GarbhShiksha

हिंदी में पढ़ें 

17 shlokas · Weeks 18–28

Garbh samvad: shlokas to say aloud to your baby

Garbh samvad means talking with your baby in the womb. Babies may start to respond to sound from about 19 weeks, so the middle of pregnancy is a lovely time to make your voice part of the day. These verses feel made for saying aloud to someone small: the gods telling pregnant Devaki not to be afraid, the Bhagavata story of Prahlada, who is said to have heard the sage Narada's teaching from the womb, the peace prayer that begins 'may we two be protected together', and the sweet, sing-song Madhurashtakam, which works like a lullaby.

These verses suit weeks 18 to 28. Pick one verse and say or sing it softly every evening for a week, in a quiet room with a hand on your belly. One verse, repeated, is enough. Start with the meaning if the Sanskrit feels new. Someone close to you, and older brothers or sisters, can join in too.

Your baby hears your voice as sound, not as words with meaning, and that's fine. What this gives you is a few calm minutes and the habit of talking to your baby. After birth, newborns tend to prefer their mother's voice, so the habit can simply carry on.

How to practise these verses

For every verse below, unless it says otherwise.

Best time
Evening, in a quiet room, hand on belly
How to practise
Repeat the same verse daily for a week. Sing or say it softly
Who can chant
Mother, father, older siblings
Best weeks
Weeks 18–28

Honest noteBabies respond to sound from about 19 weeks and learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy. They learn the sound, not the meaning.

Reassurance in pregnancy

The Gods to Pregnant Devaki: Do Not Fear

दिष्ट्याम्ब ते कुक्षिगतः परः पुमानंशेन साक्षाद्भगवान्भवाय नः ।माभूद्भयं भोजपतेर्मुमूर्षोर्गोप्ता यदूनां भविता तवात्मजः ॥

dishtyamba te kukshi-gatah parah puman amshena sakshad bhagavan bhavaya nah, ma bhud bhayam bhoja-pater mumurshor gopta yadunam bhavita tavatmajah

Bhagavata Purana 10.2.41

Meaning

How fortunate, Mother! The Supreme Lord himself is in your womb for the good of all. Do not fear the cruel king. Your child will be the protector of the people.

Why we suggest this

The gods themselves speak to a pregnant mother, honour the baby inside her and tell her not to be afraid. Few verses are more fitting.

What you can expect

Deep reassurance. Read it aloud to your baby.

Learning in the womb (Prahlada)

Narada Teaches Pregnant Kayadhu

ऋषिः कारुणिकस्तस्याः प्रादादुभयमीश्वरः ।धर्मस्य तत्त्वं ज्ञानं च मामप्युद्दिश्य निर्मलम् ॥

rishih karunikas tasyah pradad ubhayam ishvarah, dharmasya tattvam jnanam cha mam apy uddishya nirmalam

Bhagavata Purana 7.7.15

Meaning

The kind sage taught her, with me (the unborn Prahlada) also in mind, the essence of dharma and pure knowledge.

Why we suggest this

This is the classic Garbh Sanskar story of a baby learning in the womb.

What you can expect

Inspiration to fill your days with good words and stories.

Honest noteScience shows late-pregnancy babies learn the sound of what they hear often, not its meaning.

Learning in the womb (Prahlada)

Prahlada Remembered

Awaiting a Sanskrit scholar's check

तत्तु कालस्य दीर्घत्वात्स्त्रीत्वान्मातुस्तिरोदधे ।ऋषिणानुगृहीतं मां नाधुनाप्यजहात्स्मृतिः ॥

tat tu kalasya dirghatvat stritvan matus tirodadhe, rishinanugrihitam mam nadhunapy ajahat smritih

Bhagavata Purana 7.7.16

Meaning

Over the long time, my mother forgot that teaching. But I, blessed by the sage, have never forgotten it.

Why we suggest this

The honest second half of Prahlada's story: the baby kept what the mother heard.

What you can expect

A reason to keep your daily practice going, even when you feel you are 'not taking it in'.

Celebrating the pregnant mother

When the Lord Entered the Womb, Joy Spread Everywhere

जा दिन तें हरि गर्भहिं आए ।सकल लोक सुख संपति छाए ॥मंदिर महँ सब राजहिं रानीं ।सोभा सील तेज की खानीं ॥

ja dina te hari garbhahi ae, sakala loka sukha sampati chhae; mandira maha saba rajahi rani, sobha sila teja ki khani

Ramcharitmanas, Bal Kand (chaupai before doha 190, Gita Press numbering) · Awadhi

Meaning

From the day the Lord entered the womb, joy and plenty filled all the worlds. The queens shone in the palace, full of beauty, goodness and radiance.

Why we suggest this

Tulsidas describes the glow of pregnant women. It is a celebration of you.

What you can expect

A smile, and pride in your own 'glow'.

