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Abstract
Intrauterine month wise foetal development is described from time ancient to time modern. Puranas are
the sacred Indian books containing the ancient history of gods, kings of different era. It not only contains
the history but the information about various rituals, noble code of conduct, philosophy of life, concept of
hell and heaven, worships and pilgrimage. There are some puranas like Agni and Garuda Purana which
have detail information about medical science also. But one thing which is surprisingly common among
all Puranas is the description of intrauterine month wise foetal development. Although the credit of
authoring all the Puranas goes to the Mahrshi Krishnadwaipayan vyasa, but there is little variation in
description of month wise foetal development in different puranas. In the present study mainly the
references from Shreemad Bhagwat Purana, Agni Puran, Padma Puran, Narad Puran and Markandeya
Puran are taken. Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine which also describes the month wise
foetal development. The description of intrauterine month wise foetal development matches with the
description given in the Ayurveda. But it also has astonishing similarity with the intrauterine month wise
foetal development given in modern medical science. How the ancient scientists came to know about the
intrauterine month wise foetal development in that era when there was no any technology to see inside the
abdomen is still remains unanswered. One possible answer could be the dissection of dead pregnant
women. But this does not solve the answer for intrauterine foetal development given in first month
wherein changes are very minute. Modern medical science has achieved a detailed and experimentally
verified understanding of embryogenesis and foetal development using ultrasonography, histology, and
molecular biology. However, the month wise descriptions given in Pauranik literature, when interpreted
scientifically and cautiously, show a structured understanding of intrauterine development. These
observations demonstrate that ancient scholars possessed systematic observational knowledge of foetal
growth, even without modern technological tools. Therefore, a comparative study of Pauranik month wise
foetal development with modern embryology is valuable. It enhances interdisciplinary understanding and
encourages respectful scientific evaluation of classical medical literature without exaggeration or
dismissal.
Keywords – Embryo, foetus, organogenesis
P
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH
Corresponding author: Dr. Subhash Waghe
Article Info: Published on : 15/01/2026
Impact Factor : 1.013
Critical Analysis of Pauranik Month wise Intrauterine Fetal Development
W.S.R To Modern Embryogenesis
Prof. Dr. Subhash Waghe
1
, Dr. Pratiksha Rathod
2
1
HOD – Dept. of Roga Nidana & Vikruti Vigyana SAM College of Ayurvedic Sciences , Raisen – 464 551 (MP)
2
HOD - Dept. of Streerog PrasutiRajendra Gode Ayurvedic Medical College, Amravati (MS)
Cite this article as: - Dr. Subhash Waghe (2026) ; Critical Analysis of Pauranik Month wise Intrauterine Fetal Development W.S.R
To Modern Embryogenesis;Inter .J. Dignostics and Research 3 (2) 80-91, DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 9 4 1 5
G
A
R
V
Issue : 02
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]
Volume : 03
Copyright @ : - Dr.Subhash Waghe Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID00100 |ISSN :2584-2757
81
Introduction :
Puranas are the sacred Indian books containing the
ancient history of gods, kings of different era. It not
only contains the history but the information about
various rituals, noble code of conduct, philosophy
of life, concept of hell and heaven, worships and
pilgrimage. There are some puranas like Agni and
Garuda Purana which have detail information about
medical science also. But one thing which is
surprisingly common among all Puranas is the
description of intrauterine month wise foetal
development. Although the credit of authoring all
the Puranas goes to the Maharshi
Krishnadwaipayan Vyasa, but there is little
variation in description of month wise foetal
development in different puranas. In the present
study mainly the references from Shreemad
Bhagwat Purana, Agni Puran, Padma Puran, Narad
Puran and Markandeya Puran are taken. Ayurveda
is the ancient Indian system of medicine which also
describes the month wise foetal development. The
astonishing similarity of description of intrauterine
month wise foetal development given in Puranas
science poses certain questions. The answer about
how the ancient scientists came to know about the
intrauterine month wise foetal development in that
era when there was no any technology to see inside
the abdomen is still remains elusive. One possible
answer could be the dissection of dead pregnant
women. But this does not solve the answer for
intrauterine foetal development given in first month
wherein changes are very minute. Modern
embryology explains that development begins with
fertilization, followed by sequential cell divisions
of the zygote resulting in cleavage, morula
formation, blastocyst development, implantation,
gastrulation, and formation of the three germ
layers, along with early segmentation of the body
during the first month of gestation. A comparable
concept of transformation of the fertilized ovum is
observed in Pauranik texts, where the embryo
undergoes progressive morphological changes
described using descriptive terms such as Kalala
(jelly like), Budbuda (Bubble like), and Peshi (solid
fleshy). Modern medical science has achieved a
detailed and experimentally verified understanding
of embryogenesis and foetal development using
ultrasonography, histology, and molecular biology.
However, the month wise descriptions given in
Pauranik literature, when interpreted scientifically
and cautiously, show a structured understanding of
intrauterine development.
Material And Method :
Literary method of research is adopted in present
study. All the related references from ancient and
modern sciences are explored to come to some
logical conclusion.
Review Of Literature :
Foetal Development As Per Agni Purana
[1]
As per Agnipurana, foetal development occur as
follows :
Embryonic Growth In First Month:
In the first month, the embryo is in the form of
semisolid drop (Prathame Kalala).
Embryonic Growth In Second Month :
In the second month, embryo gets hardened
(Dwitiye Ghanibhutam).
Foetal Growth In Third Month :
In the third month, body parts like hands, feet start
appearing (Trutiye Sharir AvayavaHa).
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Foetal Growth In Fourth Month:
In the fourth month, bones, muscles, Skin become
prominent (Chaturthe Asthi Mans Twak).
Foetal Growth In Fifth Month :
In the fifth month, hairs appear (Panchame Roma).
Foetal Growth In Sixth Month :
In the sixth month, foetus starts activating
(Shashthe Cetana).
Foetal Growth In Seventh Month:
In the seventh month, foetus experiences, pain. The
hands are folded near the head. The head is bent
(flexed). Foetal activity can be noticed. Foetus is
covered in thin membranous sac. Male child
acquires, right occipito anterior position. Female
child acquires left occipito anterior position.
Whereas eunuch foetus acquires transverse position
in the uterus. Foetus continues to receive nutrition
from mother.
Foetal Growth In Eighth Month:
In the eighth month, the coitus done during eighth
month, irritates the foetus. The exertion on the part
of mother also makes the foetus uncomfortable. If
mother gets diseased then foetus also feel the
agony.
Foetal Growth In Nineth Month :
In the third month, during ninth month, due to the
excessive contractions (Prabal Sutika Vata), foetus
forcibly gets expelled out of the uterus through
vagina.
[1]
Foetal Development :
As Per Bhagwat Puran
[2]
As per acharya Kapila (Sankhya Muni), the foetus
take birth through the union of sperm and ovum
into the womb of a mother as per the deeds of past
life.Acharya Kapil Muni had given the Garbha
Masanumasik Vruddhi as under :
Embryonic Growth In First Month :
In the first month, the zygote in 1 night takes the
form of ‘kalal’ and in five nights it takes the form
‘Budbuda’ (Bubble). In 10 nights, it becomes hard
like plum seed and hard muscular organ. In 1
month, head start appearing.
Embryonic Growth In Second Month :
In the second month, hands and feet appear and
differentiation of organ starts.
Foetal Growth In Third Month:
In the third month, hairs, bones, skin, and genital
organs become prominent.
Foetal Growth In Fourth Month:
In the fourth month, all 7 dhatus gets prominent.
Foetal Growth In Fifth Month:
In the fifth month, foetus feels hunger and thirst
Foetal Growth In Sixth Month:
In the sixth month, foetus starts moving in the
womb. That time the nourishment from mother,
nourishes all the tissues of foetus. He passes
meconium. Mother’s hot, pungent, salty food,
irritates the foetus.
Foetal Growth In Seventh Month:
In the seventh month, At the start of 7
th
month,
foetus starts feeling the irritation and wants to get
out because of mild contractions. The foetus in the
womb gets upside down with his head towards the
vaginal opening of the mother towards the end of
7
th
month.
