womb. During this pooja, mantras are chanted. While listening to this, the woman gets purified that helps the baby to become sharp and intellectual. It helps to get the blessings of all Lord and elders that help in the smooth delivery of the baby.
from ₹4,100 · 2h 30m · Bengaluru
