Pregnancy during an eclipse
Mantras, protection, ancient Indian beliefs and precautions to ensure a healthy birth
Q: I recently found out that I am pregnant. I noticed next month there is an eclipse. Would you be able to advise me during this period?
A: Congratulations on your pregnancy. It is best, during this time, to chant the Santana Gopal Mantra as much as you can and worship Lord Krishna in a baby form for a healthy pregnancy.
The mantra is “Om devkisut govinda vasudeva jagatpate dehi mae tanayam krishna twaham sharanam gatah”.
One should also keep a positive and healthy mind, be happy and remove doubt and fear during this period.
Precautions to take during the eclipse:
1. On the day of an eclipse, if it is visible in your city, stay at home and spend more time in prayer, as harmful rays during the eclipse can affect the baby.
2. When the eclipse occurs, one who is pregnant should avoid touching metal objects as much as possible.
At all costs, avoid using a nail clipper, razor blades, knife, scissors and, most importantly, one must not lock or unlock anything using a key for the entire duration of the eclipse, which generally lasts for a few minutes to a couple of hours. According to ancient Indian belief, this may lead to a baby being born with a cleft lip.
3. For greater protection of your baby during the eclipse, you must sit with a coconut on your lap and chant “Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaya” or any other mantra of your choice. Chanting beads are not required.
When the eclipse is over keep the coconut aside and it should not be eaten.
4. I would advise one not to sleep if the eclipse occurs during the day. If it occurs at night, keep a coconut nearby while you sleep.
Do the following to have a healthy and blessed child. This is general advice to all women who plan on having children and also during pregnancy:
1. Both husband and wife must be stress-free and happy before conception, and ask God to give them a healthy child with good qualities.
2. After conceiving, the wife must not carry any heavy objects, bags or packets, etc.
3. She must not do any strenuous physical activity.
4. She must abstain from drinking and smoking.
5. Most importantly, she must avoid any form of stress. Her priority during pregnancy will be the baby’s health. If you are a working mother, reduce stress at work and take maximum maternity leave.
6. She must not eat papaya during the early stage of pregnancy, because it is known to cause miscarriages. It was a common belief of people in ancient India.
7. You should also avoid yoghurt and tomatoes.
8. After lunch and before dinner, she can snack on coconut, grapes, apples, carrots or freshly squeezed juices.
9. During the nine months, you must read the the
or any other religious books according to your religion.
10. For the child to be optimistic and have a strong will, you must read books on motivation, willpower enhancement, positive mental attitude and self-confidence.
11. You must follow your doctor’s advice on prenatal care.
12. Do not sleep under a beam.
13. Sleep with your head facing south (feet pointing north). If not possible, then head should face towards the east.
14. Increase your prayer’s and worship your favourite deity more often.
15. Keep a small baby knife
(made of iron) in your bedroom so that miscarriages caused by the evil eye will be prevented.
16. Keep a picture of baby Krishna in your bedroom. When you wake up, the first thing you will notice is the picture. Focus on the picture for a few minutes.
17. During pregnancy, the mother must visualise the personality she wants her child to take on. For example, Krishna, Ram, Arjun, spiritual leaders, etc. These qualities will definitely be present in the child’s character.
18. Avoid negativity.
19. Soapies, music, conversation or pictures that are associated with violence, sorrow, and sad moments should be avoided.