Seemanta, which is more popularly known as Goda Bharai (गोद भराई) in modern India, is similar to a baby shower in the western world. Generally, Rasama of Goda Bharai is performed to pray for the good health of the mother and baby, and the safe delivery of the child.
Notes: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of Fairfield, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
All time intervals are categorized into three
Seemanta is also known as Seemantonnayana (सीमन्तोन्नयन) and Kusum Pratishta. Seemantonnayana means uplifting, elevating or upward raising of the brain or nourishing the brain. The ritual of husband grooming the hair of pregnant wife by dividing the hair into two can be considered as symbolic gesture of Seemantonnayana.
This event is celebrated across India under different names. It is known as Shrimantham in Andhra, Shaad in Bengal, Valaikappu in Tamil Nadu, Seemandham in Kerela, Dohalejewan in Maharashtra and Shrimanta in Gujarat.
For Goda Bharai, all considerations which are suggested for Punsavana are also suggested for Seemanta Sanskara. While Punsavana Sanskara is performed during 3rd month of pregnancy, Seemanta Sanskara is performed during 6th or 8th month of pregnancy.
Lord of the month of Pregnancy: The lord of the month of pregnancy should be strong in transit. Pregnancy lord should be in exaltation sign, own sign, friend's sign or in strong Navamsha.
Shukra is the lord of pregnancy during first month, Mangala is the lord of pregnancy during second month, Brihaspati is the lord of pregnancy during third month, Surya is the lord of pregnancy during fourth month, Chandra is the lord of pregnancy during fifth month, Shani is the lord of pregnancy during sixth month, Budha is the lord of pregnancy during seventh month, Lord of conception Lagna is the lord of pregnancy during eighth month, Chandra is the lord of pregnancy during ninth month, Surya is the lord of pregnancy during tenth month.
Nakshatra: Mrigashira (5), Punarvasu (7), Pushya (8), Hasta (13), Shravana (22), Mula (19) and all fixed Nakshatra i.e. Rohini (4), Uttara Phalguni (12), Uttara Ashadha (21), Uttara Bhadrapada (26) are considered good for Seemanta Sanskara.
Tithi: Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Trayodashi of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha are considered good for Seemanta Sanskara.
Days: Male weekdays i.e. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday are considered good for Seemanta Sanskara.
Lagna: Lagna of male signs i.e. Mesha (1), Mithuna (3), Simha (5), Tula (7), Dhanu (9), Kumbha (11) signs are considered good for Seemanta Sanskara.
Kundali: Benefic Graha in Kendra and Trikona i.e. in 1/4/7/10/5/9 houses and malefic Graha in 3/6/11 houses are considered good for Seemanta Sanskara.
Chandra and Tara Shuddhi: Proper Chandra and Tara Shuddhi for the pregnant woman should be done for Seemanta Sanskara.
It should be noted that Punsavana Sanskara is performed during 3rd month of pregnancy, Seemanta Sanskara i.e. Goda Bharai is performed during 6th or 8th month of pregnancy and Vishnu Puja is performed during 8th month of pregnancy.