Why Snakes Avoid Pregnant Women: Unraveling the Mystery

Understanding the Belief

Pregnant Women: In Hindu culture, there are numerous traditions and beliefs suggesting that snakes never bite pregnant women. It is often said that snakes become blind upon seeing a pregnant woman and lose their way.

The Scientific Perspective

Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting this belief, research indicates that the likelihood of snakes biting pregnant women is significantly low worldwide.

The Myth Explained

According to Hindu beliefs, it is thought that snakes do not bite pregnant women. Some even claim that snakes become blind when they see a pregnant woman. This belief raises questions about how such a phenomenon could occur and what the underlying reasons might be.

This notion is referenced in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, which suggests that snakes avoid pregnant women altogether, changing their paths instead. This belief has been a part of Hindu tradition for a long time.

What the Purana Says

A tale from the Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates an incident where a pregnant woman was meditating in a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. During her meditation, two snakes approached her, disrupting her focus. As a result, the child in her womb cursed the entire serpent lineage, declaring that any snake that approached a pregnant woman would become blind.

This story led to the widespread belief that snakes become blind upon seeing pregnant women and thus do not bite them. The child born from this woman later became known as Shri Goga Ji Dev, Shri Teja Ji Dev, and Jharveer.

Research Findings

Studies show that globally, only about 5% of snake bites involve pregnant women. This could be attributed to the fact that pregnant women tend to stay indoors more often, prioritizing their safety and that of their unborn child.

Some reports suggest that hormonal changes during pregnancy might deter snakes, as they can sense these hormones. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim.