Significance of Unborn child

The concept of the "unborn child" encompasses various interpretations within Hinduism and other contexts. In Hinduism, it metaphorically illustrates growth and limits in altar construction. The Purana relates it to Rama's exile, while Kavya highlights the personal struggle of Queen Taradatta regarding societal preferences. In Vedanta, it denotes a fetus not yet born, and in Indian history, it symbolizes potential life. Science defines the unborn child as the developing fetus, which can also benefit from yoga.

Synonyms: Fetus, Embryo

In Dutch: Ongeboren kind; In Finnish: Syntymätön lapsi; In Spanish: Niño no nacido; In German: Ungeborenes Kind

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Unborn child'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the term "unborn child" symbolizes various concepts, including the circumstances of Rama's exile, natural growth, a fetus, and societal views regarding gender, as exemplified by Queen Taradatta's experiences with her child.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

(1) The child of Queen Taradatta, which brought her both joy and distress due to societal preferences for sons.[1]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

(1) A metaphor used to illustrate natural growth and limits in the context of altar construction, emphasizing proportionality.[2]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

(1) A fetus that is yet to be born.[3]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) The text uses the term 'unborn child' as a comparison to the reason for Rama's exile, questioning if he was sent away for a similar reason.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Unborn child in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "unborn child" relates to the concept of potential life, emphasizing themes of creation and possibility, reflecting the significance of life yet to be realized.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) A reference to potential life that has not yet been born, highlighting themes of creation and possibility.[5]