Foetal Growth In Eighth Month:
In the eighth month,
Foetal Growth In Nineth Month:
In the ninth month, as soon foetus completes the 9
months and starts the 10
th
month, the contractions
(Suti Marut) expel (Kshipati) the foetus out of
mother’s body.
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On landing the earth, foetus is surrounded by the
blood and stool and becomes restless. At that time
his breath stops for some time and then he/she cries
loudly.
[2]
Foetal Development :
As Per Narad Purana
[3]
As per Narada mnuni, foetal development occur as
follows :
Foetal Growth In First Month :
In the first month, after the fertilization of egg by
sperm in the uterus, on the 5
th
day, fertilized egg
becomes semisolid jelly like (Kalal). After 15 days,
it becomes like oval piece of flesh (Palala). On
completion of 1 month, it becomes fleshy oval
piece of the size of index finger (Pradesh matra)
i.e. 6 cm.
Foetal Growth In Second Month:
In the second month, embryo takes the form of
foetus.
Foetal Growth In Third Month:
In the third month, body parts like hands, feet and
other organs are expressed fully.
Foetal Growth In Fourth Month:
In the fourth month, differentiation of all organs
becomes evident.
Foetal Growth In Fifth Month:
In the fifth month, nails are sprouted.
Foetal Growth In Sixth Month:
In the sixth month, the nail bed is differentiated and
foetus continue to get nutrition from the umbilical
cord.
[3]
:
Foetal Development :
As Per Padma Purana
[4]
Embryonic Growth In First Month
In the first month, the zygote in 1 night takes the
form of ‘kalala’ and in five nights it takes the form
‘
Budbuda’ (Bubbles). At the end of 1 month, head,
neck, spine, shoulder and abdomen start appearing.
Embryonic Growth In Second Month:
In the second month, hands and feet, ribs, lumbar
appears and the whole body gradually appears at
the end of second month.
Foetal Growth In Third Month:
In the third month, all body joints start appearing.
Foetal Growth In Fourth Month:
In the fourth month, all fingers and organs appear.
Foetal Growth In Fifth Month:
In the fifth month, nose, ears, face becomes
prominent.
Foetal Growth In Sixth Month:
In the sixth month of foetal life, enamel, holes in
nose and ear becomes prominent.
Foetal Growth In Seventh Month:
At the start of 7
th
month, foetal life, anus, penis,
scrotum, and all joints of the body becomes
prominent.
Foetal Growth In Eighth Month:
In the eighth month, all the organs get
differentiated along with head and scalp hairs.
Foets continue to receive nutrition from mother via
umbilical cord.
[4]
Foetal Development :
As Per Markandeya Purana
[5]
The sperm ejaculated during intercourse unite with
the ovum to form the zygote. Then this zygote goes
through the transformation in shapes from Kalala
(Semisolid jelly), Budbud (like cluster of Bubbles),
Peshi (Flesh like). As like the embryo sprout from
the seed, the rest of the organs like fingers, legs,
eyes, nose, ears, mouth, skin, nails, hairs sprout
from this embryo. The embryo grows as foetus in a
sac and get nutrition from the mother through
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umbilical cord.
Foetal Position In Womb As Per Markandeya
Purana:
As like coconut, the foetus stays upside down
(Occipito anterior) in the intrauterine life and
grows. It’s both thighs and knees lie together and
hands stays inside the thighs and knees. Thumb is
upward and fingers stay in front of the thighs. Eyes
remain on the knee joint and nose in the middle of
the thighs. Both arms are adjacent to the lateral of
the thighs. Staying in this position, foetus grows in
intrauterine life. Foetus gets nutrition from mother
though umbilical cord.
[5]
Foetal Development :
As Per Modern Science
[6] [7]
As per the modern science, in first month
embryonic developments takes place as follows :
1
st
Month (4 Weeks old Foetus):
During 1
st
week, Zygote undergoes cell division
producing cluster of cells of same size but no
significant growth. This stage is called as cleavage
which converts into morula and blastocyte stage.
