Ayurveda – Garbhashay

Gharbhashay – home or refuge of the fetus. Interestingly, we equated the womb to a sacred, secret place where the divine work of creating life took place. We find a similar name given to the sanctum sanctorum in Hindu temples Garbha griha, where the deity is placed and only a select few are allowed. The Cambridge dictionary defines sanctum sanctorum as “the part of a building or organization where few people are allowed to go, especially where the most important or secret work is done” This gives us an insight into how pregnancy and the unborn child were viewed in Ayurveda. The womb is not just housing or holding space for the baby but a home or refuge. It provides the baby with a dynamic, interactive environment that supports not just physical nourishment and growth but a more holistic imprint of life to follow.