Which among the following is not a Pre-Natal Samskar ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The concept of *Samskaras* is central to traditional Hindu philosophy, representing 16 rites of passage that sanctify and mark the key stages of a person’s life, from conception until death. These rituals are broadly categorized by the stage of life they purify. The *Pre-Natal Samskaras* (before birth) are crucial ceremonies performed during pregnancy to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the child and mother. **Annaprashana**, literally meaning 'feeding of rice', is not a pre-natal rite. Instead, it is the first solid-food feeding ceremony performed after the child is born, usually between the fifth and eighth month of life, marking the transition from a liquid (milk) diet to solids. Therefore, it is classified as a *Post-Natal Samskara*.

The incorrect option is 1:
**Garbhadhan** is the very first Samskara and is performed at the time of conception. It is explicitly a pre-natal rite marking the beginning of the pregnancy.

The incorrect option is 2:
**Punsavan** is typically performed during the third month of pregnancy. Its purpose is to pray for a male child (in historical context) and ensure the health of the fetus, firmly placing it in the category of pre-natal ceremonies.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Simantonayan** (or Simanta) is performed during the fourth, sixth, or eighth month of pregnancy. It is a rite intended to keep the mother and child in good spirits and health, and is counted as one of the three major pre-natal Samskaras, along with Garbhadhan and Punsavan.