A family is complete when there are kids at home but there are couples who because of some reasons are not blessed with parenthood. Despite seeking medical advice, they do not find a solution for the same. But, one need not worry as there is an effective ritual mentioned in the vedic scriptures which is Santana Gopalam Homam.

Santana Gopalam Homam is one of the most performed rituals in hindu culture. This homam is recommended for childless couples and the puja is dedicated to the child form of Lord Krishna and is called Balagopala. It is mentioned in the holy scriptures that Lord Vishnu himself narrated the importance of this homam to his disciple Santhanakumara who later on passed it to Sage Bodhayana.

According to the mythological story, Santhanakumara and his wife did not have kids for a long time and hence they prayed to Lord Narayana. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of the couples and explained the procedure of performing this sacred ritual.

The importance of this yagna can be found in Ramayana as well. King Dasharatha and his three wives did not have kids for a long time then Sage Vashishta recommended this homam to the King and Sage Rishishringa who was a master of Yajurveda guided the king in carrying out the homam. Appeased by their devotion, Lord Agni appeared during the yagna and gave them a bowl of sweet and asked the king and his wives to consume the same and that is how Lord Rama, Lakshamana and Shatrugna were born.

It is also said that performing this homam on the day of Janmashtami is believed to be very auspicious as it is the birthday of Balagopala. This homam works by reducing the malefic effects of planets and removes obstacles that are preventing the couples from having a child. If the couples carry out this ritual with complete faith, dedication and as per the rules mentioned in the religious text Yajurveda; Lord Balagopala will surely bless them with a healthy progeny.

The Santana Gopala Mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Jagatprasutaye Namah '' or “Om Devaki Sudha Govinda, Vasudeva Jagath Pathe, Dehimey Thanayam Krishna Thwamaham, Saranam Kadhahaa Deva Deva Jagannatha, Gothra Vridhi Karap Prabho

Dehimey Thanayam Sheegram, Ayushmandham Yashashreenam” must be chanted rigorously 108 times. Yellow and white flowers are considered to be offered to the Lord.

The Santana Gopalam Homam benefits are:

• the bond between the couples will be strengthened.
• this ritual is very effective in getting rid of complications in conceiving
• rectifies infertility issues
• removes putra dosha if any in the horoscope
• Keeps you away from the malefic effects of the planets