Suvarnaprasham

Suvarna Prashan sanskar is one of the 16 essential rituals described in Ayurveda for the wellbeing of an individual . Of the 16, four are done before birth of a baby, 11 from birth to death and 1  after death.
Suvarnaprashan is one among few sanskar's where specific medicine is advised to be introduced.

Process  : The process in which Suvarna bhasma (purified ash of gold) and fortified ghee are prepared with herbal extracts, and honey in liquid or semisolid form.

Whom to administer : Suvarna Prashan can be given to children in age group of 1 month -16yrs. If given at an early age the benefit's are more profound. 

Preparation and administration  : 
Each Suvarna prashan dose is to be mixed well with 1.5 to 2 times by volume honey [preferably ‘Cheru thean’]  and administered orally . 
The first dosage starts on Pushya nakshatra [Pooyam in malayalam] - An auspicious day which happens to come after every 27 days, to bestow excellent benefits. 

Time and duration of administration : 
Suvarna Prashan should be administered orally daily early in the morning.
Duration : 
Minimum usage : 30 days, Maximum Usage: 180 days

Suvarna prashan administration should be stopped after continuous six months usage and only a maintenance dose of once a month [On Pushya nakshatra ,Pooyam ] should be continued thereafter.

Benefits of Suvarna Prashan :

1) Suvarna Prashan increases immunity power and develops resistance against common infections, thus prevents children from falling ill very often.

2) It builds strength in children for physical activities, and also improves stamina for the same.

3) Regular doses of Suvarna Prashan improves child’s Intellect, Memory ,Grasping power, Analytic and Logical ability .

4) It kindles digestive fire, improves digestion and decreases stomach ailments.

5) Suvarna Prashan improves child’s appetite.

6) It helps to nurture early physical and mental development.
7) It develops an inbuilt strong defense mechanism in children which acts as a safety shield against diseases and complaints occurring due to seasonal change and during other prevailing infections.

8) It helps body to reduce recovery time in case of any illness.

9) It guards children from various allergies.

10) It protects children from ailments occurring during teething phase.

11) Tones up skin colour. 
Brings in good virtues and Increases lifespan.   
 

Reference of Suvarnaprashan in Ayurveda

 In Kashypa Samhita [An ancient classical Ayurveda text in Bala Chikitsa] the following verses are mentioned 
                                                                                                  ”
“Suvarnaprashan hi etat medhagnibalavardhanamm|
Aayushyam mangalam punyam vrushyam varnyam grahapaham||
Maasat paramamedhave vyaadhirbhirn nacha dhrushyate|
Shadbhirmaasai shrutdhar suvarnaprashanad bhavet||"

Swarna Prashan develops Medha (mental ability), Agni (digestive power), Bala (strength), Aayu vardhana  (prolonged life span).
It is also Mangalakara(brings good virtues in child, positive attitude in life, optimism, power to overcome mental and physical hardships, good fate), Vrushya (attractive nature and personality), Varnya(tones skin colour), Graha baadha nashaka(voids away associated evils). 

Duration & Benefits

Ayurveda mentions  minimum one month  to maximum six months  continuous dailydosage for the above benefits to manifest.

1 Month Continuous Dose
If suvarna prashana is done regularly for 1 month then child becomes intelligent and remains unaffected by any infective diseases.

6 Months Continuous
If taken continuously for 6 months regularly then child will be Shrutadhara [Excellent grasping power, able to memorise even with one hearing]