See also: Ramayan chaupai for pregnancy: Bhaye Pragat Kripala and Rama's birth

Mother and baby together

Together May We Be Protected

ॐ सह नाववतु ।सह नौ भुनक्तु ।सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

om saha nav avatu, saha nau bhunaktu, saha viryam karavavahai, tejasvi nav adhitam astu, ma vidvishavahai, om shantih shantih shantih

Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1

Meaning

May we two be protected together. May we be nourished together. May we grow strong together. May our learning be bright. May we never dislike each other. Peace, peace, peace.

Why we suggest this

Written for teacher and student, its 'we two' fits mother and baby perfectly. You nourish and learn together.

What you can expect

A sweet bonding moment. Say 'we two' with a hand on your belly.

A bright mind

Gayatri Mantra

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः ।तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि ।धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् ॥

om bhur bhuvah svah, tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

Rig Veda 3.62.10

Meaning

We meditate on the bright light of the divine Sun. May it inspire our minds.

Why we suggest this

One of the most respected Vedic prayers, for a clear, bright mind. A common family choice in Garbh Sanskar.

What you can expect

A steady, rhythmic practice. Chanted slowly, it gently paces the breath.

How to practise
11 or 21 times, slowly

Honest noteSome traditions limit who chants it; listening is open to all.

See also: Gayatri mantra in pregnancy

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 1

अधरं मधुरं वदनं मधुरं नयनं मधुरं हसितं मधुरम् ।हृदयं मधुरं गमनं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

adharam madhuram vadanam madhuram nayanam madhuram hasitam madhuram, hridayam madhuram gamanam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 1

Meaning

His lips, face, eyes and smile are sweet. His heart and his walk are sweet. Everything about the Lord of sweetness is sweet.

Why we suggest this

A sing-song, lullaby-like hymn about baby Krishna's sweetness. Melody and repetition suit a listening baby.

What you can expect

Joy and lightness. Sing it as a lullaby, and keep singing it after birth.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Family values

Treat Mother and Father as Divine

मातृदेवो भव ।पितृदेवो भव ।आचार्यदेवो भव ।अतिथिदेवो भव ।

matri-devo bhava, pitri-devo bhava, acharya-devo bhava, atithi-devo bhava

Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.2

Meaning

Treat your mother as divine, your father as divine, your teacher as divine, your guest as divine.

Why we suggest this

The values you hope to bring into your home, spoken to your baby.

What you can expect

A sense of family purpose. Good for grandparents to say.

Wonder at a new life

The Source of Those Yet to Be Born

मृत्युः सर्वहरश्चाहमुद्भवश्च भविष्यताम् ।कीर्तिः श्रीर्वाक्च नारीणां स्मृतिर्मेधा धृतिः क्षमा ॥

mrityuh sarva-harash chaham udbhavash cha bhavishyatam, kirtih shrir vak cha narinam smritir medha dhritih kshama

Bhagavad Gita 10.34

Meaning

I am the source of those who are yet to be born. Among feminine qualities I am fame, grace, speech, memory, intelligence, steadiness and patience.

Why we suggest this

Krishna calls himself the origin of beings still to come, which includes your baby. Then he lists seven strengths a mother draws on.

What you can expect

A feeling of inner strength and wonder.

See also: Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

Whole-family verse

You Are Mother and Father of the World

पिताहमस्य जगतो माता धाता पितामहः ।वेद्यं पवित्रमोङ्कार ऋक्साम यजुरेव च ॥

pitaham asya jagato mata dhata pitamahah, vedyam pavitram omkara rik sama yajur eva cha

Bhagavad Gita 9.17

Meaning

I am the father of this world, the mother, the support and the grandfather. I am what is to be known, the pure one, Om and the Vedas.

Why we suggest this

It names every family role, so the whole family can say it together.

What you can expect

A feeling that the whole family is part of this pregnancy.

Who can chant
Whole family

See also: Bhagavad Gita verses for pregnancy

The gods praise the baby in the womb

Satyavratam – Prayer to the Lord in Devaki's Womb

सत्यव्रतं सत्यपरं त्रिसत्यं सत्यस्य योनिं निहितं च सत्ये ।सत्यस्य सत्यमृतसत्यनेत्रं सत्यात्मकं त्वां शरणं प्रपन्नाः ॥

satya-vratam satya-param tri-satyam satyasya yonim nihitam cha satye, satyasya satyam rita-satya-netram satyatmakam tvam sharanam prapannah

Bhagavata Purana 10.2.26

Meaning

We take refuge in you, who are truth itself, true in the past, present and future, the source of truth, living in truth.

Why we suggest this

In the Bhagavata, the gods sing this to the baby Krishna while he is still in Devaki's womb. It is one of the oldest prayers offered to an unborn child.

What you can expect

A sense that your baby is already precious and honoured.

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 3

वेणुर्मधुरो रेणुर्मधुरः पाणिर्मधुरः पादौ मधुरौ ।नृत्यं मधुरं सख्यं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

venur madhuro renur madhurah panir madhurah padau madhurau, nrityam madhuram sakhyam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 3

Meaning

His flute is sweet, the dust of his feet is sweet, his hands and feet are sweet, his dance and his friendship are sweet.