The 4 cell divisions lead to solid ball of 16 cells
which is termed as morula. The 7 clevage / cell
division leads to the formation of dense ball of 128
cells which is termed as blastula. After this,
rotational arrangement of blastomeres leads to the
formation of blastocyte. This blastocyte gets
implanted into the uterine wall signalling the
formation of embryo. During 2
nd
week, blastocyte
undergoes trophoblaste stage with implantation in
uterine wall and with outer cell layer
(tropoectoderm) and inner cell mass (endoblast).
Fluid collects between outer and inner mass and the
morulla is converted into vesicle called as the
blastodermic vesicle. Thus. embryo becomes
bilaminar. The cells of trophoblast do not
contribute in the formation of embryo proper but
they contribute in formation of ectoderm of chorion
and placenta. During 3
rd
week, blastoderm becomes
trilaminar with 3 layers. This stage characterizes
with notochord, gastrulation, somitogenesis and
neurogenesis. Somitogenesis begins with the
formation of somitomeres (whorls of the concentric
mesoderm) from which future somites (primitive
segments) are produced. These tissue blocks,
differentiates into skeletal muscle, vertebrae and
dermis of all vertebrae. During gastrulation, cells
migrate to the interior of the blastula producing 3
distinct germ layers as outer ectoderm, middle
mesoderm and inner endoderm. Each of the layer
give rise to certain tissues of the body. Neural fold,
head fold and cardiac primordium also starts
growing.During 4
th
week, heart, pharyngeal arches
start developing.Embryo is of the size of poppy
seed (2 mm or 0.08 inch)
2
nd
Month (8 Weeks old Foetus) :
As per the modern science, in second month
embryonic developments takes place as follows :
During 5
th
week, rudiments of liver, gut starts
developing, leg buds, nasal plate and hand plate
start growing.During 6
th
week early face starts
developing. Auricular and foot plate start growing.
Fingers start sprouting.During 7
th
week, head and
limb starts developing. Ossification commences,
straightening of trunk occur. 8
th
week marks the
last stage of embryonic development. Upper
limbs become longer and bent at elbow. Hands and
feet turn inward. Eyelids and external ear start
appearing. Head becomes round. After this stage
embryo is called as foetus.
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3rd Month (8 - 12 Weeks old Foetus):
As per modern science, from 3
rd
month onwards,
embryo is called as foetus with all body parts which
start growing simultaneously.
• Foetus become 2-4 inches long
• Weighs 29 – 30 g
• All body parts start growing simultaneously.
• The arms, hands, fingers, feet and toes are
fully formed
4
th
Month (12 - 16 Weeks old Foetus):
• Foetus is 4 -5 inches
• Weighs 113- 141 grams
• Heart and blood vessels are fully formed
• Reproductive organs start developing Hairs
start growing, bones become denser
• Eyes and Ear start growing
• Fingers & toes are well defined
5
th
Month (16 - 20 Weeks old Foetus):
• Foetus is 10 inches long
• Weighs ½ to 1 pound
• Develops muscles & exercises them
• Foetal movements called quickening
• Nails are formed
• Eyes and Eyebrows become prominent
6
th
Month (20 - 24 Weeks old Foetus):
• Foetus is 12 inches long
• Weighs 907 gm
• Finger toe prints are visible
• Opens eyes
• Responds to sound by moving
7
th
Month (24 -28 Weeks old Foetus):
• Foetus is 14 inches long
• Weighs 1.5 to 2 kg
• Matures further
8
th
Month (28 - 32 Weeks old Foetus):
• Foetus is 18 inches long
• Weighs 2.5 Kg
• Develops further
• Most Internal systems are developed
• Can see & hear
9
th
Month (32 - 36 Weeks old Foetus):
• Foetus is 17 – 19 inches
• Weighs 2.5 to 3.5 Kg
• Mature further
• Baby respond to sound, light, touch
• lungs area almost mature
[6] [7]
Observations & Results :
Sr.
1
st
Month
Agni
Puran
the embryo is in the form of
semisolid drop (Prathame Kalala)
Bhagwat
Puran
zygote in 1 night takes the form of
‘kalal’ and in five nights it takes
the form ‘Budbuda’ (Bubble). In
10 nights, it becomes hard like
plum seed and hard muscular
organ. In 1 month, head start
appearing.
