Garbh Sanskar guide
Madalasa's lullaby: the oldest Garbh Sanskar song
2 min read · Last updated 5 October 2026 · By the Garbh Katha editorial team · Our editorial policy
Long before modern lullaby albums, Indian tradition kept a song that a queen named Madalasa sang to her babies. It is short, tender and surprisingly deep. Many families now sing it during pregnancy as a Garbh Sanskar practice.
The story of Madalasa
The Markandeya Purana tells of Queen Madalasa, wife of King Ritadhvaja. When each of her sons was a baby, she rocked him and sang not of kingdoms and conquest but of who he truly was: pure, awake, untouched by the world's troubles. Her first sons grew up drawn to inner peace. For her youngest, at the king's request, she also sang of how to rule well. The story is about a mother who thought carefully about the words her children heard first.
The opening lines
The lullaby begins: 'Shuddhosi buddhosi niranjanosi, samsara maya parivarjitosi.' A simple meaning: 'You are pure, you are awake, you are spotless; you are free from the illusions of the world.' It continues by telling the child to let go of sorrow and to know that the body is only a dwelling for the self. Recordings and wordings vary a little across traditions.
Why it suits pregnancy
The lullaby is slow, repetitive and calming, which makes it a natural fit for the evening. Singing lengthens your exhale, which most people find relaxing. Your voice is also the sound your baby hears most clearly in the later months, and singing the same short song often is a lovely way to create something familiar for after birth.
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How to sing it
Sit comfortably, hand on your bump. Sing or softly chant the first two lines three times, then sit in silence for a minute. If Sanskrit feels unfamiliar, sing the meaning in Hindi, English or your own language — the tenderness matters more than pronunciation. Partners can join; a low voice carries well.
An honest note
Singing to your baby is about calm and connection. It won't determine your baby's temperament or spiritual life, and you don't need to sing well. Many mothers find that the song they sang in pregnancy becomes the one that settles their newborn, simply because both of them know it.
Pair it with a story
A Madalasa evening works well after a short story: read, then sing, then say goodnight to your baby. Garbh Katha gives you the story each night so the ritual is easy to keep.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the Madalasa lullaby from?
From the Markandeya Purana, in the chapters about Queen Madalasa and her sons.
Can I sing it in Hindi instead of Sanskrit?
Yes. The meaning and the calm matter more than the language. Many families sing a Hindi translation.
When should I sing it during pregnancy?
Any time you feel calm enough to enjoy it. The evening, after a story and before sleep, is a common choice.