Swarna Prashana

Get you child immunized in most natural way. Swarna Prashana is an ayurvedic way of vaccination for children. Get you child to Sparsh Ayurveda Indore which has facility of Swarna Prashana.

In today’s world everything which we are consuming in solid or liquid form is really not pure. Every item has got harmful side effects  on account of food being genetically modified or drinks chemically treated. Lifestyle has become mechanic with electronic distractions and unpredictable environment. It’s a big challenge for parents to have kids with strong immune system. 

One of the sixteen samskaras

Since ancient times, our ancestors passed their best practices of holistic lifestyle to their next generations. Over a period of time they became a ritual that got integrated into our day to day life now. These series of rituals are known as samskaras. They are connected with the major events of life such as pregnancy, childbirth, naming ceremony, education, marriage, etc. These samskaras enables us to live a complete fulfilling physical and spiritual life. 

Swarna Prashana is one of sixteen samskaras mentioned in ancient texts for paediatrics. It has since been practiced as a means of promoting an optimal level of health, intellectual and physical development, psychological balance and enhanced immunity in young children.

The purpose of Swarna Prashana bears great resemblance to today’s modern concept of vaccination which is given to prevent diseases by building immunity against invasive pathogenic microorganisms. However Swarna Prashana has no targeted purpose against any specific microorganisms or viruses as do vaccines but Swarna Prashana is said to act by improving the child’s overall immune response.

Swarna Prashana is also referred by names like Swarna Amruta Prashana, Swarna Prashana, Swarna Bindu Prashana or Suvarna Prashana. The literal meaning of Swarnma Prashana is “consumption of gold”. “Swarna” is sanskrit word meaning Gold and “Prashana” means consumption.

Origin and benefits

Acharya Kashyapa had coined the term “Swarna Prashana”.  It was first referred in the Kashyapa Samhita (around 650 BCE). Benefits of swarna Prashana is elaborated in “kashyapa samhita” that was written before 600 BC.

“ सुवर्णप्राशन हि एतत मेधाग्निबलवर्धनम्। आयुष्यं मंगलम पुण्यं वृष्यं ग्रहापहम् ।। मासात् परममेधावी क्याधिर्भिनर च धृष्यते। षड्भिर्मासै: श्रुतधर: सुवर्णप्राशनाद भवेत् ।। “

As clear from shloka that following benefits can be achieved through Swarna Prashana:

  • Medha (intellect)
  • Agni (digestive and metabolic power)
  • Bala (strength)
  • Aayush (gives long life)
  • Mangalam (auspicious)
  • Punyam (virtuous)
  • Vrushyam (aphrodisiac)
  • Varnya (increases complexion)
  • Grahapaham (eliminates the evil effects of planets)

Contents of Swarna Prashana

Swarna Prashana contains gold as the main ingredient. It is made into suvarna bhasma (Gold ash) through a special process because gold cannot be consumed in its metallic form. Gold is known to boost Immunity as well as enhance memory.

Another important ingredient present is honey. Honey is prepared by collection of pollen grains. Since pollen grains are known to cause allergic reactions, consumption of honey in very low doses is believed to gradually prepare the body to fight against allergens. Honey is also known to act against inflammation and improve digestion.

Ghee or Ghrita which is third important component of Swarna Prashana. Ghee acts as an effective medium in which herbal medications can be prepared. Ghee shows unique properties of acquiring the medicinal values of herbs added to it. It must be noted that Ghee has to be pure cow ghee to get right medicinal properties in Swarna Prashana.

Age for giving Swarna Prashana

First few years of life are important for the cognitive, emotional and physical growth of children. Scientific evidence suggests that if brain does not receive appropriate stimulation during the early years of life then it is very difficult to rewire itself at a later stage. Childhood is the period of growth spurts, which is considered to be until 16 years of age, as per Ayurvedic texts.

Why Swarna Prashana on Pushya Nakshatra Day

Acharya Kashyap mentioned east direction to which one should face, while preparing Swarna Prashana. Acharya Susrutha and Charaka mentioned usage of Swarna on Pushya Nakshatra  (a star in Hindu calendar).

It is considered as most auspicious Nakshatra among other. It is also called as “The Star of Nourishment”. The word itself translates to “Nourisher”. 

It is believed that all new works, started during this time, are fulfilled and give positive results. It is recommended that Swarna Prashana should be taken on Pushya Nakshatra.

Pushya Nakshatra is one of the most auspicious of the 27 nakshatras. If observed on the Pushya Nakshatra, the stars in the sky appear in an arrangement that that creates cow udder. Cow udder is associated with nourishment and so the Swarna Prashana is taken on Pushya Nakshatra to get optimum nourishment and benefits. Swarna Prashana can be consumed on any day, however the efficacy can vary and it may not be as effective as given on Pushya Nakshatra. As per ancient texts, the radiation and the medical potency is more in gold on this day and hence good day to administer any type of medicine prepared by gold. Maharshi Kashyap believed that different Gods and Evils are represented by different planets and they have their respective property and effect which will affect the children. As per modern science it is proved that every planet has a specific cosmic energy which will affect every creature in the world, so it is possible that as per their calculation and knowledge the Pushya Nakshtra has positive cosmic energy which will stimulate positive vibes in children.

When and how to give swarna prashana

As per Ayurvedic texts, Swarna Prashana should be administered or given to kid empty stomach on the day of Pushya Nakshtara. As per modern science also, it is proved that medicine gets absorbed properly in empty stomach. Medicine doesn’t get digested and absorbed if taken with food material which may cause adverse effect on the children.

Parents should face north and kid should face east while giving this drops. The child can be fed after 30 minutes. It’s better to avoid junk food this day.

Swarna Prashana can be given daily for one month (30 days) after which it should be given once a month on Pushya Nakshatra till age 16. Ideally Swarna Prashana should be started from Pushya Nakshatra day.

It’s always advised not to skip the Swarna Prashana to maintain the efficiency of the medicine. But if missed nothing harm. Even doctors don’t administer, if the child is critically ill or having some acute problems on that particular day.

Per dose of 1 drop of Swarna Prashana should be given till age of 5 years, 2 drops from 6 to 10 years and 3 drops from 11 to 16 years. However the dosage is decided by Ayurvedic physician basis weight and overall physical body structure of the kid.