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[Queen Trishala and the Nourishment of Embryo
by the dream-readers. They resolved that if they got a son as prophesied by the dream-readers, they would give him the lucky name of Vardhamana ( Prosperous ) one who would be endowed with all good qualities. Trishala now became more care-full about the protection of embryo. She observed all the rules laid down by the scriptures in this connection. Her first concern was to improve her health. She took her meals in very small quantities several times in a day, she did not even touch heavy, bitter, acid, sour and tasteless food and she did not use those things for medicine even which were not meant for eatig or drinking. She was also particular about her dress. She did not wear tight clothes for she knew that if she did so the embryo would not grow, and it was quite probable that it might get displaced in the womb. She never allowed her thoughts to come under evil influences. Her ways of living were also ideal, she did not climb up or down high places, she did not run, jump or dance; and she kept herself aloof from all actions requiring bodily labour, because she knew it for certain that if she did so she might miscarry the child. She deliberately avoided feelings of sorrow, care, fear and anger, for they affect very deeply the mind and arteries of the embryonic child in the womb. She did not sleep in the day time for she knew that would give rise to bad feelings, uneasiness and dyspepsia. She walked very little and very slowly too, and slept soundly for complete ten hours at night. She never entwined her hair forcibly but combed and cleaned it again and again, so that the pores of skin might not be filled with dirt and pure water may pass easily through them. From the day of purity-bath she had as if taken a vow to remain cheerful, to decorate herself, and to put on pure white clothes. Her diet consisted chiefly
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