Padma
Puran
zygote in 1 night takes the form of
‘kalal’ and in five nights it takes
the form ‘Budbuda’ (Bubbbles).
At the end of 1 month, head, neck,
spine, shoulder and abdomen start
appearing.
Narad
Puran
after the fertilization of egg by
sperm in the uterus, on the 5
th
day,
fertilized egg becomes semisolid
jelly like (Kalal). After 15 days, it
becomes like oval piece of flesh
(Palala). On completion of 1
month, it becomes fleshy oval
piece of the size of tip of index
finger (Pradesh matra) i.e. 1.5 cm.
(Half inch)
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Sr.
1
st
Month
Markandeya
Puran
The sperm ejaculated during
intercourse unite with the ovum to
form the zygote. Then this zygote
goes through the transformation in
shapes from Kalala (Semisolid
jelly), Budbud (like cluster of
Bubbles), Peshi (Flesh like).
Modern
Medical
Science
During 1
st
week, Zygote
undergoes cell division producing
cluster of cells of same size but no
significant growth. This stage is
called as cleavage which converts
into morula and blastocyte stage.
The 4 cell divisions lead to solid
ball of 16 cells which is termed as
morula. The 7 clevage / cell
division leads to the formation of
dense ball of 128 cells which is
termed as blastula. After this,
rotational arrangement of
blastomeres leads to the formation
of blastocyte. This blastocyte gets
implanted into the uterine wall
signaling the formation of embryo.
During 2
nd
week, blastocyte
undergoes trophoblaste stage with
implantation in uterine wall and
with outer cell layer
(tropoectoderm) and inner cell
mass (endoblast). Fluid collects
between outer and inner mass and
the morulla is converted into
vesicle called as the blastodermic
vesicle. Thus. embryo becomes
bilaminar.
During gastrulation, cells migrate
to the interior of the blastula
producing 3 distinct germ layers as
outer ectoderm, middle mesoderm
and inner endoderm. Each of the
layer give rise to certain tissues of
the body. Neural fold, head fold
and cardiac primordium also start
growing.
During 4
th
week, heart, pharyngeal
arches start developing.
Sr.
2
nd
Month
Agni
Puran
embryo gets hardened (Dwitiye
Ghanibhutam)
Bhagwat
Puran
hands and feet appear and
differentiation of organ starts.
Padma
Puran
hands and feet, ribs, lumbar
appears and the whole body
gradually appears at the end of
second month.
Narad
Puran
embryo takes the form of foetus.
Markandeya
Puran
As like the embryo sprout from
the seed, the rest of the organs
like fingers, legs, eyes, nose,
ears, mouth, skin, nails, hairs
sprout from this embryo.
Modern
Medical
Science
During 5
th
week, rudiments of
liver, gut starts developing, leg
buds, nasal plate and hand plate
start growing.During 6
th
week
early face starts developing.
Auricular and foot plate start
growing. Fingers start sprouting.
During 7
th
week, head and limb
start developing. Ossification
commences, straightening of
trunk occur. 8
th
week marks the
last stage of embryonic
development. Upper limbs
become longer and bent at
elbow. Hands and feet turn
inward. Eyelids and external ear
start appearing. Head becomes
round. After this stage embryo
is called as foetus.
Sr.
3
rd
Month
Agni
Puran
body parts like hands, feet start
appearing (Trutiye Sharir
AvayavaHa)
Bhagwat
Puran
hairs, bones, skin, and genital
organs become prominent.
Padma Puran
all body joints start appearing.
Narad
Puran
body parts like hands, feet and
other organs are expressed fully.
Markandeya
Puran
The embryo grows as foetus in a
sac and get nutrition from the
mother through umbilical cord.
Modern
Medical
Science
All body parts start growing
simultaneously.The arms, hands,
fingers, feet and toes are fully
formed
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Sr.
4th Month
Agni
Puran
bones, muscles, Skin become
prominent (Chaturthe Asthi Mans
Twak).
Bhagwat
Puran
all 7 dhatus gets prominent.
Padma
Puran
all fingers and organs appear
Narad
Puran
differentiation of all organs
becomes evident.
