Chapter 7 of B.V. Raman's classic text turns the lens of Muhurtha inward — to the very origin of life itself. Before a child draws its first breath, three pre-natal ceremonies ( samskaras ) shape the soul's entry into the world: Nisheka (nuptials / first sexual union), Garbhadana (consummation and conception), and Pumsavana (the sex-determination rite). A fourth, Seemantha , follows in the later months of pregnancy.

These are not mere superstitions. Raman presents a remarkable synthesis: ancient Vedic ritual, classical Ayurvedic embryology from Charaka Samhita , and modern Western research on sex determination — all converging on one insight: the moment of conception and the months that follow are governed by planetary rhythms that can be understood, respected, and even harnessed.

"Sexual union should never be based upon simple sense gratification. There is a sacredness about sexual functions, and when moral and spiritual considerations are not respected and brought into play, the result will be most unsatisfactory."

The Three Pre-Natal Ceremonies: An Overview

Most classical Muhurtha texts begin with Namakarana — the name-giving ceremony performed after birth. Raman deliberately starts earlier, at the moment of conception itself, because "it is actually the beginning of the pre-natal existence of the child." This choice reflects a profound truth: the quality of a life begins before birth.

Each ceremony has its own set of astrological rules — favourable constellations, weekdays, lunar days, and ascendant conditions. The underlying principle is the same throughout: planetary vibrations at the moment of a sacred act imprint themselves upon the outcome, whether that outcome is a healthy pregnancy, the sex of the child, or the well-being of the mother.

Nisheka and Garbhadana: Timing Conception

Raman draws on the teachings of Prof. B. Suryanarain Rao to explain why the first sexual union deserves the same careful timing as any other major life event. The reasoning is electro-physiological:

"According to Prof. B. Suryanarain Rao, men and women are bundles of electricity. When they are brought together sexually, a series of electrical currents would be released which may react on them favourably or adversely depending upon the harmonious or discordant nature of the vibrations released."

This is not merely metaphorical. The idea that living organisms are bioelectrical systems is now mainstream science. Raman's point is that the timing of this bioelectrical event matters — favourable planetary configurations amplify harmonious vibrations, while unfavourable ones create discord.

Physiological Considerations

Before listing the astrological rules, Raman addresses physiology directly. The first four days of menstruation should be avoided entirely, as "the whole physiological and nervous system of the woman would be in a state of tension owing to the almost continuous discharge of blood." This is practical health advice as much as it is astrological counsel.

He then notes a pattern that would later find echoes in modern fertility science: conception on odd days after menstruation tends toward female children, while even days tend toward male children. The 6th day is especially recommended as "it is supposed to ensure not only happiness to the couple but also the birth of a dutiful and intelligent son."

Astrological Rules for Nisheka

"At the time of nuptials, the 8th house should be occupied by no planet. Subject to this proviso, even Sagittarius and Aquarius may be selected as auspicious."

The emphasis on the 8th house being vacant is significant. In Vedic astrology, the 8th house governs longevity, hidden matters, and sexual vitality. A planet occupying this house at the time of conception could introduce unwanted complications — health risks for the mother, obstacles to conception, or difficulties during pregnancy.

The Science of Sex Determination: Ancient and Modern

One of the most remarkable sections of this chapter is Raman's survey of Western scientific research on sex determination, which he sets alongside the ancient Hindu tradition of Pumsavana . The word itself reveals its purpose: pum (male) + syate (is produced) + anena (by this) — "the male-producing rite."

Raman cites several Western researchers who arrived at conclusions strikingly parallel to what the ancients had taught:

"Conception time with reference to the menstrual cycle normally runs its course in twenty-eight days and so corresponds in length to the lunar month."

This lunar-menstrual correspondence is the bridge between the ancient and modern perspectives. The ancients observed that the Moon governs the menstrual cycle, and they built their timing rules around lunar days and lunar constellations. Modern researchers, approaching from a completely different direction, arrived at the same observation: the 28-day menstrual cycle mirrors the lunar month, and the timing of conception within this cycle influences the sex of the child.

"Here all the greatest scientists on matters of conception and sex formation are agreed on the physiological effects of cycles of lunar days and lunar months."

Raman also invokes Darwin's hypothesis that life originated on tidal beaches, where organisms were shaped by rhythms governed by the Sun and Moon. The two physiological phases — Katabolism (activity, corresponding to maleness) and Anabolism (quiescence, corresponding to femaleness) — are lunar-tidal in origin. Sex, then, may be determined "not merely by the time of the lunar month, but by the time of the lunar day at which conception takes place."

