Brahaspati says that the rite should be performed before the baby begins to grow and move in the womb. The word Punsvana occurs in Atharvaveda, where it is used in the literal sense of "giving birth to a male child:. The word "male means soul.

The Punsavana is used for welcoming the great sould. This is also called "Garbharakshan". Garbharakshana is performed to assure that the infant is not miscarried.