Suvarnaprashan

Suvarnaprashan is an ancient Indian practice that has been around since the Vedic ages. Swarnaprashana involves giving a gold-based medicine to children for various health benefits.

When a child is born in our house, the doctors advise us to get vaccinated at different time periods to protect the health of the child. This basic idea of vaccination, modified in the near past, is in our ritual tradition since thousands of years, but we do not have knowledge of it. The ability to resist different diseases inside our body means that our immunity protects us from different diseases, and when this power is lost, then we become sick. The body itself tries to produce this ability, and the vaccine supports it.

Modern science extracts vaccines for many diseases, and further research is going on. This is a continuous work. Our Acharyas think about this principle thousands of years ago, and they found only one weapon, i.e. gold. And for this, they gifts us the Suvarnaprashan Sanskar. Suvarna means gold and Prashan means licking.

According to the Kashyapa Samhita, the term Suvarnaprashana refers to the administration of gold in combination with other herbs in a Leha/Prasha form. This practice involves administering leham made from a mixture of Ghrut, honey, and Suvarna Bhasma to children to improve their overall health and immunity.

The benefits of Swarnaprashana were described by the Maharshi Kashyapa in his Sanskrit book Kashyapa Samhita.

Why only gold?

Gold is the best metal for our body. It is not only for children, but it is equally effective and immunity boosting for all ages. That’s why gold has been important in our life for centuries. It is considered auspicious because of its significant effect on our physical and mental disorders, and its donation is considered the best.

Our forefathers have a clear understanding of how gold should enter our body. That’s why we have the practice of wearing pure gold ornaments, and sometimes elders scold for wearing fake jewelry. This is the reason why our kings and city-rich people used to eat food only in golden plates, so that the gold gets rubbed inside our body. Wearing gold ornaments, buying gold, donating gold, collecting gold, eating gold in a plate, it has been a very important point of view of our Acharyas that gold not only increases the immunity of the body but also increases our mental and intellectual capacity.

It is a very bright metal that protects the body, mind, and intellect. That’s why the economy of the whole world is dependent on gold. This is the sign of its importance in our life!

When and to whom the Golden Prashan Sanskar?

Suvarnaprashan is one of our 16 sacraments. In our country, when a child is born, there is a tradition of licking honey on his tongue or writing Om on his tongue with a silver rod (salai).

The basic form of this tradition means our Golden Prashan Sanskar. To lick the quantity of gold, i.e., gold prashan. We do this, but we do not understand it. How did it come and why did it come? We did not know what was its purpose and result. It is not a small thing to survive in any form even after centuries. Our Acharyas must have worked hard for that, only then it has reached us. But here we have never tried to understand, nor has anyone taken the trouble to explain.

Suvarnaprashan is made from a mixture of gold along with some Ayurvedic medicines, cow’s ghee, and honey. And starting from the day of birth, it should be licked throughout childhood or at least for six months. If we have missed it, then we can take advantage of it by starting anytime within childhood, i.e., till the age of 16 years. This is to confirm our tradition, people close to the child present only gold ornaments or gold things; Perhaps at that time, he would be offering only this Suvarnprashan.

Classical References for Suvarnaprashan:

• Kashyapa Samhita:

Lehadhyaya Chapter (Chapter on Linctus and Other Medications):

In the Kashyapa Samhita, Suvarnaprashan is described as a process of administering Swarna Bhasma (purified gold ash) along with other herbal ingredients to children.

This practice is recommended for enhancing immunity, improving digestion, enhancing cognitive functions, and overall growth and development of the child.

The text specifically mentions that when Suvarnaprashan is administered for a month, the child becomes highly intelligent, and if given for six months, the child becomes capable of retaining what is heard.

• Ashtanga Hridaya:

While Suvarnaprashan is more prominently detailed in the Kashyapa Samhita, the broader concept of Rasayana to which Suvarnaprashan belongs is discussed in other classical texts like the Ashtanga Hridaya.

Suvarnprashan Benefits:-

Swarnaprashana is made more effective when administered on the day of Pushya Nakshatra, which is believed to be an auspicious day for this practice.

Ghrut is one of the main ingredients of Swarnaprashana. Ghrut or any other Medhya ghrut like bramhi or according to condition of child personalized ghrut can be prepared. Honey is another important ingredient, and it has a cooling effect and is easily digestible. Suvarna Bhasma, which is the ash of gold, is the final ingredient. It has Rasayan properties and is good for treating fevers, hoarseness of voice, and tuberculosis.

It is recommended that Swarnaprashana be administered to children on an empty stomach to ensure maximum absorption. It is also important that the child faces east and the parent faces north while administering the drops.

Pregnant women can also benefit from Swarnaprashana, and it is recommended that they start taking it from the third month of pregnancy until the end of the sixth month.

Suvarnaprashan for kids

It is an ancient Ayurvedic formulation designed to boost immunity, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall well-being, especially in children. The proper dosage and method of administration are crucial for maximizing its benefits.

