The Vedic views on women
Women must be honored=
Dear devotees, in recent times we have noticed crime against women. There are no doubts this shows decline of dharma in our society, otherwise, how a Hindu who knows that women are given utmost respect in Sanatan Dharma, may indulge into such evil acts against women.
Sensing the urgency for people to know our glorious Dharma and to know how our Vedas and all scripture have put women on high esteem, I decided to put posts on this subject under specified topics. This post is to inform how Sanatan Dharma advocates that women should always be honored. Rather Vedas go further declaring those places where Women are respected become divine, deities dwell there and such places are full of happiness and prosperity.
Please find the selected shlokas from Vedas and related scripture to know that women must be honored.
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Rig Ved (2.17.7)
अमाजूरिव पित्रोः सचा सती समानादा सदसस्त्वामिये भगम |
कर्धि परकेतमुप मास्या भर दद्धि भागं तन्वो येन मामहः ||
As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all.
Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here: give us the share wherewith thou makest people glad.
Above shloka states that an educated daughter who is a householder should increase the wealth through Purushartha by honoring those who should be honored and by rejecting those who are otherwise:
उत तवा सत्री शशीयसी पुंसो भवति वस्यसी |
अदेवत्राद अराधसः ||
......Rig ed 5.61.6
"That woman deserves to be adored by her husband who makes her husband happy by rejecting those who practice injustice and those who are not to be respected. She deserves to be adored by her husband forever."
Rig ved 10.85.46 :
सम्राज्ञी शवशुरे भव सम्राज्ञी शवश्र्वां भव |
ननान्दरि सम्राज्ञी भव सम्राज्ञी अधि देव्र्षु ||
“ O Bride! May your father-in-law treat you as a queen. May your mother-in-law treat you as a Samrajni(queen). May the sisters and brothers of your husband treat you as a queen. “
Atharva 11.1.17 :
“ These women are pure, sacred, yajniya(as respected as yajna), worth being served, of great character, scholarly. They have given subjects, animals and happiness to us.”
Manusmriti 3.55 :
pitribhirbhratribhishcaitah patibhirdevaraistatha |
pujya bhushayitavyashca bahukalyanamipsubhih ||
"Women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers-in-law, who desire (their own) welfare. "
Manusmriti 3.56 :
yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah |
yatraitastu na pujyante sarvastatraphalah kriyah ||
" Where women are honored, there the Deities are pleased; but where they are not honored, no sacred rite yields rewards. "
Manusmriti 3.58 :
jamayo yani gehani shapantyapratipujitah |
tani krityahataniva vinashyanti samantatah ||
"The houses on which female relations, not being duly honored, pronounce a curse, perish completely, as if destroyed by magic. "
Manusmriti 3.59 :
tasmadetah sada pujya bhushanacchadanashanaih |
bhutikamairnarairnityam satkareshutsaveshu ca ||
"Hence men who seek (their own) welfare, should always honor women on holidays and festivals with (gifts of) ornaments, clothes, and (dainty) food. "
Manusmriti 9.130
yathaivatma tatha putrah putrena duhita sama |
tasyamatmani tishöhantyam kathamanyo dhanam haret ||
“ A son is even (as) oneself, (such) a daughter is equal to a son; how can another (heir) take the estate, while such (an appointed daughter who is even) oneself, lives?”
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Education of women in Vedic Age :
Education was an
important feature in the upbringing of a girl child. Education was
considered essential for girls and was therefore customary for girls to
receive education. The girls with education were regarded highly. "A
girl also should be brought up and educated with great effort and care"
(Mahanirvana Tantra). The importance of a girl’s education is stressed
in the Atharva Veda too.
The girls were entitled to Upanayana (to receive sacred thread) and to the privilege of studying Vedas; just as the boys. Women performed religious rites after completing their education under a Guru. They were entitled to offer sacrifices to gods. The son was not absolutely necessary for this purpose.
According to Shrauta and Grihya Sutras, women chanted mantras along with their husbands while performing rituals. There were eminent women in the field of learning and scholarship. These highly intelligent and greatly learned women, who chose the path of Vedic studies and, lived the ideal life of spirituality were called Brahmavadinis; and the women who opted out of education for married life were called 'Sadyovadhus'. Both the sexes got equal attention for education.
Incidentally, the Shatapatha Braahmana lists some 52 generations of teachers, of which some 42 are remembered through their mothers. The teachers were males. This list acts like a bridge between the end of the Rig-Veda time and the Shatapatha Braahmana time. It is remarkable that a patriarchal society should remember its teachers through their mothers. The preference over the names of their fathers indicates the important position of women as mothers in Vedic society. Their mothers were considered that valuable, as their sons were recognized through their names.
Women and Atharva Ved :
Atharva 11.5.18 :
“ By performing Brahmacharya maiden obtains a youthful husband.“
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 14.1.20 :
“ Let Bhaga (fortune) take your hand and hence conduct you; let the two Asvins on their car transport you. Go to the house (of your husband) to be the Grihapatni, and may please everyone at her husband’s home through her knowledge and noble qualities. “
Atharva 14.1.61 :
"Hey bride! You shall bring bliss to all and direct our homes towards our purpose of living."
Atharva 14.1.64 :
“ O bride ! May you be benevolent, the harbinger of good fortune and health and reaching the home of scholars live in great dignity and indeed be illumined in your husband’s home.”
Atharva 2:36:5 :
“Oh bride! Step into the full and inexhaustible boat of Bhaga (prosperity) and take your husband to shores of success.”
Atharva 1.14.3 :
“This woman shall be the protector of your entire family, O king (Yama), and her do we make over to you! May she long sit with her relatives, until (her hair) drops from her head!”
Atharva 2.36.3 :
“This woman shall obtain a husband, since king Soma makes her lovely! May she, begetting sons, become a queen; may she, going to her husband, shine in loveliness!”
Atharva 11.1.17 :
“ These women are pure, sacred, yajniya(as respected as yajna), worth being served, of great character, scholarly. They have given subjects, animals and happiness to us.”
Atharva 12.1.25 :
“ That fragrance of yours which is in men, the loveliness and charm that is in male and female, that which is in steeds and heroes, that which is in the wild animals with trunks (elephants), the aura that is in the maiden, O Prithvi, with that do you blend us: not any one shall hate us!”
Atharva 12.2.31 :
“Let these unwidowed women with goodly husbands, free from all diseases,never weep out of sorrow. Let them adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent, ornaments and jewels .”
Atharva 14.1.6 declares that 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 :
“Thought was her coverlet, the power of sight was unguent for her eyes; Her treasure-chest was earth and heaven, when Sūryā went unto her lord.” (Atharva Ved 14.1.16)
Similar Translation : “When girls ignore external objects and develops foresight and vibrant attitude through power of knowledge, she becomes provider of wealths of skies and earth. Then she should marry an eligible husband.”
Atharva 14.1.42 :
“ O Bride! May your wishes for happiness, for children, for financial well-being, and for being blessed, be fulfilled. Go. Get busy merging your mind with that of your husband; and may both of you live long.”
Atharva 14.1.50 :
“ I take your hand in mine for happy fortune that you may reach old age with me; your consort, Deities- Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given you to be my household's mistress.”
Atharva 14.2.71 :
“Hey wife! I am (knowledgeable) man and you are (also knowledgeable) woman. I am Samved , you are Rigved. I am the sky; you are the Earth. We two shall make a home; And, We will bring forth children.”
Atharva 14.2.74 :
“This bride is illuminating. She has conquered everyone’s hearts! May she give birth to noble children and let them convey along future’s pathway.”
Atharva 18.3.4 :
"O ye inviolable one ! (the widow) tread the path of wise in front of thee and choose this man (another suitor) as thy husband. Joyfully receive him and may the two of you mount the world of happiness."
This mantra blesses the widow to have a happy life with present husband.
Atharva 7.38.4and 12.3.52 declare that women should take part in the legislative chambers and put their views on forefront :
“My speech, not yours, (in this matter) have weight: in the assembly, forsooth, do you speak! To me alone shall thou belong, shall not even discourse of other women!” (Atharva Ved 7.38.4)
Yajur ved 10.26 implies 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.
Yajur ved 30.15 states about different problems of women related to pregnancy and their corresponding treatments to be done.
Rigevda contains several Suktas containing description of Usha as a God. This Usha is representation of an ideal woman. One may refer “Usha Devata” by Pt Sri Pad Damodar Satvalekar as part of “Simple Translation of Rigveda (Rigved ka subodh bhashya)”.Page 121 to 147 for summary of all such verses spread across entire Rigveda. In summary:
1. Women should be brave (Page 122, 128)
2. Women should be expert (Page 122)
3. Women should earn fame (Page 123)
4. Women should ride on chariots (Page 123)
5. Women should be scholars (Page 123)
6. Women should be prosperous and wealth (Page 125)
7. Women should be intelligent and knowledgeable (Page 126)
8. Women should be protector of family and society and get in army(Page 134, 136)
9. Women should be illuminating (Page 137)
10. Women should be provider of wealth, food and prosperity (Page 141- 146)
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Status Of Women Rig Ved :
Rig Ved is the only scripture
among those of all religions in which the divine truths of revealed to
women sages also and some of the hymns describing the revelations find
a prominent place in the Rig Ved Samhita like the hymn of Devi sukta
(10.125) attributed to woman sage Vaak Ambhrni. There are more than
thirty women sages in RV with specific hymns associated with them. In
all the semitic religions like Christianity, Islam etc. there is no
mention of any revelation to women.
In vedic literature several aspects of feminine form are suggested by various names and epithets are used to denote a woman. For instance woman as a wife is described by three words : Jaya, Jani and Patni. Of these Jaya is one who gives birth to one's progeny, Jani is the mother of children and Patni is the co-partner in religious duties.