Pumsavana: The Ceremony and Its Medicines

Pumsavana is performed "just after the expiration of three months from the date of conception" — precisely when modern embryology confirms that sex differentiation occurs. This is not a coincidence; Raman argues the ancients chose this timing for "very scientific reasons."

Why the Third Month?

Raman provides a month-by-month account of foetal development that aligns remarkably well with modern embryology, attributing each month to a planetary ruler:

"It is in the third month the differentiation of sex is brought about, as also the development of the genitals. Jupiter, a masculine planet, presides over this month. Thus it will be seen that in the selection of the time for performing Pumsavana the ancients had in view very scientific reasons."

Medicines from Charaka Samhita

Raman quotes directly from the Charaka Samhita , the foundational text of Ayurveda, which prescribes specific remedies to be administered under the constellation Pushyami :

"Who has studied and who has tested all these methods? Why label them as useless and unscientific when you do not know that they are."

Astrological Rules for Pumsavana

Seemantha: The Hair-Parting Ceremony

Seemantha (also called Seemantham or Seemantonnayana ) is the final pre-natal ceremony, performed in the 5th or 7th month of pregnancy — but only for first conceptions. If the schedule cannot be kept, sage Sankha advises that it should not be abandoned but performed before delivery at any suitable time.

An important distinction: for this ceremony, the month ranks first in importance . Even if Jupiter and Venus are combust (too close to the Sun and therefore weakened), this can be ignored if the month is correct.

Planetary Rulers of Foetal Development

One of the most profound teachings in this chapter is the assignment of planetary rulers to each month of pregnancy. This is not an arbitrary mapping — it reflects the observed correspondence between planetary qualities and the specific developmental changes occurring in the womb.

"No birth takes place by chance. In most cases, impregnation follows very shortly after coitus and it is the time of coitus that is generally taken according to Hindu Astrology for the Nisheka or conception horoscope."

Consider the logic of the planetary assignments:

• Venus (1st month) — Venus governs beauty, form, and the senses. In the first month, the face, ears, eyes, and nose take shape — the organs of sensory perception and aesthetic form.
• Mars (2nd month) — Mars governs energy, expansion, and the muscular system. In the second month, the membranes expand vigorously, the brain begins to develop, and the head grows considerably larger.
• Jupiter (3rd month) — Jupiter is the great masculine benefic, governing growth, wisdom, and dharma. In the third month, sex differentiation occurs and genitals develop. The assignment of a masculine planet to the month of sex determination is deliberate.

This system implies that the condition of each ruling planet in the conception chart ( Nisheka chart) may influence the development of the foetus during that planet's corresponding month. A well-placed Venus suggests smooth early development; an afflicted Mars might indicate complications in the second month, and so on.

Raman also notes that "all the phases of the union of the virile spermatozoan with the mature ovum called impregnation, the fixation of the impregnated ovum called conception, and the development of the foetus are governed by the Moon and other planets." The Moon, which governs the menstrual cycle, the tides, and biological rhythms in general, stands as the overarching regent of the entire process.

Practical Guidance for the Modern Reader

How should a modern couple approach this chapter? Here are some practical considerations:

For Conception Timing (Nisheka / Garbhadana)

1. Respect the menstrual cycle. Avoid the first four days of menstruation. This is both physiologically and astrologically sound.
2. Choose favourable constellations. The ten highly recommended nakshatras for Nisheka (Sravana, Rohini, Anuradha, etc.) provide ample options across the lunar month.
3. Prefer Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
4. Avoid problematic lunar days (4th, 8th, 9th, 14th, Full Moon, New Moon).
5. Ensure the 8th house is empty. This is the single most emphasized rule across all pre-natal ceremonies.
6. Choose a favourable ascendant from Taurus to Libra, or Pisces.

For Pumsavana

1. Time it in the 3rd month of pregnancy when signs of pregnancy are clear and before sex differentiation completes.
2. The constellation Pushyami is specifically recommended by Charaka for administering medicines.
3. Avoid Virgo ascendant especially, as it is described as "specially adverse."
4. Benefics in kendras or trikonas provide additional protection and positive influence.

For Seemantha

1. The month is paramount — 5th or 7th month of pregnancy.
2. Only for first pregnancies.
3. Do not abandon the ceremony if the ideal timing cannot be met; perform it before delivery.
4. Even combust Jupiter/Venus can be tolerated if the month is correct — a rare relaxation of rules.

Key Takeaways