Suvarna Prashan Sanskar
“An Ayurvedic Immunization”
Suvarna prashan sanskar is one of the 16 essential rituals described in Ayurveda for children.
Suvarna prashana is the process of administering a semi-liquid mixture containing Suvarna bhasma (ash of gold) and other herbal extracts orally to children. This unique method in Ayurveda aims to enhance intellectual power and promote non-specific immunity against general disorders.
Ayurveda prioritizes prevention over cure, as reflected in the shloka:
“swasthasya swasthya rakshanam aaturasya vikara prashamanam,” emphasizing the maintenance of health before treating disorders. Unlike modern medicine’s approach of specific vaccines, Ayurveda focuses on boosting overall immunity for a holistic balance in physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects, as described by Maharishi Kashyapa in the Kashyapa Samhita. Suvarnaprashana is seen as a form of real immunization that not only enhances immunity but also acts as a brain tonic, improving memory, concentration, and IQ.
In his book Kashyapa Samhita, the world’s first Indian Pediatrician, Maharishi Kashyapa, extols the benefits of Suvarnaprashana with these Sanskrit verses:
सुवर्णप्राशन हि एतत मेधाग्निबलवर्धनम्, आयुष्यं मंगलमं पुण्यं वृष्यं ग्रहापहम्।
मासात् परममेधावी क्याधिभिर्न च धृष्यते, षडभिर्मासैः श्रुतधरः सुवर्णप्राशनाद् भवेत् ।।
(” Suvarnaprashana hi etath medhagnibalavardhanamm | Aayushyam mangalam punyam vrushyam grahapaham |
Maasat paramamedhave vyaadhirbhirnn cha dhrushyate | Shadbhirmaasai shrutdhar Suvarnaprashanad bhaveth ||”)
Translated, Maharishi Kashyapa asserts that Suvarnaprashana enhances intelligence, digestive fire, and physical power. It bestows a long, spiritual, holy, and saintly life. The practice provides rejuvenating effects and tones the skin, while also fortifying immunity to ward off bacterial and viral infections. Regular use ensures the child develops robust immunity, fostering intelligence and an exceptional memory.
Whom to administer:
Suvarna prashan can be given to age group of 0-16yrs.
Time of administration:
Suvarna prashan can be done daily early in the morning, or at least on every Pushya nakshatra- an auspicious day – which happens to come after every 27 days, given on this day it bestows excellent benefits.
Benefits of Suvarna Prashan:
Boosts Immunity: Suvarna Prashan is believed to enhance the immune system, helping the child resist infections and illnesses.
Improves Memory and Cognitive Function: Advocates suggest that regular administration of Suvarna Prashan may enhance memory, intelligence, and cognitive functions in children.
Promotes Physical and Mental Development: It is believed to contribute to the overall growth and development of the child, both physically and mentally.
Enhances Digestion: Suvarna Prashan is thought to have positive effects on the digestive system, promoting better absorption of nutrients and supporting overall digestive health.
Reduces Frequent Infections: Proponents claim that Suvarna Prashan may help reduce the frequency of common infections in children, such as colds and respiratory infections.
Supports Healthy Skin: The combination of gold and herbs is believed to contribute to healthy skin, possibly by reducing skin problems and allergies.
Balances Doshas: In Ayurveda, it is thought that Suvarna Prashan helps balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), promoting overall well-being.
Boosts Metabolism: Some proponents suggest that Suvarna Prashan may have a positive impact on metabolism, potentially aiding in better nutrient utilization.
Improves Concentration: It is believed that Suvarna Prashan can enhance a child’s ability to focus and concentrate, which may be beneficial for academic performance.
Minimizes Behavioral Issues: Proponents claim that the practice of Suvarna Prashan may help in minimizing behavioral issues and promoting a balanced and calm temperament in children.
Overall it makes child healthier, children taking Suvarna prashan doses regularly can be easily distinguished from their remarkably outstanding physical and mental ability.