Similarly women is designated as :
Aditi- because she is not dependent (Nirukta 4/22)
Aghnya- for she is not to be hurt (Y.V 8/43)
Brihati- for she is large hearted (Y.V 11/64)
Chandra- for she is happy (Y.V 8/43)
Devakama- since she is pious (A.V. 14/147)
Devi- since she is divine (A.V. 14/145 , Y.V. 4/23)
Dhruva- for she is firm (Y.V. 11/64)
Havya- because she is worthy of invocation (Y.V. 8/43)
Ida- for she is worshippable (Y.V. 8/43)
Jyota- because she is illuminating (Y.V. 8/43)
Kamya- because she is desirable (Y.V. 8/43)
Kshama- for she is tolerant/indulgent/patient (A.V. 12/1/29)
Mahi- since she is great (Y.V. 8/43)
Mena- because she deserves respect (Nirukta 3/21/2)
Nari- for she is not inimical to anyone (A.V. 14/1/59)
Purandhih- for she is munificent/liberal (Y.V. 22/22)
Ranta- because she is lovely (Y.V. 8/3)
Rtavatai, Rtachit- for she is the preserver/forester of truth (R.V. 2/41/18)
Sanjaya- since she is victorious (R.V. 10/159/3)
Sarasvati- since she is scholarly ( Y.V. 20/84)
Simhi- since she is courageous (Y.V. 5/12)
Shiva- for she is benevolent (A.V. 14/164)
Shivatama- since she is the noblest (R.V. 10/85/37)
Stri- since she is modest (R.V. 8/33/9 , Nirukta 3/21/12)
Subhaga- because she is fortunate (Y.V. 8/43)
Subhdha- for she is knowledgebale (A.V. 14/2/75)
Sumangali- since she is auspicious ( A.V. 14/2/26)
Susheva- for she is pleasant ( A.V. 14/2/26)
Suvarcha- since she is splendid (A.V. 14/4/47)
Suyama- since she is self-disciplined ( A.V. 14/2/18)
Syona- for she is noble (A.V. 14/2/27)
Virini- since she is mother of brave sons (R.V. 10/86/9, 10)
Vishruta- since she is learned (Y.V. 8/43)
Yashasvati- for she is glorious (R.V. 1/89/1)
Yosha- because she is intermingled with man, she is not separate (Nirukta 3/15/1)
List of women rishis (rishikas) in the Rig Ved Samhita :-
(One or two mantra was revealed to each rishika)
Aditi- 4.18
Aditirdakshayani- 10.72
Apala atreyi- 8.91
Dakshina prajapatya- 10.107
Godha- 10.134
Ghosha kakshivati- 10.39, 10.40
Indrani- 10.86
Indra mataro- 10.153
Jarita sharngah- 10.142
Juhurbrahmajaya- 10.109
Lopamudra- 1.171
Ratrirbharadvaji- 10.127
Romasha- 1.126
Sarama devashuni- 10.108
Sarparajni- 10.189
Sashvatyangirasi- 8.1
Shraddha kamayani- 10.151
Shachi poulami- 10.159
Shikhandinyavah psarasau kashyapan- 9.104
Sikata nivavari- 9.86
Sudhitirangirasah- 8.71
Surya savitri- 10.85
Tvashta garbhakarta-10.184
Vagambhrni- 10.125
Vasukapatni- 10.28
Vishvavara atreyi- 8.91
Yami- 10.154
Yami vaivasvati- 10.10
Women and Rig Ved :
Rig ved 1.164.41
गौरीर्मिमाय सलिलानि तक्षत्येकपदी दविपदी सा चतुष्पदी |
अष्टापदी नवपदी बभूवुषी सहस्राक्षरा परमे वयोमन ||
" One ved, two ved, or four ved along with ayurved, dhanurved, gandharved, aarthved etc in addition with education, kalp, grammar, nirukt, astrology, meters i.e the six vedaang should be attained by the clear-minded woman, which is equivalent to the crystal-clear water and spread this diversified knowledge among the people. "
Rig Ved (2.17.7) states that an educated daughter who is a householder should increase the wealth through Purushartha by honoring those who should be honored and by rejecting those who are otherwise :
अमाजूरिव पित्रोः सचा सती समानादा सदसस्त्वामिये भगम |
कर्धि परकेतमुप मास्या भर दद्धि भागं तन्वो येन मामहः ||
Rig Ved says that an educated girl should be married to an equally educated man :
आ धेनवो धुनयन्तामशिश्वीः सबर्दुघाः शशया अप्रदुग्धाः |
नव्या-नव्या युवतयो भवन्तीर्म... ||
.......Rig Ved 3.55.16
“ As an unmarried young learned daughter feels happy to get married to a bridegroom who like her is learned, likewise learned men feel happy to know the words of knowledge”.
उत तवा सत्री शशीयसी पुंसो भवति वस्यसी |
अदेवत्राद अराधसः ||
......Rig ed 5.61.6
"That woman deserves to be adored by her husband who makes her husband happy by rejecting those who practice injustice and those who are not to be respected. She deserves to be adored by her husband forever."
Sayanacharya, the 14th Century Vedic scholar from India, comments on Rig Veda (5.61.8-9) that the wife and husband are equal halves of one substance. Therefore both should join and take equal parts in all religious and day-to-day work. Pious couples are recommended to pray to Goddess Gayatri to beget courageous children.
Rig Ved(10.18.8) is recited by the dead man’s brothers and others, requesting the widow to release her husband’s body for cremation. The Rig also commands the widow to return to the world of living beings :
उदीर्ष्व नार्यभि जीवलोकं गतासुमेतमुप शेष एहि |
हस्तग्राभस्य दिधिषोस्तवेदं पत्युर्जनित्वमभि सम्बभूथ ||
.......(Rig Ved 10.18.8)
“Rise, O woman, (and go) to the world of living beings; come, this man near whom you sleep is lifeless; you have enjoyed this state of being the wife of your husband, the suitor who took you by the hand"
A woman had the right to choose her own husband :
कियती योषा मर्यतो वधूयोः परिप्रीता पन्यसावार्येण |
भद्रा वधूर्भवति यत सुपेशाः सवयं सामित्रं वनुते जने चित ||
…….. Rig Ved 10.27.12
“ Many women get satisfied hearing the flattering admiration and the wealth of men. She is a good wife who is gracious and beautiful and chooses herself the man of her choice.”
Rig-Ved prays to Ashwins for assisting the widows. (Rig Ved 10.40.8)
Marriage was an established institution in the Vedic Age. It was regarded as a social and religious duty; and not a contract. The husband-wife stood on equal footing and prayed for long lasting love and friendship. At the wedding, the bride addressed the assembly in which the sages too were present. [Rig Veda (10.85.26-27)]
The Rig Veda hymn (10, 85.27) ,the wedding prayer , indicates the rights of a woman as wife. It is addressed to the bride sitting next to bridegroom. It touches upon few other issues as well.
इह परियं परजया ते सं रध्यतामस्मिन गर्हे गार्हपत्यायजाग्र्हि |
एना पत्या तन्वं सं सर्जस्वाधा जिव्री विदथमा वदाथः ||
......Rig Ved 10.85.27
"Happy be you (as wife) in future and prosper with your children here (in the house): be vigilant to rule your household in this home (i.e. exercise your authority as the main figure in your home). Closely unite (be an active participant) in marriage with this man, your husband. So shall you, full of years (for a very long life), address your company (i.e. others in the house listen to you, and obey and care about what you have to say)."
A woman, if she chose, could marry even after the child bearing age. For instance Gosha a well known female sage married at a late stage in her life (her husband being another well known scholar of that time Kakasivan) as she earlier suffered from some skin ailment.Monogamy normally prevailed but polygamy was also in vogue. But Vedas do not encourage polygamy.
The famous marriage hymn (10.85) calls upon members of the husband’s family to treat the daughter in law (invited into the family 'as a river enters the sea') as the queen samrajni. She is welcomed in many ways:
अघोरचक्षुरपतिघ्न्येधि शिवा पशुभ्यः सुमनाःसुवर्चाः |
वीरसूर्देवकामा सयोना शं नो भव दविपदेशं चतुष्पदे ||
………….Rig Ved 10.85.44
" O Bride ! May you have the charming look, protective to your husband, kind towards animals, with a good mind, with strength and knowledge, destined to bring forth heroes. May you bring prosperity to humans and happiness to quadrapeds."
Rig ved 10.85.46 :
सम्राज्ञी शवशुरे भव सम्राज्ञी शवश्र्वां भव |
ननान्दरि सम्राज्ञी भव सम्राज्ञी अधि देव्र्षु ||
“ O Bride! May your father-in-law treat you as a queen. May your mother-in-law treat you as a Samrajni(queen). May the sisters and brothers of your husband treat you as a queen. “
Rig Ved 10.159 :
A women speaks after waking up in morning, “My destiny is as glorious as the rising sun. I am the flag of my home and society. I am also their head. I can give impressive discourses. My sons conquer enemies. My daughter illuminates the whole world. I myself am winner of enemies. My husband has infinite glory. I have made those sacrifices which make a king successful. I have also been successful. I have destroyed my enemies.”
Rig Ved does not encourage polygamy :
उभे धुरौ वह्निरापिब्दमानो.अन्तर्योनेव चरति दविजानिः |
……. Rig Ved 10.101.11
"A man with two wives is pressed from both sides and weeps like a horse that neighs when pressed from both sides by spokes while driving a chariot. "
Three mantras of Rig Veda, 1.124.7, 4.3.2 and 10.71.4 contain “Jaayeva Patya Ushatee Suvaasaah”. This means that knowledge comes to the scholar in same manner as a dedicated joyous wife comes only to her husband. “Jaaya” means wife and “Pati” means husband. Both appearing in singular implies that only one husband-one wife relation is considered ideal.
Unfortunately even today some orthodox people deny the right of women to chant the Vedas. However they can not show any authorative scripture to support their views. Vedas are the supreme authority of Sanatan vedic Dharma.
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Women And Manusmriti :
Manusmriti, the ancient code of
conduct compiled by Maharshi Manu is falsely accused of discrimination
against women. However those who have studied the original scripture
with proper translation understand that such accusations are baseless.
Swami Vivekananda has quoted Manusmriti several times in His lectures.
Some other prominent Hindu figures, such as Swami Dayananda Saraswati
and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, hold the text to be authentic and
authoritative. Here is few verses from Manusmriti which can help us
understanding the status of women as portrayed in this great Dharma
Shastra :
Manusmriti 2.138
cakrino dashamisthasya rogino bharinah striyah |
snatakasya ca rajnashca pantha deyo varasya ca ||
—“Way must be made for a man in a carriage, for one who is above ninety years old, for one diseased, for the carrier of a burden, for a woman, for a Snataka, for the king, and for a bridegroom.“
Manusmriti 2.238 :
shraddadhanah shubham vidyamadaditavaradapi |
anyadapi param dharmam striratnam dushkuladapi ||
—"Take the jewel among women for your wife, though she be of inferior descent. Learn supreme knowledge with service even from the man of low birth; and even from the Chandâla, learn by serving him the way to salvation."
Manusmriti 3.8 :
nodvahet kapilam kanyam nadhikangim na roginim |
nalomikam natilomam na vacatam na pingalam ||
—"He should not marry a maiden (with) reddish (hair), nor one who has a redundant member, nor one who is sickly, nor one either with no hair (on the body) or too much, nor one who is garrulous or has red (eyes),
Manusmriti 3.9 :
narikshavrikshanadinamnim nantyaparvatanamikam |
na pakshyahipreshyanamnim na ca bhishananamikam ||
—"Nor one named after a constellation, a tree, or a river, nor one bearing the name of a low caste, or of a mountain, nor one named after a bird, a snake, or a slave, nor one whose name inspires terror."
Manusmriti 3.10 :
avyangangim saumyanamnim hamsavaranagaminim |
tanulomakeshadashanam mridvangimudvahet striyam ||
—"Wise men should marry a female free from bodily defects, who has an agreeable name, the (graceful) gait of a swan or of an elephant, a moderate (quantity of) hair on the body and on the head, small teeth, and soft limbs. "
Manusmriti 3.11 :
yasyastu na bhaved bhrata na vijnayeta va pita |
naupayaccheta tam prajnah putrika.adharmashankaya ||
—"But a prudent man should not marry (a maiden) who has no brother, nor one whose father is not known,through fear lest (in the former case she be made) an appointed daughter (and in the latter) lest (he should commit) sin."
