Often it is argued by Western scholars, communists and pseudo liberals of India, that Vedic women were ignorant and uneducated in general.
To counter such false claims one can simply refer to Brihaddevata 11.84 which talks about 21 women who were among the 407 Sages associated with the revelation of Rigveda. Does any Western religious book has such a reference which is accepted by the religion officially? How many scientific minds of the ancient world were women if not they were from India?
Some Rig Vedic verses poetically depicts the intellectual and knowledge level of women before they get married. Also portrays the wisdom they bring to their husbands. Herein below are some verses.
RigVeda 10.85.7
Chittira upabarhanam chakshura abhyanjanam.
Dyuorbhumih kosha Ashidyad surya patim.
Chittira upabarhanam chakshura abhyanjanam.
Dyuorbhumih kosha Ashidyad surya patim.
Profound thought was the pillow of her couch,
Vision was the unguent for her eyes.
Her wealth was the earth and Heaven,
When Surya (the sun-like resplendent bride) went to meet her husband.
Vision was the unguent for her eyes.
Her wealth was the earth and Heaven,
When Surya (the sun-like resplendent bride) went to meet her husband.
Rig Veda 10.85.9
Somo vadhuyura bhavad asvinastamubha vara
Suryamyat patye samsantim manasa savitadadat
Soma desired to have a wife
He sent Aswin brothers as messenger
Requesting the Sun God Savita
To make his daughter Surya as bride to Soma
Rig 10.85.10
Mano asya an asiddyourasiduta chhadih,
Shukrou anadvahou astam yadayatsurya graham
Her mind was the bridal chariot,
And sky was the canopy of that chariot.
Orbs of light were the two steers that pulled the chariot
When Surya proceeded to her husband’s home!
And sky was the canopy of that chariot.
Orbs of light were the two steers that pulled the chariot
When Surya proceeded to her husband’s home!
These verses tell the story of the Lunar deity Chandra requesting to marry the illumined daughter of the solar deity Savita. Her name was Surya. She was a knowledgeable, intellectual and wise woman which became the dowry for marriage which she took forward to her husband.
Some more verses from other Vedas:
Yajur 10.26
In this mantra it is enforced that the wife of ruler should give education of politics to the others. Likewise the king do justice for the people, the queen should also justify her role.
Atharva 11.5.18
In this mantra of Brahmcharya Sukta, it is emphasized that girls too should train themselves as students and only then enter into married life. The Sukta specifically emphasizes that girls should receive the same level of training as boys.
Atharva 14.1.6
Parents should gift their daughter intellectuality and power of knowledge when she leaves for husband’s home. They should give her a dowry of knowledge.
Atharva 14.1.20
Oh wife! Give us discourse of knowledge
Atharva 14.1.64
Oh woman! Utilize your vedic intellect in all directions of our home!
Atharva 14.2.71
Hey wife! I am knowledgeable and you are also knowledgeable. If I am Samved then you are Rigved.
No comments:
Post a Comment