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I shall now give the meanings and purpose of the principal samskaras.
Garbhadhana
We can call it the conception ceremony. There are certain do’s and don’ts during the "ritu" period of the woman I, which are of great psychological significance. The propitious day and time are fixed astrologically for Garbhadhana and the ritual follows a set pattern. The mantras uttered in this Samskara are essentially prayers offered to God to help the bride conceive a good son. The mantras make use of occasional metaphors of joint action. They can be freely translated thus: "May we produce strong and long-lived sons as fire is produced by friction; may he be well-behaved. I am part of God and I shall produce good sons to liberate my ancestors. May we beget shining, wealthy children. May we donate liberally to the needy and attain moksha. May God make you fit for conception. May Dhata, Tvashta and Ashvinis give beautiful shape to the child. O Vishnu let her deliver the child at the tenth month. Let the evil spirit flee from you. Let your child be free from defects like lameness, deafness etc. May more children follow. Be you like the divine Kamadhenu etc. "
Procreation is a compulsory duty enjoined on the Hindu to repay his triple debt, to Devas, rishis and manes except when either or both the partners are functionally unfit.
Author - V.A.K.Ayer
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