The Bouquet of Auspicious Moments

...in the lunar mansions of Mrigashira and Hasta. [The ritual uses] the white Arka flower. original: "shvetarka-pushpa" (Calotropis gigantea). This flower is sacred to the Sun and is used in the Simantakarma ritual for the health and vitality of the mother and child.

Leaving aside [inauspicious] lunar days, the Rite of Parting the Hair should be performed in the eighth or sixth month [of pregnancy]. [8]

Thus ends the Rite of Parting the Hair. term: Simantakarma The third major life-cycle ritual, performed during a first pregnancy. The husband ceremonially parts the wife's hair to ensure the mental health of the mother and the proper development of the fetus.

In the lunar mansions of Hasta, Ashwini, Pushya, Rohini, Mrigashira, Anuradha, Swati, original: "Pavana." This refers to the god of the Wind, who is the presiding deity of the Swati constellation. and Revati; original: "Antya," meaning "the last," a common name for the 27th and final lunar mansion, Revati. one should take the ritual bath on the third [day], on Sunday or Tuesday. original: "Bhanu-Bhaume" [One should] avoid the fifth, seventh, and sixth lunar days. original: "tyakta share vasara sapta shashti." The word "shara" (arrow) is a numerical code for the number five. [2]

Thus ends the Post-Birth Ritual Bath. term: Prasuti Snanam A ceremonial purification bath for the mother after delivery, marking her return to ritual purity and the end of the most restrictive period of postpartum seclusion.

Chitra...