Markandeya
Puran
Modern
Medical
Science
Heart and blood vessels are fully
formed
Reproductive organs start
developing hairs start growing,
bones become denser
Eyes and Ear start growing
Fingers & toes are well defined
Sr.
6th Month
Agni
Puran
foetus starts activating (Shashthe
Cetana)
Bhagwat
Puran
foetus starts moving in the womb.
That time the nourishment from
mother, nourishes all the tissues
of foetus. It passes meconium.
Mother’s hot, pungent, salty food,
irritates the foetus.
Padma Puran
enamel, holes in nose and ear
becomes prominent.
Narad
Puran
the nail bed is differentiated and
foetus continue to get nutrition
from the umbilical cord.
Markandeya
Puran
Modern
Medical
Science
Finger toe prints are visible.
Opens eyes.
Responds to sound by moving
Sr.
7
th
Month
Agni
Puran
Foetus experiences, pain. The
hands are folded near the head.
The head is bent (flexed). Foetal
activity can be noticed. Foetus is
covered in thin membranous sac.
Male child acquires, right occipito
anterior position. Female child
acquires left occipito anterior
position. Whereas eunuch foetus
acquires transverse position in the
uterus. Foetus continues to receive
nutrition from mother.
Bhagwat
Puran
foetus starts feeling the irritation
and wants to get out because of
mild contractions. The foetus in
the womb gets upside down with
his head towards the vaginal
opening of the mother towards the
end of 7
th
month.
Padma
Puran
anus, penis, scrotum, and all joints
of the body becomes prominent.
Narad
Puran
----
Markandeya
Puran
As like coconut, the foetus stays
upside down (Occipito anterior) in
the intrauterine life and grows. It’s
both thighs and knees lie together
and hands stays inside the thighs
and knees. Thumb is upward and
fingers stay in front of the thighs.
Eyes remain on the knee joint and
nose in the middle of the thighs.
Both arms are adjacent to the
lateral of the thighs.
Modern
Medical
Science
Matures further
Sr.
8
th
Month
Agni
Puran
coitus done during eighth month,
irritates the foetus. The exertion on
the part of mother also makes the
foetus uncomfortable. If mother
gets diseased then foetus also feel
the agony.
Bhagwat
Puran
passes meconium
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Sr.
8
th
Month
Padma
Puran
all the organs get differentiated
along with head and scalp hairs.
Foetus continue to receive
nutrition from mother via
umbilical cord
Narad
Puran
-----
Markandeya
Puran
Staying in this position, foetus
grows in intrauterine cavity.
Foetus gets nutrition from mother
though umbilical cord.
Modern
Medical
Science
Most Internal systems are
developed.Can see & hear
Sr.
9
th
Month
Agni
Puran
due to the excessive contractions
(Prabal Sutika Vata), foetus
forcibly gets expelled out of the
uterus through vagina
Bhagwat
Puran
the contractions (Suti Marut) expel
(Kshipati) the foetus out of
mother’s body.
Padma
Puran
----
Narad
Puran
----
Markandeya
Puran
----
Modern
Medical
Science
respond to sound, light, touch
lungs area almost mature
Discussion :
Ancient Pauranik descriptions of month wise
intrauterine foetal development, when critically
examined in the light of modern embryology,
reveal several areas of conceptual similarity as well
as certain differences.
[1-5]
Modern medical science
studies early human development in a detailed
weekly manner, especially during the embryonic
period, whereas Pauranik literature presents the
same developmental events broadly on a monthly
basis
[1-4]
. This difference in time scale reflects
variation in observation methods rather than a
contradiction in biological understanding.
Modern embryology explains that development
begins with fertilization, followed by sequential
cell divisions of the zygote resulting in cleavage,
morula formation, blastocyst development,
implantation, gastrulation, and formation of the
three germ layers, along with early segmentation of
the body during the first month of gestation.
[6,7]
A
comparable concept of transformation of the
fertilized ovum is observed in Pauranik texts, where
the embryo undergoes progressive morphological
changes described using descriptive terms such as
Kalala, Budbuda, and Peshi.
[1–5]
According to Bhagavata Purana, the fertilized
ovum attains a jelly like consistency termed Kalala
within one night, transforms into a bubble-like
structure Budbuda within five nights, and becomes
firm and seed like within ten nights.