Manusmriti prohibits Dowry System :
Manusmriti 3.52
stridhanani tu ye mohadupajivanti bandhavah |
nariyanani vastram va te papa yantyadhogatim ||
—“ Those relatives who rob away or thrive on wealth, property, vehicles or dresses of a woman or her family are wiliest of people, they commit sin and sink to hell.”
Manusmriti 3.53
arshe gomithunam shulkam ke cidahurmrishaiva tat |
alpo.apyevam mahan va.api vikrayastavadeva sah ||
—“Some call the cow and the bull (given) at an Arsha wedding ’a gratuity;’ (but) that is wrong, since (the acceptance of) a fee, be it small or great, is a sale (of the daughter).”
Thus any kind of dowry is a strict NO NO as per Manu Smriti. No one should dare attempt to take away the property of a woman. In fact Manu Smriti suggests that a marriage along with dowry is marriage of ‘Devils’ or Asuri Vivah.
Manusmriti 3.55 :
pitribhirbhratribhishcaitah patibhirdevaraistatha |
pujya bhushayitavyashca bahukalyanamipsubhih ||
—"Women must be honoured and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers-in-law, who desire (their own) welfare. "
Manusmriti 3.56 :
yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah |
yatraitastu na pujyante sarvastatraphalah kriyah ||
—" Where women are honoured, there the Deities are pleased; but where they are not honoured, no sacred rite yields rewards. "
Manusmriti 3.57 :
shocanti jamayo yatra vinashyatyashu tat kulam |
na shocanti tu yatraita vardhate tad hi sarvada ||
—" Where the female relations live in grief, the family soon wholly perishes; but that family where they are not unhappy ever prospers. "
Manusmriti 3.58 :
jamayo yani gehani shapantyapratipujitah |
tani krityahataniva vinashyanti samantatah ||
—"The houses on which female relations, not being duly honoured, pronounce a curse, perish completely, as if destroyed by magic. "
Manusmriti 3.59 :
tasmadetah sada pujya bhushanacchadanashanaih |
bhutikamairnarairnityam satkareshutsaveshu ca ||
—"Hence men who seek (their own) welfare, should always honour women on holidays and festivals with (gifts of) ornaments, clothes, and (dainty) food. "
Manusmriti 3.60 :
samtushto bharyaya bharta bhartra bharya tathaiva ca |
yasminneva kule nityam kalyanam tatra vai dhruvam ||
—"In that family, where the husband is pleased with his wife and the wife with her husband, happiness will assuredly be lasting. "
Manusmriti 3.61 :
yadi hi stri na roceta pumamsam na pramodayet |
apramodat punah pumsah prajanam na pravartate ||
—"For if the wife is not radiant with beauty, she will not attract her husband; but if she has no attractions for him, no children will be born. "
Manusmriti 3.62 :
striyam tu rocamanayam sarvam tad rocate kulam |
tasyam tvarocamanayam sarvameva na rocate ||
—"If the wife is radiant with beauty, the whole house is bright; but if she is destitute of beauty, all will appear dismal. "
Manusmriti 3.114
suvasinih kumarishca rogino garbhinih striyah |
atithibhyo.agra evaitan bhojayedavicarayan ||
—“Without hesitation one may give food, even before his guests, to the following persons, (viz.) to newly married women, to infants, to the sick, and to pregnant women.”
Manusmriti 4.180
matapitribhyam jamibhirbhratra putrena bharyaya |
duhitra dasavargena vivadam na samacaret ||
—“One should not have quarrel With his father and his mother, with female relatives, with a brother, with his son and his wife, with his daughter and with his slaves.”
Manusmriti 5.149
pitra bhartra sutairva.api necched virahamatmanah |
esham hi virahena stri garhye kuryadubhe kule ||
—“ A woman should always ensure that she is protected. It is duty of father, husband and son to protect her.”
Manusmriti 8.28
vasha.aputrasu caivam syad rakshanam nishkulasu ca |
pativratasu ca strishu vidhavasvaturasu ca ||
—“In like manner care must be taken of barren women, of those who have no sons, of those whose family is extinct, of wives and widows faithful to their lords, and of women afflicted with diseases.”
Manusmriti 8.29
jivantinam tu tasam ye tad hareyuh svabandhavah |
tamshishyatcauradandena dharmikah prithivipatih ||
—“A righteous king must punish like thieves those relatives who appropriate the property of such females during their lifetime.”
Manusmriti 8.275
mataram pitaram jayam bhrataram tanayam gurum |
aksharayamshatam dapyah panthanam cadadad guroh ||
—“He who defames his mother, his father, his wife, his brother, his son, or his teacher, and he who gives not the way to his preceptor, shall be compelled to pay one hundred (panas).”
Manusmriti 8.323
purushanam kulinanam narinam ca visheshatah |
mukhyanam caiva ratnanam harane vadhamarhati ||
—“For stealing men of noble family and especially women and the most precious gems, (the offender) deserves corporal (or capital) punishment.”
Manusmriti 8.352
paradarabhimarsheshu pravrittannrin mahipatih |
udvejanakarairdandaishchinnayitva pravasayet ||
—"Men who commit adultery with the wives of others, the king shall cause to be marked by punishments which cause terror, and afterwards banish."
Manusmriti 8.389
na mata na pita na stri na putrastyagamarhati |
tyajannapatitanetan rajna dandyah shatani shaö ||
—“Neither a mother, nor a father, nor a wife, nor a son shall be cast off; he who casts them off, unless guilty of a crime causing loss of caste, shall be fined six hundred (panas).”
Manusmriti 9.04
kale.adata pita vacyo vacyashcanupayan patih |
mrite bhartari putrastu vacyo maturarakshita ||
—“Reprehensible is the father who gives not (his daughter in marriage) at the proper time; reprehensible is the husband who approaches not (his wife in due season), and reprehensible is the son who does not protect his mother after her husband has died.”
Manusmriti 9.05
sukshmebhyo.api prasangebhyah striyo rakshya visheshatah |
dvayorhi kulayoh shokamavaheyurarakshitah ||
—“ Women must particularly be guarded against evil inclinations, however trifling (they may appear); for, if they are not guarded, they will bring sorrow on two families.”
Manusmriti 9.06
imam hi sarvavarnanam pashyanto dharmamuttamam |
yatante rakshitum bharyam bhartaro durbala api ||
—“Considering that the highest duty of all castes, even weak husbands (must) strive to guard their wives.”
Manusmriti 9.11
arthasya sangrahe cainam vyaye caiva niyojayet |
shauce dharme.annapaktyam ca parinahyasya vekshane ||
—“Let the (husband) employ his (wife) in the collection and expenditure of his wealth, in keeping (everything) clean, in (the fulfilment of) religious duties, in the preparation of his food, and in looking after the household utensils.”
The shloka clearly puts aside false claims that women do not have right to conduct religious rituals of Vedas. On contrary, women should lead such rituals. Thus all those people who suggest that women do not have right to study or practice Vedas are against Manu and Vedas.
Manusmriti 9.12
arakshita grihe ruddhah purushairaptakaribhih |
atmanamatmana yastu raksheyustah surakshitah ||
—“Women, confined in the house under trustworthy and obedient servants, are not (well) guarded; but those who of their own accord keep guard over themselves, are well guarded.”
This shloka explains the futility to attempting to restrict a woman to home in name of providing her security. On contrary, to secure her, she should be given the right training so that she can defend herself and avoid getting misled by bad company. The prevailing notion of cornering women within a small home is against Manu’s ideology.
Manusmriti 9.26
prajanartham mahabhagah pujarha grihadiptayah |
striyah shriyashca geheshu na vishesho.asti kashcana ||
—“ Women who give birth to next generation, who enlighten the home bring fortune and bliss. Hence women are synonymous to Prosperity.”
Manusmriti 9.28
apatyam dharmakaryani shushrusha ratiruttama |
dara.adhinastatha svargah pitrinamatmanashca ha ||
—“Offspring , the due performance on religious rites, faithful service, highest conjugal happiness and heavenly bliss for the ancestors and oneself, depend on one’s wife alone.”
Manusmriti 9.89
kamamamaranat tishöhed grihe kanyartumatyapi |
na caivainam prayacchet tu gunahinaya karhi cit ||
—“(But) the maiden, though marriageable, should rather stop in (the father’s) house until death, than that he should ever give her to a man destitute of good qualities.”
Manusmriti 9.90
trini varshanyudiksheta kumaryartumati sati |
urdhvam tu kaladetasmad vindeta sadrisham patim ||
—“Three years let a damsel wait, though she be marriageable; but after that time let her choose for herself a bridegroom (of) equal (caste and rank).”
Manusmriti 9.91
adiyamana bhartaramadhigacched yadi svayam |
nainah kim cidavapnoti na ca yam sa.adhigacchati ||
—“If, being not given in marriage, she herself seeks a husband, she incurs no guilt, nor (does) he whom she weds.”
Manusmriti 9.96
prajanartham striyah shrishöah samtanartham ca manavah |
tasmat sadharano dharmah shrutau patnya sahoditah ||
—“To be mothers were women created, and to be fathers men; religious rites, therefore, are ordained in the Veda to be performed (by the husband) together with the wife.”
Thus, those who deny Vedas or Vedic rituals to women are anti-Manu and anti-Vedic.
Manusmriti 9.101
anyonyasyavyabhicaro bhavedamaranantikah |
esha dharmah samasena jneyah stripumsayoh parah ||
—“’Let mutual fidelity of husband and wife continue until death,’ this may be considered as the summary of the highest law for husband and wife.”
Equality of Son and Daughter :
Manusmriti 9.130
yathaivatma tatha putrah putrena duhita sama |
tasyamatmani tishöhantyam kathamanyo dhanam haret ||
—“ A son is even (as) oneself, (such) a daughter is equal to a son; how can another (heir) take the estate, while such (an appointed daughter who is even) oneself, lives?”
Manusmriti 9.131
matustu yautakam yat syat kumaribhaga eva sah |
dauhitra eva ca haredaputrasyakhilam dhanam ||
—“But whatever may be the separate property of the mother, that is the share of the unmarried daughter alone; and the son of an (appointed) daughter shall take the whole estate of (his maternal grandfather) who leaves no son.”
Manusmriti 9.212
sodarya vibhajeramstam sametya sahitah samam |
bhrataro ye ca samshrishöa bhaginyashca sanabhayah ||
Manusmriti 9.213
yo jyeshöho vinikurvita lobhad bhratrin yaviyasah |
so.ajyeshöhah syadabhagashca niyantavyashca rajabhih ||
These verses state that if a person has no kins or wife, then his wealth be distributed equally among his brothers and sisters. If the elder brother refuses to give due share to other brothers and sisters, he is punishable by law.
To further ensure safety of women, Manu recommended harsh punishments for those who rob away wealth of a woman, even if they are her relatives.