Why we suggest this

Part of the Madhurashtakam lullaby. Babies can learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy, so a tune you repeat may become familiar to your baby.

What you can expect

Think of your baby's tiny hands and feet as you sing it.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 4

गीतं मधुरं पीतं मधुरं भुक्तं मधुरं सुप्तं मधुरम् ।रूपं मधुरं तिलकं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

gitam madhuram pitam madhuram bhuktam madhuram suptam madhuram, rupam madhuram tilakam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 4

Meaning

His singing, drinking, eating and sleeping are sweet. His form and his tilak are sweet.

Why we suggest this

Part of the Madhurashtakam lullaby. Babies can learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy, so a tune you repeat may become familiar to your baby.

What you can expect

Even a sleeping baby is pure sweetness. A good bedtime verse.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 5

करणं मधुरं तरणं मधुरं हरणं मधुरं रमणं मधुरम् ।वमितं मधुरं शमितं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

karanam madhuram taranam madhuram haranam madhuram ramanam madhuram, vamitam madhuram shamitam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 5

Meaning

His deeds, his rescuing, his playful stealing and his loving play are all sweet. Everything about him is sweet.

Why we suggest this

Part of the Madhurashtakam lullaby. Babies can learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy, so a tune you repeat may become familiar to your baby.

What you can expect

A playful verse for happy moods.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 6

गुञ्जा मधुरा माला मधुरा यमुना मधुरा वीची मधुरा ।सलिलं मधुरं कमलं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

gunja madhura mala madhura yamuna madhura vichi madhura, salilam madhuram kamalam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 6

Meaning

His berry necklace and garland are sweet. The Yamuna, its waves, its water and its lotuses are sweet.

Why we suggest this

Part of the Madhurashtakam lullaby. Babies can learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy, so a tune you repeat may become familiar to your baby.

What you can expect

A calming water image, nice for bath time.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 7

गोपी मधुरा लीला मधुरा युक्तं मधुरं मुक्तं मधुरम् ।दृष्टं मधुरं शिष्टं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

gopi madhura lila madhura yuktam madhuram muktam madhuram, drishtam madhuram shishtam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 7

Meaning

The gopis are sweet, his play is sweet, his glance and his manners are sweet.

Why we suggest this

Part of the Madhurashtakam lullaby. Babies can learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy, so a tune you repeat may become familiar to your baby.

What you can expect

Joy and lightness.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Lullaby for baby

Madhurashtakam – Verse 8

गोपा मधुरा गावो मधुरा यष्टिर्मधुरा सृष्टिर्मधुरा ।दलितं मधुरं फलितं मधुरं मधुराधिपतेरखिलं मधुरम् ॥

gopa madhura gavo madhura yashtir madhura srishtir madhura, dalitam madhuram phalitam madhuram madhuradhipater akhilam madhuram

Madhurashtakam, verse 8

Meaning

The cowherd boys, the cows, his stick and all creation are sweet. What he breaks and what he makes bloom are sweet.

Why we suggest this

Part of the Madhurashtakam lullaby. Babies can learn sounds they hear often late in pregnancy, so a tune you repeat may become familiar to your baby.

What you can expect

Completes the 8-verse song; sing all eight as one lullaby.

How to practise
Sing softly once or twice to a simple tune

See also: Madhurashtakam in pregnancy: all eight verses

Sources

We mention only what each study actually found. Most studies are small, and none of them replaces your doctor's advice. Read the disclaimer

  • When babies in the womb start to respond to sound

    What it found
    Babies in the womb were first seen to respond to a sound played on the mother's belly at about 19 weeks, and by 27 weeks almost all of them responded to low-pitched sounds.
    What it doesn't show
    It tested simple beeps (pure tones), not voices, music or chanting, so it does not show that a baby understands words or gains anything from hearing shlokas, stories or music.

    Hepper & Shahidullah (1994). Development of fetal hearing. Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition 71(2):F81-F87.

    Read the summary on PubMedRead the full study (free)

  • Learning sounds heard often before birth

    What it found
    Babies who heard a made-up word many times in the last three months of pregnancy showed stronger brain responses to its sounds after birth, so babies can learn and remember sounds they hear often late in pregnancy.
    What it doesn't show
    It shows memory for sounds, not understanding of meaning, and does not show any effect on intelligence, language skills or later development; the authors also caution that noise may harm the developing hearing system.

    Partanen et al. (2013). Learning-induced neural plasticity of speech processing before birth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 110(37):15145-15150.

    Read the summary on PubMedRead the full study (free)

  • Newborns prefer their mother's voice

    What it found
    In a small study, newborns only a few days old changed how they sucked so they could hear their own mother's voice more often than another woman's, showing they prefer their mother's voice from the first days of life.
    What it doesn't show
    It did not test anything done during pregnancy, so it does not prove the preference was learned in the womb, and it does not show that talking, reading or chanting in pregnancy makes a baby healthier, smarter or more closely bonded.

    DeCasper & Fifer (1980). Of human bonding: newborns prefer their mothers' voices. Science 208(4448):1174-1176.

    Read the summary on PubMed