[2]
By the end
of the first month, the beginning of head formation
is described
[2]
Padma Purana further adds that
structures such as neck, spine, shoulders, and
abdomen also begin to appear during the same
period
[4]
These descriptions correspond broadly
with the stages of cleavage, blastocyst formation,
implantation, and early organ primordia formation
described in modern embryology during the first
four weeks of gestation
[6,7]
The terms Kalala and Budbuda can be correlated
conceptually with early cleavage and blastocyst
stages, as both represent a soft, semi fluid, and
undifferentiated state of the embryo
[2,4,5]
Bhagavata
Purana also mentions that the embryo becomes firm
and seed like by the end of the second week, which
may be compared with trophoblastic development
and implantation, although the terminology differs
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[2]
Thus, even though Pauranik science presents
development in a narrative and descriptive form,
the underlying biological sequence aligns with
modern embryological events
[6,7]
Narada Purana uniquely mentions the size of the
embryo at the end of the first month, describing it
as Pradesh Matra, equivalent to the tip of the index
finger.
[3]
This size is larger than what is described
in modern embryology, where the embryo at four
weeks measures approximately two millimeters.
[6]
This discrepancy may be attributed to the absence
of precise measuring tools in ancient times, reliance
on gross estimation, or symbolic expression rather
than exact measurement.
[3]
It should not be
interpreted as a literal anatomical measurement.
Therefore, this variation does not invalidate the
developmental concept described.
Modern embryology states that the embryonic
period ends at the completion of eight weeks, after
which the developing organism is termed a foetus
[6,7]
During the second month, limb buds elongate,
facial features begin to form, external ears and
eyelids appear, and early ossification starts
[6]
Padma Purana describes the appearance of hands,
feet, ribs, lumbar region, and gradual formation of
the whole body during the second month
[4]
Narada
Purana clearly states that the embryo attains foetal
form at the end of the second month
[3]
This directly
corresponds with the modern medical classification
of transition from embryo to foetus at eight weeks
[6]
The accuracy with which this transition is described
in Pauranik literature is notable
[1,4]
However, it is
important to interpret this cautiously and
scientifically. These descriptions may have arisen
from careful observation of aborted foetuses,
stillbirths, or anatomical studies available at that
time, rather than technological visualization
[1,5]
Such observational knowledge was common in
ancient medical traditions.
In the third month, modern medical science
explains that all major body parts are formed and
begin to grow proportionately
[6]
Fingers and toes
are well differentiated, and external genitalia begin
to show early development
[6]
Bhagavata Purana
mentions prominence of hair, bones, skin and
genital organs during this month.
[2]
Narada Purana
also notes full expression of limbs and organs.
[3]
Padma Purana describes the appearance of all body
joints.
[4]
These observations show close agreement
with the organogenesis and differentiation
described in modern embryology during the third
month
[6,7]
During the fourth month, modern science states that
the cardiovascular system becomes well
established, bones become denser, muscles
develop, and sensory organs continue maturation
[6]
. Padma Purana mentions complete appearance of
fingers and organs
[4]
. Agni Purana highlights
prominence of bones, muscles and skin
[1]
, while
Narada Purana emphasizes clear differentiation of
organs (3). Both systems therefore agree that the
fourth month represents a phase of structural
consolidation and functional maturation
[1,3,4,6]
In the fifth month, modern medicine identifies
foetal movements perceived by the mother as
quickening, along with nail formation and
development of facial features.
[6]
Pauranik texts
similarly describe nail formation, development of
facial structures, and appearance of hair.
[1.4]
Bhagavata Purana uniquely mentions the
experience of hunger and thirst by the foetus during
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this period.
[2]
From a modern perspective, this may
be interpreted as increased neuromuscular activity
and sensory responsiveness, which manifests
clinically as foetal movements.
[6]
Thus, although
the expression differs, the physiological implication
appears comparable.
Modern science notes that during the sixth month,
the foetus responds to sound, opens its eyes, and
exhibits increased motor activity.
[6]
Agni Purana
and Bhagavata Purana both describe increased
foetal movement during this period.
