Ram Mandir Consecration Inspires Surge in Cesarean Deliveries Across India

Jaipur/Bhopal- The nation witnessed a notable surge in Cesarean section deliveries on January 22nd, paralleling the consecration of the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya. This significant day became a chosen milestone for many parents who decided to bring their newborns into the world, aligning the occasion with the Pran Pratishtha event of Ram Lalla. Notably, boys born on this day are frequently named Ram, while Siya and Janaki have become common names for girls born on this momentous day.

Monday, akin to Diwali, was celebrated with great enthusiasm as the nation marked the monumental event of Ram Lalla's Pran Pratishtha. Expectant mothers, facing medical complications that hindered normal deliveries and recommended C-sections, specifically opted for January 22nd as the auspicious day for childbirth.

A report from Dainik Bhaskar indicates that in Rajasthan alone, a significant number of parents requested cesarean operations on this particular date. In Udaipur's Government Panna Dhai Hospital under the RNT Medical College, a remarkable 13 C-sections were recorded alongside normal deliveries, portraying the widespread enthusiasm and alignment of this special day with the events in Ayodhya, Rajasthan Nursing Association District President, Udaipur Praveen Charpota conveyed The Mooknayak.

In Banswara civil hospital, five women underwent cesarean deliveries. The excitement among relatives was such that they decided to name the children Ram and Sita. In the midst of all this, three normal deliveries also took place. In total, 8 deliveries occurred at MG Hospital on Monday, including 5 girls and 3 boys.

In Ajmer, several couples had planned deliveries on January 22. The atmosphere in hospitals resonated with the spirit of Rama. More than 30 deliveries occurred in Bhilwara. In hospitals in Kota, more than 100 deliveries took place. Many families, considering it an auspicious day, scheduled cesarean deliveries on January 22. Hospitals were filled with joyous cries as girls were born, and families considered it the arrival of Mata Sita, while families with boys celebrated the arrival of Raghav, Raghu, and Rama.

In Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal, there were more than 150 deliveries in both government and private hospitals on January 22nd. On regular days, the number of deliveries ranges from 110 to 125, which is 20% higher than usual. During this time, some mothers opted for cesarean deliveries to give birth to their babies. In private hospitals, there were 6 deliveries, while government hospitals witnessed the birth of 3 babies.

Bhopal resident Surjeet Raykwar's wife gave birth to a baby boy at JK Hospital, through cesarean delivery. Surjeet mentioned that due to complications, the doctor had scheduled the delivery for the 24th, but they chose Monday 22nd, and the baby has been named after Rama.

Dr. Seema Dwivedi, a renowned expert from the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical College in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh highlighted a notable trend in a recent Economic Times report. According to her, a growing number of expectant mothers who specifically requested C-sections on their chosen delivery dates. This intriguing phenomenon seems to be influenced by a deeper cultural aspect rooted in the Indian mindset.

Experts specializing in family relationships suggest that consulting priests to understand the favourable influence of nakshatras (constellations) around the baby's expected arrival date is a common practice in Indian culture. Revathi, a respected writer based in Jaipur, asserts that it is a natural inclination for parents to seek alignment between such auspicious moments, creating a unique connection between childbirth, cultural beliefs, and the guidance of celestial influences.

An 85-year old retired teacher and activist, Sarojini Amma from Thiruvananthapuram, shares an insightful perspective. She notes that during the 'Noolkettu,' the initial ritual celebrated in Kerala 18 days after an infant's birth, grandparents traditionally whisper names into the child's ears. She observes that, commonly, names like Vishnu, Unni, Kannan and Shankar are chosen for boys, while Parvathi, Durga, or Lakshmi are favored for girls.

Drawing parallels with these cultural practices, Sarojini suggests that parents choosing the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta Mahotsav for childbirth or naming their children on Ram and Sita is a natural phenomenon. It reflects a cultural tendency to align significant events and celebrations with the birth of a child, much like the traditional naming ceremonies in Kerala.

Also Read-