Manusmriti 9.232
apranibhiryat kriyate tatloke dyutamucyate |
pranibhih kriyate yastu sa vijneyah samahvayah ||
—“Forgers of royal edicts, those who corrupt his ministers, those who slay women, infants, or Brahmanas, and those who serve his enemies, the king shall put to death.”
The above verses help us to clear the misconceptions regarding women in Manusmriti
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women in vedic
3.56. The society that provides respect and dignity to
women flourishes with nobility and prosperity. And a society that does
not put women on such a high pedestal has to face miseries and failures
regardless of howsomuch noble deeds they perform otherwise.
This is not merely a flattery of womenfolk. It is a truth – very harsh for those who denigrate women and the sweetest nectar for those who glorify the motherly force. This law of nature is applicable to a family, society, cult, nation or entire humanity.
We became slaves despite all our greatness because we neglected this advice of Maharshi Manu. We did not heed to this advice for centuries even after invasions, and hence our situation turned from bad to worse. In late nineteenth century, thanks to efforts of reformers like Raja Ram Mohun Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Dayanand Saraswati, we started considering the Vedic message seriously and hence observed a gradual upturn.
Many conservative Muslim countries of today consider women as half-intelligent and unworthy of equal rights at par with men. Hence these places are worse than hell. Europe followed the derogatory Biblical concept of women for ages and hence was among most superstitious places in world. Then, thanks to reformation era, things changed and Bible ceased to be taken seriously. As a result rapid progress happened. But now women is typically stereotyped as a sensual object of pleasure and not as a respectful motherly force. And hence, despite all the material progress, Western world is still inflicted with insecurity and lack of inner peace.
Lets review some more shlokas from Manu Smriti and attempt to imbibe them in our society:
Importance of happy women
3.55. A father, brother, husband or brother-in-law should keep their daughter, sister, wife or sister-in-law happy and pleased through gentle words, respectful behavior, gifts etc. Those who desire prosperity should ensure that women in their family are always happy and do not face miseries.
3.57. A family where women remain unhappy due to misdeeds of their men is bound to be destroyed. And a family where women are always happy is bound to prosper forever.
3.58. A family- where women feel insulted or discriminated against and curse their menfolk- is destroyed in same manner as poison kills all those who eat it.
3.59. One desiring glory should ensure that he keeps women in the family by giving them respect and pleasing them with good ornaments, dresses, food. Women should always be revered under all circumstances.
3.62. A person who does not keep her wife happy causes misery for entire family. And if wife is happy, entire family appears as happiness incarnate.
9.26. Women give birth to next generation. They enlighten the home. They bring fortune and bliss. Hence women are synonymous to Prosperity.
This shloka forms the basis of women being called Ghar ki Laxmi or ‘Goddess of Fortune in Home‘ in India even till today.
9.28. Woman is the source of all kinds of happiness in all generations – be it from children, or from noble benevolent deeds or through conjugal bliss or through service of elders.
In other words, woman is the primary source of bliss in many forms – sometimes as mother, sometimes as daughter, sometimes as wife and sometimes as a partner in spiritual deeds. It also means that participation of women is necessary for conduct of any religious or spiritual activity.
9.96. Man and Woman are incomplete without each other. Hence the most ordinary religious duty would demand participation of both.
Thus, those who deny Vedas or Vedic rituals to women are anti-Hindu and anti-Humanity.
4.180. A wise man should not indulge in fights and arguments with his family members including mother, daughter and wife.
9.4. A father who does not marry his daughter to a deserving groom deserves condemnation. A husband who does not fulfill just demands of her wife deserves condemnation. A son who does not take care of her widow mother deserves condemnation.
Polygamy is a sin
9.101. Husband and Wife should remain together till death. They should not approach any other partner, nor commit adultery. This, in summary, is the Dharma or religion of all human beings.
Thus those societies which justify polygamy or sex-slavery or temporary marriage are bound to suffer miseries because they neglect the core tenet of Dharma.
Autonomy of Women
9.11. Women should be provided autonomy and leadership in managing the finances, maintaining hygiene, spiritual and religious activities, nutrition and overall management of home.
The shloka clearly puts aside false claims that women do not have right to conduct religious rituals of Vedas. On contrary, women should lead such rituals. Thus all those people who suggest that women do not have right to study or practice Vedas are against Manu and Vedas. Such bigoted people are the cause for misery of the nation. We should simply not tolerate such mindsets that demean women.
9.12. A woman who is kept constrained in a home by noble men (husband, father, son) is still insecure. Thus it is futile to restrict women. Security of women would come only through her own capabilities and mindset.
This shloka explains the futility to attempting to restrict a woman to home in name of providing her security. On contrary, to secure her, she should be given the right training so that she can defend herself and avoid getting misled by bad company. The prevailing notion of cornering women within a small home is against Manu’s ideology.
Protection of Women
9.6. Even a weak husband should attempt to protect his wife.
9.5 Women should keep themselves away from vices. Because when women lose character, the entire society is destroyed.
5.149. A woman should always ensure that she is protected. It is duty of father, husband and son to protect her.
Please note that this protection does not imply restriction as clear from verse 9.12 cited in previous section. But a society that does not protect its womenfolk from attacks of perverts writes its own destiny of doom.
It is because of this inspiration that many a brave warriors laid their lives to protect the dignity of their women when butchers from West and Central Asia invaded our nation. The sacrifices of Alha-Udal and valor of Maharana Pratap brings a gush of glory in our blood.
Its a shame that despite such a chivalrous foundation of our culture, we have women either oppressed in backyard of homes or commoditized as sensual-items instigating lust. When we ourselves have turned invaders instead of protectors of dignity of women, who can help us!
Marriage of Women
9.89. It is better to keep the daughter unmarried than force her to marry an undeserving person.
9.90-91. A woman can choose her own husband after attaining maturity. If her parents are unable to choose a deserving groom, she can herself choose her husband.
Thus the concept of parents deciding the groom for their daughter is against Manu. A mature daughter has full rights to choose her husband. Parents act as facilitators for the marriage and not final decision makers, as wrongly practiced in many societies.
Property Rights of Women
9.130. A daughter is equivalent to a son. In her presence, how can any one snatch away her right over the property.
9.131. A daughter alone has the right over personal property of her mother.
Thus, as per Manu, while daughter has equal share as her brothers over property of her father, she has exclusive rights over property of her mother. The reason for this special treatment of women is to ensure that women are never at mercy of anyone. After all happy dignified women form the foundation of a happy society!
9.212-213. If a person has no kins or wife, then his wealth be distributed equally among his brothers and sisters. If the elder brother refuses to give due share to other brothers and sisters, he is punishable by law.
To further ensure safety of women, Manu recommended harsh punishments for those who rob away wealth of a woman, even if they are her relatives.
8.28-29. If a woman is alone because she has no children, or no men to provide for her security in her family, or is widow, or whose husband has gone abroad, or who is unwell, then it is duty of the government to ensure her safety and security. If her wealth is robbed by her relatives or friends, then the government should provide strict punishment to the culprits and have her wealth returned back.
Prohibition of Dowry
3.52. Those relatives who rob away or thrive on wealth, property, vehicles or dresses of a woman or her family are wiliest of people.
Thus any kind of dowry is a strict NO NO as per Manu Smriti. No one should dare attempt to take away the property of a woman.
The next shloka takes this concept further and states that even slightest exchange of tangible items amounts to sale/purchase and hence against principles of noble marriage. In fact Manu Smriti suggests that a marriage along with dowry is marriage of ‘Devils’ or Asuri Vivah.
Strict Punishment for harming Women
8.323. Those who abduct women should be given death sentence.
9.232. Those who kill women, children or scholarly virtuous people should be given strictest punishment.
8.352. Those who rape or molest women or incite them into adultery should be given harshest punishment that creates fear among others to even think of such a crime.
Interestingly, a judge of sessions court suggested today that castration seems the best punishment to prevent alarming increase in rape cases. Refer http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Castrate-child-rapists-Delhi-judge-suggests/articleshow/8130553.cms
We are in agreement with such a law.
8. 275. One should be punished if he puts false allegations or demeans mother, wife or daughter.
8.389. Those who abandon their mother, father, wife or children without any reasonable reason should face severe punishments.
Ladies First
The concept of Ladies First seems to originate from Manu Smriti.
2.138. A man in a vehicle should give way to the following – aged person, diseased person, one carrying burden, groom, king, student and a woman.
3.114. One should feed the following even before feeding the guests – newly married women, girls, and pregnant women.
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Duties of Wife
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(1) Atharvaveda mantra 1/14/1 – A good wife
should establish herself permanently in her husband’s house just as
mountain firmly establishes itself on ground.
(2) Atharvaveda mantra 3/25/1- Wife should long to be in company of her husband.
(3) Atharvaveda mantra 3/25/5- wife should be attracted towards the loving attitude of her husband and should always remain sincere to her husband.
(4) Atharvaveda mantra 3/25/6 – wife should discover so much love and affection in her husband’s house that she should not remember her parent’s house at all.
(5) Atharvaveda mantra 3/30/2 – wife should conduct herself sweetly towards her husband.
(6) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/1 – main qualities of wife:
(a) Should have conquered sensuality (b) hardworking (c) possessing best behaviour (d) striving to maintain home in best way.
(7) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/2 -
(a) Preserves and increases husband’s money
(b) Spends portion of husband’s earnings on Yajya.
(c) She is always working hard.
(8) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/3-
(a) She does all household jobs with zeal and enthusiasm.
(b) Elevates the house in a very mature way.
(c) Ensures that there is no shortage of milk and milk products in the house.
(d) Conserves the household earnings.
(9) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/4-
(a) She remains happy
(b) Does not get effected by sorrows and anger
(c) Makes every one happy with her good behaviour.
(10) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/5-
(a) Toils hard from sunrise to sunset.
(b) Does her work in the light of sun and does not confine herself to dark rooms devoid of sunlight.
(11) Atharvaveda mantra 6/8/1 – wife should be dependent on husband just as a creeper completely depends on the tree.
(12) Atharvaveda mantra 6/8/3 -wife should never even think about separating from her husband.
13) Atharvaveda mantra 7/47/2- wife should remain healthy, possess expertise in household jobs, should be God fearing and remember God’s name and possessing divine qualities.
Duties of husband
(1) Atharvaveda mantra 1/34/5 – the sweet and loving behaviour of husband should make the wife to inculcate love and affection towards him.
(2) Atharvaveda mantra 2/30/4 – husband should not hide anything from the wife. In this way he shall win over her heart.
(3) Atharvaveda mantra 5/25/6- he should lead a disciplined, pious life.
(4) Atharvaveda mantra 6/9/2 – husband should try to win over his wife with his love.
(5) Atharvaveda mantra 6/81/1 – husband should lead a disciplined life and should be capable of earning money to sustain his married life.
(6) Atharvaveda mantra 6/89/1 – husband should respect his wife and consider his duty to protect the honour of his life.
