________________
The Puranas on Sacramental, Ethical and Philosophical Planes
239
Supriiz 14 The purpose of the Dhļli rite is the safe growth and development of the foetus and, is enjoined to be performed in the seventh month from conception 15 Thercupon, the ninth month being proximate, the rite called Moda is to be performed for the nourishment of the embryo, 16 "On that occasion, the enceinte must be provided, by the best of the twice-born, with Galska-bandha (application of the mystical syllables on the limbs), auspicious decoration and protecting amulet (Rahşasīītra)."17 It nccds no mention that all the above mcasures show utmost care to be taken, by the guardian of the family, for the safety of the coming child as well as of its mother
Jalakarma
This ceremony occurs in the MP under the name of Priyodbhava (birth cf he beloved) As id ihc Brahmanical tradition, the rite is prescribed to be performed after the birth and bcfore the severing of the navel cord of the child.18 The formalities to be undergonc by the father are somewhat different from those enjoined by the Brahmanical authorities 10 However, the purpose of the ceremony is not at variance with the Brah. manical idea behind the sacrament
The most significant point to be noted with regard to the sacrament is the incorporation in the MP of a verse which has already been mentioned in the Mahabharata as a celebrated vedic Mantra to be recited by the Brahmanas (on behalf of the father) at the birthday ceremony of the child Just in the epic way, the Mahapuräna enjoins that for the long lifc of the child the father should pronounce the following benediction : "you
14 E TT HTË FEET ufafrodi
-Ibid , 38 80 15 Ibid , 38 82 16 12d, 38 83 17 तवेष्टो गात्रिकावन्धो मगल्य च प्रसाधनम् । रक्षासूत्रविधान च गभिण्या द्विजसत्तमै ॥
-Ibid , 33 84 18 MP 38 86-86, 40 108 133 19 Cf Hindu Samskäras, pp 89-98.