[1,2]
Bhagavata
Purana also mentions passage of meconium, which
aligns with gastrointestinal maturation known in
later gestation.
[2]
Padma Purana refers to
development of enamel and nasal openings,
indicating continued differentiation of sensory and
skeletal structures.
[4]
These observations show
parallel understanding of advancing foetal activity
and maturation.
From the seventh to ninth months, modern
obstetrics describes progressive maturation of
internal organs, development of sensory perception,
and assumption of cephalic presentation.
[6]
Agni
Purana describes flexed posture of the foetus,
folded limbs, perception of discomfort, and active
movement.
[1]
Markandeya Purana gives a
remarkably detailed description of foetal posture in
utero, closely resembling the modern description of
flexed occipito anterior position
[5]
Such
descriptions strongly suggest careful anatomical
observation.
Some Pauranik texts mention gender based foetal
positions.
[1]
This aspect does not currently have
scientific validation and requires cautious
interpretation. It may represent symbolic or
observational assumptions rather than biological
law. Therefore, such statements should be viewed
as descriptive traditions rather than established
physiological principles.
Bhagavata and Agni Purana describe increasing
uterine contractions and expulsion of the foetus
during the ninth month, which corresponds with the
modern understanding of parturition initiated by
hormonal and mechanical factors after foetal
maturity
[1,2]
Modern obstetrics explains that labour
may begin after thirty-six weeks due to oxytocin
signaling and uterine stretch, supporting the general
concept described in ancient texts
[6]
Modern medical science has achieved a detailed
and experimentally verified understanding of
embryogenesis and foetal development using
ultrasonography, histology, and molecular biology
.
[6,7]
However, the month wise descriptions given in
Pauranik literature, when interpreted scientifically
and cautiously, show a structured understanding of
intrauterine development.
[1,5]
These observations
demonstrate that ancient scholars possessed
systematic observational knowledge of foetal
growth, even without modern technological tools.
Therefore, a comparative study of Pauranik month
wise foetal development with modern embryology
is valuable
[6,7]
. It enhances interdisciplinary
understanding and encourages respectful scientific
evaluation of classical medical literature without
exaggeration or dismissal. Such studies should
always maintain critical reasoning, anatomical
accuracy, and modern scientific validation.
Conclusion :
Month-wise Intrauterine Foetal development is
very well described in ancient Indian Pauranik
literature showing structured understanding of
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intrauterine development. On comparative analysis,
it is concluded that the Pauranik description of
Month-wise Intrauterine Foetal development
matches with the modern scientific description with
reasonable accuracy. Such type of study is required
to promote interdisciplinary understanding for
respectful scientific evaluation of classical medical
literature
References :
1. Krishna Dwaipayan Vyasa, Agni Purana,
Chapter no. 369, verse no. 16-18, 6th reprint
edition, Gitapress Gorakhpur 730005, 2005,
pg. 813
2. Krishna Dwaipayan Vyasa, Shreemad
Bhagwad Purana, Chapter no. 31, verse no.
1-10 and 22-24, 6th reprint edition,
Gitapress Gorakhpur 730005, 2005, pg.
307-309
3. Krishna Dwaipayan Vyasa, Narad Purana,
Chapter no. 23, verse no. 9-12, 6th reprint
edition, Gitapress Gorakhpur 730005, 2005,
pg. 120
4. Jayadayal Goyadanka (editor), Padma Puran
of Krishna Dwaipayan Vyasa, chapter
66/30-38, 29th reprint edition, published by
Geetapress, Gorakhpur – 273005, 2011, pg.
302-303
5. Krishna Dwaipayan Vyasa, Markandeya
Purana, Chapter no. 11, verse no. 6-11, 6th
reprint edition, Gitapress Gorakhpur-
730005,2005, pg. 34
6. D C Dutta. Textbook of Obstetrics. New
Central Book Agency. 1994..
7. O Rahilly R, Muller F. Developmental
stages in human embryos. Carnegie
Institution of Washington. 1987.
Declaration :
Conflict of Interest : None
ISSN: 2584-2757
DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 8 2 5 9 4 1 5
Dr. Subhash Waghe
Inter. J.Digno. and Research
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