Common duties
1). Husband and wife should share everything in common. This sharing leads to their long life- Atharvaveda mantra 2/30/2
2). Atharvaveda mantra 6/11/1- wife should possess serene/calm nature and husband should be hard working, possessing strong body. This leads to generation of brave children.
3). Atharvaveda mantra 6/42/1- husband and wife should be completely devoid of anger and should work together to accomplish house hold tasks.
4). Atharvaveda mantra 6/89/2- there should be perfect compatibility between husband and wife.
5). Atharvaveda mantra 6/36/1- husband –wife should loving gaze at each other and their faces should reflect happiness.
6). Atharvaveda mantra 7/37/1- husband should never think about females other than his wives and wife should dress up decently and sensibly covering all body parts.
7). Atharvaveda mantra 7/38/1 – wife should firmly hold that she shall never be away from her husband’s house and this firm conviction prevent the husband from being attracted towards other females
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0m shivoham shivoham
haappy women day all beautiful soul
Women must be honored=
Dear devotees, in recent times we have noticed crime against women. There are no doubts this shows decline of dharma in our society, otherwise, how a Hindu who knows that women are given utmost respect in Sanatan Dharma, may indulge into such evil acts against women.
Sensing the urgency for people to know our glorious Dharma and to know how our Vedas and all scripture have put women on high esteem, I decided to put posts on this subject under specified topics. This post is to inform how Sanatan Dharma advocates that women should always be honored. Rather Vedas go further declaring those places where Women are respected become divine, deities dwell there and such places are full of happiness and prosperity.
Please find the selected shlokas from Vedas and related scripture to know that women must be honored.
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Rig Ved (2.17.7)
अमाजूरिव पित्रोः सचा सती समानादा सदसस्त्वामिये भगम |
कर्धि परकेतमुप मास्या भर दद्धि भागं तन्वो येन मामहः ||
As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all.
Grant knowledge, mete it out and bring it to us here: give us the share wherewith thou makest people glad.
Above shloka states that an educated daughter who is a householder should increase the wealth through Purushartha by honoring those who should be honored and by rejecting those who are otherwise:
उत तवा सत्री शशीयसी पुंसो भवति वस्यसी |
अदेवत्राद अराधसः ||
......Rig ed 5.61.6
"That woman deserves to be adored by her husband who makes her husband happy by rejecting those who practice injustice and those who are not to be respected. She deserves to be adored by her husband forever."
Rig ved 10.85.46 :
सम्राज्ञी शवशुरे भव सम्राज्ञी शवश्र्वां भव |
ननान्दरि सम्राज्ञी भव सम्राज्ञी अधि देव्र्षु ||
“ O Bride! May your father-in-law treat you as a queen. May your mother-in-law treat you as a Samrajni(queen). May the sisters and brothers of your husband treat you as a queen. “
Atharva 11.1.17 :
“ These women are pure, sacred, yajniya(as respected as yajna), worth being served, of great character, scholarly. They have given subjects, animals and happiness to us.”
Manusmriti 3.55 :
pitribhirbhratribhishcaitah patibhirdevaraistatha |
pujya bhushayitavyashca bahukalyanamipsubhih ||
"Women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers-in-law, who desire (their own) welfare. "
Manusmriti 3.56 :
yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah |
yatraitastu na pujyante sarvastatraphalah kriyah ||
" Where women are honored, there the Deities are pleased; but where they are not honored, no sacred rite yields rewards. "
Manusmriti 3.58 :
jamayo yani gehani shapantyapratipujitah |
tani krityahataniva vinashyanti samantatah ||
"The houses on which female relations, not being duly honored, pronounce a curse, perish completely, as if destroyed by magic. "
Manusmriti 3.59 :
tasmadetah sada pujya bhushanacchadanashanaih |
bhutikamairnarairnityam satkareshutsaveshu ca ||
"Hence men who seek (their own) welfare, should always honor women on holidays and festivals with (gifts of) ornaments, clothes, and (dainty) food. "
Manusmriti 9.130
yathaivatma tatha putrah putrena duhita sama |
tasyamatmani tishöhantyam kathamanyo dhanam haret ||
“ A son is even (as) oneself, (such) a daughter is equal to a son; how can another (heir) take the estate, while such (an appointed daughter who is even) oneself, lives?”
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Education of women in Vedic Age :
The girls were entitled to Upanayana (to receive sacred thread) and to the privilege of studying Vedas; just as the boys. Women performed religious rites after completing their education under a Guru. They were entitled to offer sacrifices to gods. The son was not absolutely necessary for this purpose.
According to Shrauta and Grihya Sutras, women chanted mantras along with their husbands while performing rituals. There were eminent women in the field of learning and scholarship. These highly intelligent and greatly learned women, who chose the path of Vedic studies and, lived the ideal life of spirituality were called Brahmavadinis; and the women who opted out of education for married life were called 'Sadyovadhus'. Both the sexes got equal attention for education.
Incidentally, the Shatapatha Braahmana lists some 52 generations of teachers, of which some 42 are remembered through their mothers. The teachers were males. This list acts like a bridge between the end of the Rig-Veda time and the Shatapatha Braahmana time. It is remarkable that a patriarchal society should remember its teachers through their mothers. The preference over the names of their fathers indicates the important position of women as mothers in Vedic society. Their mothers were considered that valuable, as their sons were recognized through their names.
Women and Atharva Ved :
Atharva 11.5.18 :
“ By performing Brahmacharya maiden obtains a youthful husband.“
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 14.1.20 :
“ Let Bhaga (fortune) take your hand and hence conduct you; let the two Asvins on their car transport you. Go to the house (of your husband) to be the Grihapatni, and may please everyone at her husband’s home through her knowledge and noble qualities. “
Atharva 14.1.61 :
"Hey bride! You shall bring bliss to all and direct our homes towards our purpose of living."
Atharva 14.1.64 :
“ O bride ! May you be benevolent, the harbinger of good fortune and health and reaching the home of scholars live in great dignity and indeed be illumined in your husband’s home.”
Atharva 2:36:5 :
“Oh bride! Step into the full and inexhaustible boat of Bhaga (prosperity) and take your husband to shores of success.”
Atharva 1.14.3 :
“This woman shall be the protector of your entire family, O king (Yama), and her do we make over to you! May she long sit with her relatives, until (her hair) drops from her head!”
Atharva 2.36.3 :
“This woman shall obtain a husband, since king Soma makes her lovely! May she, begetting sons, become a queen; may she, going to her husband, shine in loveliness!”
Atharva 11.1.17 :
“ These women are pure, sacred, yajniya(as respected as yajna), worth being served, of great character, scholarly. They have given subjects, animals and happiness to us.”
Atharva 12.1.25 :
“ That fragrance of yours which is in men, the loveliness and charm that is in male and female, that which is in steeds and heroes, that which is in the wild animals with trunks (elephants), the aura that is in the maiden, O Prithvi, with that do you blend us: not any one shall hate us!”
Atharva 12.2.31 :
“Let these unwidowed women with goodly husbands, free from all diseases,never weep out of sorrow. Let them adorn themselves with fragrant balm and unguent, ornaments and jewels .”
Atharva 14.1.6 declares that 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 :
“Thought was her coverlet, the power of sight was unguent for her eyes; Her treasure-chest was earth and heaven, when Sūryā went unto her lord.” (Atharva Ved 14.1.16)
Similar Translation : “When girls ignore external objects and develops foresight and vibrant attitude through power of knowledge, she becomes provider of wealths of skies and earth. Then she should marry an eligible husband.”
Atharva 14.1.42 :
“ O Bride! May your wishes for happiness, for children, for financial well-being, and for being blessed, be fulfilled. Go. Get busy merging your mind with that of your husband; and may both of you live long.”
Atharva 14.1.50 :
“ I take your hand in mine for happy fortune that you may reach old age with me; your consort, Deities- Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given you to be my household's mistress.”
Atharva 14.2.71 :
“Hey wife! I am (knowledgeable) man and you are (also knowledgeable) woman. I am Samved , you are Rigved. I am the sky; you are the Earth. We two shall make a home; And, We will bring forth children.”
Atharva 14.2.74 :
“This bride is illuminating. She has conquered everyone’s hearts! May she give birth to noble children and let them convey along future’s pathway.”
Atharva 18.3.4 :
"O ye inviolable one ! (the widow) tread the path of wise in front of thee and choose this man (another suitor) as thy husband. Joyfully receive him and may the two of you mount the world of happiness."
This mantra blesses the widow to have a happy life with present husband.
Atharva 7.38.4and 12.3.52 declare that women should take part in the legislative chambers and put their views on forefront :
“My speech, not yours, (in this matter) have weight: in the assembly, forsooth, do you speak! To me alone shall thou belong, shall not even discourse of other women!” (Atharva Ved 7.38.4)
Yajur ved 10.26 implies 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.
Yajur ved 30.15 states about different problems of women related to pregnancy and their corresponding treatments to be done.
Rigevda contains several Suktas containing description of Usha as a God. This Usha is representation of an ideal woman. One may refer “Usha Devata” by Pt Sri Pad Damodar Satvalekar as part of “Simple Translation of Rigveda (Rigved ka subodh bhashya)”.Page 121 to 147 for summary of all such verses spread across entire Rigveda. In summary:
1. Women should be brave (Page 122, 128)
2. Women should be expert (Page 122)
3. Women should earn fame (Page 123)
4. Women should ride on chariots (Page 123)
5. Women should be scholars (Page 123)
6. Women should be prosperous and wealth (Page 125)
7. Women should be intelligent and knowledgeable (Page 126)
8. Women should be protector of family and society and get in army(Page 134, 136)
9. Women should be illuminating (Page 137)
10. Women should be provider of wealth, food and prosperity (Page 141- 146)
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Status Of Women Rig Ved :
In vedic literature several aspects of feminine form are suggested by various names and epithets are used to denote a woman. For instance woman as a wife is described by three words : Jaya, Jani and Patni. Of these Jaya is one who gives birth to one's progeny, Jani is the mother of children and Patni is the co-partner in religious duties.
