Abortion, known as Bhrūṇahatyā (भ्रूणहत्या) in Sanskrit, is considered a serious sin in Hinduism, as it is believed to involve the killing of a living being before birth. Various scriptures mention the consequences of this act and prescribe repentance (Prāyaścitta) rituals for atonement.
1. Abortion in Hindu Scriptures and Its Consequences
Several Hindu texts describe abortion as a grave sin:
• Manusmṛti (11.90-92): Declares that killing a fetus is equivalent to killing a Brahmin and results in severe karmic consequences.
• Garuda Purāṇa (Chapter 3): States that a person who commits abortion suffers in hell (Raurava Naraka) and is reborn with deformities.
• Yājñavalkya Smṛti (3.264): Lists abortion as one of the most heinous sins requiring severe penance.
• Karma Theory & Astrology: It is believed that the soul of an aborted fetus wanders restlessly, creating disturbances in the family’s karma. An afflicted Putra Karaka (Jupiter) or Ashwini, Magha, or Moola Nakshatra issues in a chart can sometimes indicate past karma of abortion.
2. Repentance (Prāyaścitta) Rituals for Abortion
For atonement, Hindu scriptures recommend specific purification rites. These include:
A. Recitation and Mantra-Based Remedies
1. Garbhapāpa Nāśaka Japa – Chanting of specific mantras for purification:
• Mṛtyuñjaya Mantra (108 times daily for 21 days) to free the soul of the unborn.
• Gāyatrī Mantra (1,000 times) for forgiveness and purification.
• Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 8, Verse 6 & 7): Chanting for release of the soul.
• Vishnu Sahasranama for spiritual purification.
B. Charitable Acts (Dāna)
1. Anna Dāna (Feeding the Poor) – Performing food donations on Amavasya (New Moon) helps pacify the soul.
2. Gau Dāna (Cow Donation) – Offering a cow to a temple or donating in its name is said to remove sins.
3. Deepa Dāna (Lighting 108 lamps on the riverbank) to seek divine forgiveness.
C. Specific Vedic Rituals
1. Pind Daan (Posthumous Ritual)
• Similar to Shrāddha but specifically for unborn children.
• Tarpana (water oblation) with sesame seeds is performed.
• Feeding Brahmins and giving food in the name of the child.
2. Narayan Bali & Tripindi Shrāddha
• Narayan Bali is a special ritual performed for the souls of those who died unnatural deaths, including abortion.
• Tripindi Shrāddha is done to release souls that are stuck between realms.
3. Rudra Abhishekam
• Offering water, milk, honey, and Bilva leaves to a Shiva Lingam is a powerful act of repentance.
4. Homam (Fire Rituals)
• Garuda Purāṇa Homam for removing the sins of killing.
• Rudra Homam to cleanse the karma.
3. Rituals for Miscarriage
Miscarriage (Garbha-Nāsha) is not considered a sin in Hinduism as it is often beyond human control. However, it is still recommended to do rituals to ensure the departed soul attains peace:
1. Tarpana and Pinda Daan – Water oblations for the soul.
2. Recitation of Durga Saptashati – Devi worship to remove doshas related to reproductive health.
3. Lighting Akhanda Deepa (an uninterrupted lamp) in the house for 9 days.
4. Planting a Tulsi Plant in memory of the unborn child.
4. Astrology-Based Remedial Measures
• Ashwini Nakshatra & Moola Nakshatra Dosha Remedies
• Worship Lord Ketu and Ashwini Kumaras for healing.
• Chanting Vishnu’s Name on Ekadashi
• Helps in karmic release.
• Worship of Lord Dattatreya
• Protects future pregnancies.
Conclusion
Hindu scriptures take abortion seriously, but they also provide numerous paths for atonement. The core principles behind these rituals involve self-purification, karmic cleansing, and ensuring the soul of the unborn finds peace. Miscarriage, on the other hand, is seen as a natural event and does not require as intense atonement. Instead, gentle rituals for the well-being of the departed soul are recommended.
-AK ASTROLOGY ✨
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