The specific formulation of Suvarnaprashan can vary, so it’s essential to follow the guidance of a knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioner for the best results.

The preparation involves a combination of various key ingredients. The typical ingredients used in Suvarnaprashan:

• Gold (Swarna)
  Form: Gold is used in form of Swarna Bhasma (Purified gold ash) prepared through a meticulous bhasma process to make it safe for ingestion.
  It enhances mental clarity, supports cognitive functions, and boosts immunity. Gold in its processed form is considered to have rejuvenative and health-promoting properties.

• Honey (Madhu)
  Form: Pure, raw honey.
  It acts as a carrier for the gold and other ingredients, improving absorption. Provides natural sweetness and has antimicrobial properties. Helps soothe the digestive tract and enhance the taste of the formulation.

• Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  Form: High-quality, pure cow ghee or medicinal ghee as per conditions
  It serves as a nourishing base and facilitates the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.Enhances the therapeutic properties of the other ingredients. Supports overall vitality, digestion, and assimilation of nutrients.

Suvarnaprashan formulations often include herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Vacha (Acorus calamus), all of which are well-documented in Ayurveda for their cognitive-enhancing properties:-

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
  Known for improving memory and cognitive function, Brahmi is believed to increase cerebral blood flow, reduce anxiety, and enhance synaptic communication. Known for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Supports memory, learning, and mental clarity. Acts as a nerve tonic and adaptogen.
• Vacha (Acorus calamus)
  Used for its neuroprotective effects, Vacha is thought to enhance cognitive abilities and mental clarity by modulating brain chemicals involved in mood and cognitive function. Enhances mental alertness and cognitive functions.Traditionally used for respiratory and digestive health.
• Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
  This herb is traditionally used to improve memory, attention, and concentration. Modern studies suggest it may modulate neurotransmitter levels, particularly acetylcholine, which is vital for learning and memory. memory, mental functions, and learning ability. Known for its calming effects on the nervous system.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  Acts as an adaptogen, helping the body cope with stress.Supports overall health, energy levels, and immune function.
• Pippali (Piper longum)
  Enhances the bioavailability and absorption of other herbs. Supports respiratory health and digestive function.

Depending on regional practices and specific formulations, other ingredients may be included.

What is the age limit for Suvarnaprashan?

The age limit for Suvarnaprashan is generally from birth to 16 years. Traditionally, Suvarnaprashan is recommended for infants starting from the first day of life, continuing up to the age of 6 months, as per classical Ayurvedic texts like Kashyapa Samhita. While it can be beneficial throughout childhood, it’s often emphasized during the first 6 to 12 years, when the child’s immune system and cognitive abilities are rapidly developing. Some formulations, like those enhanced with additional herbs, may be designed to be suitable for older children or even adults, but this would be guided by specific health needs and under the supervision of an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Suvarnaprashan Dosage and Method

Suvarnaprashan Ayurvedic Medicine

This practice is particularly beneficial for children as it helps in their nutrition, metabolism, growth and development, physical strength, and immunity.

Swarnaprashana is the only gold preparation with specific benefits based on the duration of administration. it can be safely administered to all children.

Studies have shown that Swarnaprashana can have positive effects on the digestive and immune system. It can even be given to infants, as their immune system is still developing and vulnerable to infections. It can also be administered to those with immunodeficiency states, provided there are no serious illnesses associated with it.

Gold is said to have nanoparticles, which can have health benefits. Swarna Bhasma, a gold-based medicine used in Swarnaprashana, is said to contain gold nanoparticles with crystallite size 28–35 nm and is 99% pure gold. Studies have shown that smaller particles of colloidal gold are absorbed more readily in the gastrointestinal tract.

Facts about Suvarnprashan

Nowadays many pharmacies and many unqualified people also give Suvarnaprashan in the market.

It is leham sanskar not dropper sanskar so ghrut honey and Suvarna are main ingredients which when mix thoroughly prepare authentic suvarnprasnh leham. It must include all ingredients for its effectiveness not just liquid drops with which suvarn will not get mix properly and if used settled at bottle which make its less effective. 

Those people feed only on one day in a month i.e. on the day of Pushyan Nakshatra or on that day according to their suitability. It is not possible to get the all benefit according to the above verse by feeding it only once in a month.

If you want to give your child or your loved one’s child from the time of birth, then order it in the last month of pregnancy and start from birth itself.

Suvarnaprashan Price

Sometimes many quacks sell bottles of Suvarnaprashan in such a quantity that it lasts for a month for just Rs.20-30 or Rs.100. How much gold will be used in 10 grams bottle at this price and how effective will it be? Even a single dose of 25mg of authentic Suvarna bhasma will cost Approx. for Rs. 400-500. Then what will you get in Rs.100 dose

The price of Suvarnaprashan varies due to a combination of factors, including the quality of ingredients, manufacturing processes, brand reputation, geographical factors, dosage forms, and the level of service provided. When choosing Suvarnaprashan, it is essential to consider not just the price but also the quality, authenticity, and the credentials of the provider to ensure that you are receiving a product that is safe and effective.