Similarly women is designated as :
Aditi- because she is not dependent (Nirukta 4/22)
Aghnya- for she is not to be hurt (Y.V 8/43)
Brihati- for she is large hearted (Y.V 11/64)
Chandra- for she is happy (Y.V 8/43)
Devakama- since she is pious (A.V. 14/147)
Devi- since she is divine (A.V. 14/145 , Y.V. 4/23)
Dhruva- for she is firm (Y.V. 11/64)
Havya- because she is worthy of invocation (Y.V. 8/43)
Ida- for she is worshippable (Y.V. 8/43)
Jyota- because she is illuminating (Y.V. 8/43)
Kamya- because she is desirable (Y.V. 8/43)
Kshama- for she is tolerant/indulgent/patient (A.V. 12/1/29)
Mahi- since she is great (Y.V. 8/43)
Mena- because she deserves respect (Nirukta 3/21/2)
Nari- for she is not inimical to anyone (A.V. 14/1/59)
Purandhih- for she is munificent/liberal (Y.V. 22/22)
Ranta- because she is lovely (Y.V. 8/3)
Rtavatai, Rtachit- for she is the preserver/forester of truth (R.V. 2/41/18)
Sanjaya- since she is victorious (R.V. 10/159/3)
Sarasvati- since she is scholarly ( Y.V. 20/84)
Simhi- since she is courageous (Y.V. 5/12)
Shiva- for she is benevolent (A.V. 14/164)
Shivatama- since she is the noblest (R.V. 10/85/37)
Stri- since she is modest (R.V. 8/33/9 , Nirukta 3/21/12)
Subhaga- because she is fortunate (Y.V. 8/43)
Subhdha- for she is knowledgebale (A.V. 14/2/75)
Sumangali- since she is auspicious ( A.V. 14/2/26)
Susheva- for she is pleasant ( A.V. 14/2/26)
Suvarcha- since she is splendid (A.V. 14/4/47)
Suyama- since she is self-disciplined ( A.V. 14/2/18)
Syona- for she is noble (A.V. 14/2/27)
Virini- since she is mother of brave sons (R.V. 10/86/9, 10)
Vishruta- since she is learned (Y.V. 8/43)
Yashasvati- for she is glorious (R.V. 1/89/1)
Yosha- because she is intermingled with man, she is not separate (Nirukta 3/15/1)
List of women rishis (rishikas) in the Rig Ved Samhita :-
(One or two mantra was revealed to each rishika)
Aditi- 4.18
Aditirdakshayani- 10.72
Apala atreyi- 8.91
Dakshina prajapatya- 10.107
Godha- 10.134
Ghosha kakshivati- 10.39, 10.40
Indrani- 10.86
Indra mataro- 10.153
Jarita sharngah- 10.142
Juhurbrahmajaya- 10.109
Lopamudra- 1.171
Ratrirbharadvaji- 10.127
Romasha- 1.126
Sarama devashuni- 10.108
Sarparajni- 10.189
Sashvatyangirasi- 8.1
Shraddha kamayani- 10.151
Shachi poulami- 10.159
Shikhandinyavah psarasau kashyapan- 9.104
Sikata nivavari- 9.86
Sudhitirangirasah- 8.71
Surya savitri- 10.85
Tvashta garbhakarta-10.184
Vagambhrni- 10.125
Vasukapatni- 10.28
Vishvavara atreyi- 8.91
Yami- 10.154
Yami vaivasvati- 10.10
Women and Rig Ved :
Rig ved 1.164.41
गौरीर्मिमाय सलिलानि तक्षत्येकपदी दविपदी सा चतुष्पदी |
अष्टापदी नवपदी बभूवुषी सहस्राक्षरा परमे वयोमन ||
" One ved, two ved, or four ved along with ayurved, dhanurved, gandharved, aarthved etc in addition with education, kalp, grammar, nirukt, astrology, meters i.e the six vedaang should be attained by the clear-minded woman, which is equivalent to the crystal-clear water and spread this diversified knowledge among the people. "
Rig Ved (2.17.7) states that an educated daughter who is a householder should increase the wealth through Purushartha by honoring those who should be honored and by rejecting those who are otherwise :
अमाजूरिव पित्रोः सचा सती समानादा सदसस्त्वामिये भगम |
कर्धि परकेतमुप मास्या भर दद्धि भागं तन्वो येन मामहः ||
Rig Ved says that an educated girl should be married to an equally educated man :
आ धेनवो धुनयन्तामशिश्वीः सबर्दुघाः शशया अप्रदुग्धाः |
नव्या-नव्या युवतयो भवन्तीर्म... ||
.......Rig Ved 3.55.16
“ As an unmarried young learned daughter feels happy to get married to a bridegroom who like her is learned, likewise learned men feel happy to know the words of knowledge”.
उत तवा सत्री शशीयसी पुंसो भवति वस्यसी |
अदेवत्राद अराधसः ||
......Rig ed 5.61.6
"That woman deserves to be adored by her husband who makes her husband happy by rejecting those who practice injustice and those who are not to be respected. She deserves to be adored by her husband forever."
Sayanacharya, the 14th Century Vedic scholar from India, comments on Rig Veda (5.61.8-9) that the wife and husband are equal halves of one substance. Therefore both should join and take equal parts in all religious and day-to-day work. Pious couples are recommended to pray to Goddess Gayatri to beget courageous children.
Rig Ved(10.18.8) is recited by the dead man’s brothers and others, requesting the widow to release her husband’s body for cremation. The Rig also commands the widow to return to the world of living beings :
उदीर्ष्व नार्यभि जीवलोकं गतासुमेतमुप शेष एहि |
हस्तग्राभस्य दिधिषोस्तवेदं पत्युर्जनित्वमभि सम्बभूथ ||
.......(Rig Ved 10.18.8)
“Rise, O woman, (and go) to the world of living beings; come, this man near whom you sleep is lifeless; you have enjoyed this state of being the wife of your husband, the suitor who took you by the hand"
A woman had the right to choose her own husband :
कियती योषा मर्यतो वधूयोः परिप्रीता पन्यसावार्येण |
भद्रा वधूर्भवति यत सुपेशाः सवयं सामित्रं वनुते जने चित ||
…….. Rig Ved 10.27.12
“ Many women get satisfied hearing the flattering admiration and the wealth of men. She is a good wife who is gracious and beautiful and chooses herself the man of her choice.”
Rig-Ved prays to Ashwins for assisting the widows. (Rig Ved 10.40.8)
Marriage was an established institution in the Vedic Age. It was regarded as a social and religious duty; and not a contract. The husband-wife stood on equal footing and prayed for long lasting love and friendship. At the wedding, the bride addressed the assembly in which the sages too were present. [Rig Veda (10.85.26-27)]
The Rig Veda hymn (10, 85.27) ,the wedding prayer , indicates the rights of a woman as wife. It is addressed to the bride sitting next to bridegroom. It touches upon few other issues as well.
इह परियं परजया ते सं रध्यतामस्मिन गर्हे गार्हपत्यायजाग्र्हि |
एना पत्या तन्वं सं सर्जस्वाधा जिव्री विदथमा वदाथः ||
......Rig Ved 10.85.27
"Happy be you (as wife) in future and prosper with your children here (in the house): be vigilant to rule your household in this home (i.e. exercise your authority as the main figure in your home). Closely unite (be an active participant) in marriage with this man, your husband. So shall you, full of years (for a very long life), address your company (i.e. others in the house listen to you, and obey and care about what you have to say)."
A woman, if she chose, could marry even after the child bearing age. For instance Gosha a well known female sage married at a late stage in her life (her husband being another well known scholar of that time Kakasivan) as she earlier suffered from some skin ailment.Monogamy normally prevailed but polygamy was also in vogue. But Vedas do not encourage polygamy.
The famous marriage hymn (10.85) calls upon members of the husband’s family to treat the daughter in law (invited into the family 'as a river enters the sea') as the queen samrajni. She is welcomed in many ways:
अघोरचक्षुरपतिघ्न्येधि शिवा पशुभ्यः सुमनाःसुवर्चाः |
वीरसूर्देवकामा सयोना शं नो भव दविपदेशं चतुष्पदे ||
………….Rig Ved 10.85.44
" O Bride ! May you have the charming look, protective to your husband, kind towards animals, with a good mind, with strength and knowledge, destined to bring forth heroes. May you bring prosperity to humans and happiness to quadrapeds."
Rig ved 10.85.46 :
सम्राज्ञी शवशुरे भव सम्राज्ञी शवश्र्वां भव |
ननान्दरि सम्राज्ञी भव सम्राज्ञी अधि देव्र्षु ||
“ O Bride! May your father-in-law treat you as a queen. May your mother-in-law treat you as a Samrajni(queen). May the sisters and brothers of your husband treat you as a queen. “
Rig Ved 10.159 :
A women speaks after waking up in morning, “My destiny is as glorious as the rising sun. I am the flag of my home and society. I am also their head. I can give impressive discourses. My sons conquer enemies. My daughter illuminates the whole world. I myself am winner of enemies. My husband has infinite glory. I have made those sacrifices which make a king successful. I have also been successful. I have destroyed my enemies.”
Rig Ved does not encourage polygamy :
उभे धुरौ वह्निरापिब्दमानो.अन्तर्योनेव चरति दविजानिः |
……. Rig Ved 10.101.11
"A man with two wives is pressed from both sides and weeps like a horse that neighs when pressed from both sides by spokes while driving a chariot. "
Three mantras of Rig Veda, 1.124.7, 4.3.2 and 10.71.4 contain “Jaayeva Patya Ushatee Suvaasaah”. This means that knowledge comes to the scholar in same manner as a dedicated joyous wife comes only to her husband. “Jaaya” means wife and “Pati” means husband. Both appearing in singular implies that only one husband-one wife relation is considered ideal.
Unfortunately even today some orthodox people deny the right of women to chant the Vedas. However they can not show any authorative scripture to support their views. Vedas are the supreme authority of Sanatan vedic Dharma.
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Women And Manusmriti :
Manusmriti 2.138
cakrino dashamisthasya rogino bharinah striyah |
snatakasya ca rajnashca pantha deyo varasya ca ||
—“Way must be made for a man in a carriage, for one who is above ninety years old, for one diseased, for the carrier of a burden, for a woman, for a Snataka, for the king, and for a bridegroom.“
Manusmriti 2.238 :
shraddadhanah shubham vidyamadaditavaradapi |
anyadapi param dharmam striratnam dushkuladapi ||
—"Take the jewel among women for your wife, though she be of inferior descent. Learn supreme knowledge with service even from the man of low birth; and even from the Chandâla, learn by serving him the way to salvation."
Manusmriti 3.8 :
nodvahet kapilam kanyam nadhikangim na roginim |
nalomikam natilomam na vacatam na pingalam ||
—"He should not marry a maiden (with) reddish (hair), nor one who has a redundant member, nor one who is sickly, nor one either with no hair (on the body) or too much, nor one who is garrulous or has red (eyes),
Manusmriti 3.9 :
narikshavrikshanadinamnim nantyaparvatanamikam |
na pakshyahipreshyanamnim na ca bhishananamikam ||
—"Nor one named after a constellation, a tree, or a river, nor one bearing the name of a low caste, or of a mountain, nor one named after a bird, a snake, or a slave, nor one whose name inspires terror."
Manusmriti 3.10 :
avyangangim saumyanamnim hamsavaranagaminim |
tanulomakeshadashanam mridvangimudvahet striyam ||
—"Wise men should marry a female free from bodily defects, who has an agreeable name, the (graceful) gait of a swan or of an elephant, a moderate (quantity of) hair on the body and on the head, small teeth, and soft limbs. "
Manusmriti 3.11 :
yasyastu na bhaved bhrata na vijnayeta va pita |
naupayaccheta tam prajnah putrika.adharmashankaya ||
—"But a prudent man should not marry (a maiden) who has no brother, nor one whose father is not known,through fear lest (in the former case she be made) an appointed daughter (and in the latter) lest (he should commit) sin."
Manusmriti prohibits Dowry System :
Manusmriti 3.52
stridhanani tu ye mohadupajivanti bandhavah |
nariyanani vastram va te papa yantyadhogatim ||
—“ Those relatives who rob away or thrive on wealth, property, vehicles or dresses of a woman or her family are wiliest of people, they commit sin and sink to hell.”
Manusmriti 3.53
arshe gomithunam shulkam ke cidahurmrishaiva tat |
alpo.apyevam mahan va.api vikrayastavadeva sah ||
—“Some call the cow and the bull (given) at an Arsha wedding ’a gratuity;’ (but) that is wrong, since (the acceptance of) a fee, be it small or great, is a sale (of the daughter).”
Thus any kind of dowry is a strict NO NO as per Manu Smriti. No one should dare attempt to take away the property of a woman. In fact Manu Smriti suggests that a marriage along with dowry is marriage of ‘Devils’ or Asuri Vivah.
Manusmriti 3.55 :
pitribhirbhratribhishcaitah patibhirdevaraistatha |
pujya bhushayitavyashca bahukalyanamipsubhih ||
—"Women must be honoured and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands, and brothers-in-law, who desire (their own) welfare. "
Manusmriti 3.56 :
yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devatah |
yatraitastu na pujyante sarvastatraphalah kriyah ||
—" Where women are honoured, there the Deities are pleased; but where they are not honoured, no sacred rite yields rewards. "
Manusmriti 3.57 :
shocanti jamayo yatra vinashyatyashu tat kulam |
na shocanti tu yatraita vardhate tad hi sarvada ||
—" Where the female relations live in grief, the family soon wholly perishes; but that family where they are not unhappy ever prospers. "
Manusmriti 3.58 :
jamayo yani gehani shapantyapratipujitah |
tani krityahataniva vinashyanti samantatah ||
—"The houses on which female relations, not being duly honoured, pronounce a curse, perish completely, as if destroyed by magic. "
Manusmriti 3.59 :
tasmadetah sada pujya bhushanacchadanashanaih |
bhutikamairnarairnityam satkareshutsaveshu ca ||
—"Hence men who seek (their own) welfare, should always honour women on holidays and festivals with (gifts of) ornaments, clothes, and (dainty) food. "
Manusmriti 3.60 :
samtushto bharyaya bharta bhartra bharya tathaiva ca |
yasminneva kule nityam kalyanam tatra vai dhruvam ||
—"In that family, where the husband is pleased with his wife and the wife with her husband, happiness will assuredly be lasting. "
Manusmriti 3.61 :
yadi hi stri na roceta pumamsam na pramodayet |
apramodat punah pumsah prajanam na pravartate ||
—"For if the wife is not radiant with beauty, she will not attract her husband; but if she has no attractions for him, no children will be born. "
Manusmriti 3.62 :
striyam tu rocamanayam sarvam tad rocate kulam |
tasyam tvarocamanayam sarvameva na rocate ||
—"If the wife is radiant with beauty, the whole house is bright; but if she is destitute of beauty, all will appear dismal. "
Manusmriti 3.114
suvasinih kumarishca rogino garbhinih striyah |
atithibhyo.agra evaitan bhojayedavicarayan ||
—“Without hesitation one may give food, even before his guests, to the following persons, (viz.) to newly married women, to infants, to the sick, and to pregnant women.”
Manusmriti 4.180
matapitribhyam jamibhirbhratra putrena bharyaya |
duhitra dasavargena vivadam na samacaret ||
—“One should not have quarrel With his father and his mother, with female relatives, with a brother, with his son and his wife, with his daughter and with his slaves.”
Manusmriti 5.149
pitra bhartra sutairva.api necched virahamatmanah |
esham hi virahena stri garhye kuryadubhe kule ||
—“ A woman should always ensure that she is protected. It is duty of father, husband and son to protect her.”
Manusmriti 8.28
vasha.aputrasu caivam syad rakshanam nishkulasu ca |
pativratasu ca strishu vidhavasvaturasu ca ||
—“In like manner care must be taken of barren women, of those who have no sons, of those whose family is extinct, of wives and widows faithful to their lords, and of women afflicted with diseases.”
Manusmriti 8.29
jivantinam tu tasam ye tad hareyuh svabandhavah |
tamshishyatcauradandena dharmikah prithivipatih ||
—“A righteous king must punish like thieves those relatives who appropriate the property of such females during their lifetime.”
Manusmriti 8.275
mataram pitaram jayam bhrataram tanayam gurum |
aksharayamshatam dapyah panthanam cadadad guroh ||
—“He who defames his mother, his father, his wife, his brother, his son, or his teacher, and he who gives not the way to his preceptor, shall be compelled to pay one hundred (panas).”
Manusmriti 8.323
purushanam kulinanam narinam ca visheshatah |
mukhyanam caiva ratnanam harane vadhamarhati ||
—“For stealing men of noble family and especially women and the most precious gems, (the offender) deserves corporal (or capital) punishment.”
Manusmriti 8.352
paradarabhimarsheshu pravrittannrin mahipatih |
udvejanakarairdandaishchinnayitva pravasayet ||
—"Men who commit adultery with the wives of others, the king shall cause to be marked by punishments which cause terror, and afterwards banish."
Manusmriti 8.389
na mata na pita na stri na putrastyagamarhati |
tyajannapatitanetan rajna dandyah shatani shaö ||
—“Neither a mother, nor a father, nor a wife, nor a son shall be cast off; he who casts them off, unless guilty of a crime causing loss of caste, shall be fined six hundred (panas).”
Manusmriti 9.04
kale.adata pita vacyo vacyashcanupayan patih |
mrite bhartari putrastu vacyo maturarakshita ||
—“Reprehensible is the father who gives not (his daughter in marriage) at the proper time; reprehensible is the husband who approaches not (his wife in due season), and reprehensible is the son who does not protect his mother after her husband has died.”
Manusmriti 9.05
sukshmebhyo.api prasangebhyah striyo rakshya visheshatah |
dvayorhi kulayoh shokamavaheyurarakshitah ||
—“ Women must particularly be guarded against evil inclinations, however trifling (they may appear); for, if they are not guarded, they will bring sorrow on two families.”
Manusmriti 9.06
imam hi sarvavarnanam pashyanto dharmamuttamam |
yatante rakshitum bharyam bhartaro durbala api ||
—“Considering that the highest duty of all castes, even weak husbands (must) strive to guard their wives.”
Manusmriti 9.11
arthasya sangrahe cainam vyaye caiva niyojayet |
shauce dharme.annapaktyam ca parinahyasya vekshane ||
—“Let the (husband) employ his (wife) in the collection and expenditure of his wealth, in keeping (everything) clean, in (the fulfilment of) religious duties, in the preparation of his food, and in looking after the household utensils.”
The shloka clearly puts aside false claims that women do not have right to conduct religious rituals of Vedas. On contrary, women should lead such rituals. Thus all those people who suggest that women do not have right to study or practice Vedas are against Manu and Vedas.
Manusmriti 9.12
arakshita grihe ruddhah purushairaptakaribhih |
atmanamatmana yastu raksheyustah surakshitah ||
—“Women, confined in the house under trustworthy and obedient servants, are not (well) guarded; but those who of their own accord keep guard over themselves, are well guarded.”
This shloka explains the futility to attempting to restrict a woman to home in name of providing her security. On contrary, to secure her, she should be given the right training so that she can defend herself and avoid getting misled by bad company. The prevailing notion of cornering women within a small home is against Manu’s ideology.
Manusmriti 9.26
prajanartham mahabhagah pujarha grihadiptayah |
striyah shriyashca geheshu na vishesho.asti kashcana ||
—“ Women who give birth to next generation, who enlighten the home bring fortune and bliss. Hence women are synonymous to Prosperity.”
Manusmriti 9.28
apatyam dharmakaryani shushrusha ratiruttama |
dara.adhinastatha svargah pitrinamatmanashca ha ||
—“Offspring , the due performance on religious rites, faithful service, highest conjugal happiness and heavenly bliss for the ancestors and oneself, depend on one’s wife alone.”
Manusmriti 9.89
kamamamaranat tishöhed grihe kanyartumatyapi |
na caivainam prayacchet tu gunahinaya karhi cit ||
—“(But) the maiden, though marriageable, should rather stop in (the father’s) house until death, than that he should ever give her to a man destitute of good qualities.”
Manusmriti 9.90
trini varshanyudiksheta kumaryartumati sati |
urdhvam tu kaladetasmad vindeta sadrisham patim ||
—“Three years let a damsel wait, though she be marriageable; but after that time let her choose for herself a bridegroom (of) equal (caste and rank).”
Manusmriti 9.91
adiyamana bhartaramadhigacched yadi svayam |
nainah kim cidavapnoti na ca yam sa.adhigacchati ||
—“If, being not given in marriage, she herself seeks a husband, she incurs no guilt, nor (does) he whom she weds.”
Manusmriti 9.96
prajanartham striyah shrishöah samtanartham ca manavah |
—“To be mothers were women created, and to be fathers men; religious rites, therefore, are ordained in the Veda to be performed (by the husband) together with the wife.”
Thus, those who deny Vedas or Vedic rituals to women are anti-Manu and anti-Vedic.
Manusmriti 9.101
anyonyasyavyabhicaro bhavedamaranantikah |
esha dharmah samasena jneyah stripumsayoh parah ||
—“’Let mutual fidelity of husband and wife continue until death,’ this may be considered as the summary of the highest law for husband and wife.”
Equality of Son and Daughter :
Manusmriti 9.130
yathaivatma tatha putrah putrena duhita sama |
tasyamatmani tishöhantyam kathamanyo dhanam haret ||
—“ A son is even (as) oneself, (such) a daughter is equal to a son; how can another (heir) take the estate, while such (an appointed daughter who is even) oneself, lives?”
Manusmriti 9.131
matustu yautakam yat syat kumaribhaga eva sah |
dauhitra eva ca haredaputrasyakhilam dhanam ||
—“But whatever may be the separate property of the mother, that is the share of the unmarried daughter alone; and the son of an (appointed) daughter shall take the whole estate of (his maternal grandfather) who leaves no son.”
Manusmriti 9.212
sodarya vibhajeramstam sametya sahitah samam |
bhrataro ye ca samshrishöa bhaginyashca sanabhayah ||
Manusmriti 9.213
yo jyeshöho vinikurvita lobhad bhratrin yaviyasah |
so.ajyeshöhah syadabhagashca niyantavyashca rajabhih ||
These verses state that if a person has no kins or wife, then his wealth be distributed equally among his brothers and sisters. If the elder brother refuses to give due share to other brothers and sisters, he is punishable by law.
To further ensure safety of women, Manu recommended harsh punishments for those who rob away wealth of a woman, even if they are her relatives.
Manusmriti 9.232
apranibhiryat kriyate tatloke dyutamucyate |
pranibhih kriyate yastu sa vijneyah samahvayah ||
—“Forgers of royal edicts, those who corrupt his ministers, those who slay women, infants, or Brahmanas, and those who serve his enemies, the king shall put to death.”
The above verses help us to clear the misconceptions regarding women in Manusmriti
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women in vedic
This is not merely a flattery of womenfolk. It is a truth – very harsh for those who denigrate women and the sweetest nectar for those who glorify the motherly force. This law of nature is applicable to a family, society, cult, nation or entire humanity.
We became slaves despite all our greatness because we neglected this advice of Maharshi Manu. We did not heed to this advice for centuries even after invasions, and hence our situation turned from bad to worse. In late nineteenth century, thanks to efforts of reformers like Raja Ram Mohun Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Swami Dayanand Saraswati, we started considering the Vedic message seriously and hence observed a gradual upturn.
Many conservative Muslim countries of today consider women as half-intelligent and unworthy of equal rights at par with men. Hence these places are worse than hell. Europe followed the derogatory Biblical concept of women for ages and hence was among most superstitious places in world. Then, thanks to reformation era, things changed and Bible ceased to be taken seriously. As a result rapid progress happened. But now women is typically stereotyped as a sensual object of pleasure and not as a respectful motherly force. And hence, despite all the material progress, Western world is still inflicted with insecurity and lack of inner peace.
Lets review some more shlokas from Manu Smriti and attempt to imbibe them in our society:
Importance of happy women
3.55. A father, brother, husband or brother-in-law should keep their daughter, sister, wife or sister-in-law happy and pleased through gentle words, respectful behavior, gifts etc. Those who desire prosperity should ensure that women in their family are always happy and do not face miseries.
3.57. A family where women remain unhappy due to misdeeds of their men is bound to be destroyed. And a family where women are always happy is bound to prosper forever.
3.58. A family- where women feel insulted or discriminated against and curse their menfolk- is destroyed in same manner as poison kills all those who eat it.
3.59. One desiring glory should ensure that he keeps women in the family by giving them respect and pleasing them with good ornaments, dresses, food. Women should always be revered under all circumstances.
3.62. A person who does not keep her wife happy causes misery for entire family. And if wife is happy, entire family appears as happiness incarnate.
9.26. Women give birth to next generation. They enlighten the home. They bring fortune and bliss. Hence women are synonymous to Prosperity.
This shloka forms the basis of women being called Ghar ki Laxmi or ‘Goddess of Fortune in Home‘ in India even till today.
9.28. Woman is the source of all kinds of happiness in all generations – be it from children, or from noble benevolent deeds or through conjugal bliss or through service of elders.
In other words, woman is the primary source of bliss in many forms – sometimes as mother, sometimes as daughter, sometimes as wife and sometimes as a partner in spiritual deeds. It also means that participation of women is necessary for conduct of any religious or spiritual activity.
9.96. Man and Woman are incomplete without each other. Hence the most ordinary religious duty would demand participation of both.
Thus, those who deny Vedas or Vedic rituals to women are anti-Hindu and anti-Humanity.
4.180. A wise man should not indulge in fights and arguments with his family members including mother, daughter and wife.
9.4. A father who does not marry his daughter to a deserving groom deserves condemnation. A husband who does not fulfill just demands of her wife deserves condemnation. A son who does not take care of her widow mother deserves condemnation.
Polygamy is a sin
9.101. Husband and Wife should remain together till death. They should not approach any other partner, nor commit adultery. This, in summary, is the Dharma or religion of all human beings.
Thus those societies which justify polygamy or sex-slavery or temporary marriage are bound to suffer miseries because they neglect the core tenet of Dharma.
Autonomy of Women
9.11. Women should be provided autonomy and leadership in managing the finances, maintaining hygiene, spiritual and religious activities, nutrition and overall management of home.
The shloka clearly puts aside false claims that women do not have right to conduct religious rituals of Vedas. On contrary, women should lead such rituals. Thus all those people who suggest that women do not have right to study or practice Vedas are against Manu and Vedas. Such bigoted people are the cause for misery of the nation. We should simply not tolerate such mindsets that demean women.
9.12. A woman who is kept constrained in a home by noble men (husband, father, son) is still insecure. Thus it is futile to restrict women. Security of women would come only through her own capabilities and mindset.
This shloka explains the futility to attempting to restrict a woman to home in name of providing her security. On contrary, to secure her, she should be given the right training so that she can defend herself and avoid getting misled by bad company. The prevailing notion of cornering women within a small home is against Manu’s ideology.
Protection of Women
9.6. Even a weak husband should attempt to protect his wife.
9.5 Women should keep themselves away from vices. Because when women lose character, the entire society is destroyed.
5.149. A woman should always ensure that she is protected. It is duty of father, husband and son to protect her.
Please note that this protection does not imply restriction as clear from verse 9.12 cited in previous section. But a society that does not protect its womenfolk from attacks of perverts writes its own destiny of doom.
It is because of this inspiration that many a brave warriors laid their lives to protect the dignity of their women when butchers from West and Central Asia invaded our nation. The sacrifices of Alha-Udal and valor of Maharana Pratap brings a gush of glory in our blood.
Its a shame that despite such a chivalrous foundation of our culture, we have women either oppressed in backyard of homes or commoditized as sensual-items instigating lust. When we ourselves have turned invaders instead of protectors of dignity of women, who can help us!
Marriage of Women
9.89. It is better to keep the daughter unmarried than force her to marry an undeserving person.
9.90-91. A woman can choose her own husband after attaining maturity. If her parents are unable to choose a deserving groom, she can herself choose her husband.
Thus the concept of parents deciding the groom for their daughter is against Manu. A mature daughter has full rights to choose her husband. Parents act as facilitators for the marriage and not final decision makers, as wrongly practiced in many societies.
Property Rights of Women
9.130. A daughter is equivalent to a son. In her presence, how can any one snatch away her right over the property.
9.131. A daughter alone has the right over personal property of her mother.
Thus, as per Manu, while daughter has equal share as her brothers over property of her father, she has exclusive rights over property of her mother. The reason for this special treatment of women is to ensure that women are never at mercy of anyone. After all happy dignified women form the foundation of a happy society!
9.212-213. If a person has no kins or wife, then his wealth be distributed equally among his brothers and sisters. If the elder brother refuses to give due share to other brothers and sisters, he is punishable by law.
To further ensure safety of women, Manu recommended harsh punishments for those who rob away wealth of a woman, even if they are her relatives.
8.28-29. If a woman is alone because she has no children, or no men to provide for her security in her family, or is widow, or whose husband has gone abroad, or who is unwell, then it is duty of the government to ensure her safety and security. If her wealth is robbed by her relatives or friends, then the government should provide strict punishment to the culprits and have her wealth returned back.
Prohibition of Dowry
3.52. Those relatives who rob away or thrive on wealth, property, vehicles or dresses of a woman or her family are wiliest of people.
Thus any kind of dowry is a strict NO NO as per Manu Smriti. No one should dare attempt to take away the property of a woman.
The next shloka takes this concept further and states that even slightest exchange of tangible items amounts to sale/purchase and hence against principles of noble marriage. In fact Manu Smriti suggests that a marriage along with dowry is marriage of ‘Devils’ or Asuri Vivah.
Strict Punishment for harming Women
8.323. Those who abduct women should be given death sentence.
9.232. Those who kill women, children or scholarly virtuous people should be given strictest punishment.
8.352. Those who rape or molest women or incite them into adultery should be given harshest punishment that creates fear among others to even think of such a crime.
Interestingly, a judge of sessions court suggested today that castration seems the best punishment to prevent alarming increase in rape cases. Refer http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Castrate-child-rapists-Delhi-judge-suggests/articleshow/8130553.cms
We are in agreement with such a law.
8. 275. One should be punished if he puts false allegations or demeans mother, wife or daughter.
8.389. Those who abandon their mother, father, wife or children without any reasonable reason should face severe punishments.
Ladies First
The concept of Ladies First seems to originate from Manu Smriti.
2.138. A man in a vehicle should give way to the following – aged person, diseased person, one carrying burden, groom, king, student and a woman.
3.114. One should feed the following even before feeding the guests – newly married women, girls, and pregnant women.
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Duties of Wife
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(2) Atharvaveda mantra 3/25/1- Wife should long to be in company of her husband.
(3) Atharvaveda mantra 3/25/5- wife should be attracted towards the loving attitude of her husband and should always remain sincere to her husband.
(4) Atharvaveda mantra 3/25/6 – wife should discover so much love and affection in her husband’s house that she should not remember her parent’s house at all.
(5) Atharvaveda mantra 3/30/2 – wife should conduct herself sweetly towards her husband.
(6) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/1 – main qualities of wife:
(a) Should have conquered sensuality (b) hardworking (c) possessing best behaviour (d) striving to maintain home in best way.
(7) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/2 -
(a) Preserves and increases husband’s money
(b) Spends portion of husband’s earnings on Yajya.
(c) She is always working hard.
(8) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/3-
(a) She does all household jobs with zeal and enthusiasm.
(b) Elevates the house in a very mature way.
(c) Ensures that there is no shortage of milk and milk products in the house.
(d) Conserves the household earnings.
(9) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/4-
(a) She remains happy
(b) Does not get effected by sorrows and anger
(c) Makes every one happy with her good behaviour.
(10) Atharvaveda mantra 4/38/5-
(a) Toils hard from sunrise to sunset.
(b) Does her work in the light of sun and does not confine herself to dark rooms devoid of sunlight.
(11) Atharvaveda mantra 6/8/1 – wife should be dependent on husband just as a creeper completely depends on the tree.
(12) Atharvaveda mantra 6/8/3 -wife should never even think about separating from her husband.
13) Atharvaveda mantra 7/47/2- wife should remain healthy, possess expertise in household jobs, should be God fearing and remember God’s name and possessing divine qualities.
Duties of husband
(1) Atharvaveda mantra 1/34/5 – the sweet and loving behaviour of husband should make the wife to inculcate love and affection towards him.
(2) Atharvaveda mantra 2/30/4 – husband should not hide anything from the wife. In this way he shall win over her heart.
(3) Atharvaveda mantra 5/25/6- he should lead a disciplined, pious life.
(4) Atharvaveda mantra 6/9/2 – husband should try to win over his wife with his love.
(5) Atharvaveda mantra 6/81/1 – husband should lead a disciplined life and should be capable of earning money to sustain his married life.
(6) Atharvaveda mantra 6/89/1 – husband should respect his wife and consider his duty to protect the honour of his life.
Common duties
1). Husband and wife should share everything in common. This sharing leads to their long life- Atharvaveda mantra 2/30/2
2). Atharvaveda mantra 6/11/1- wife should possess serene/calm nature and husband should be hard working, possessing strong body. This leads to generation of brave children.
3). Atharvaveda mantra 6/42/1- husband and wife should be completely devoid of anger and should work together to accomplish house hold tasks.
4). Atharvaveda mantra 6/89/2- there should be perfect compatibility between husband and wife.
5). Atharvaveda mantra 6/36/1- husband –wife should loving gaze at each other and their faces should reflect happiness.
6). Atharvaveda mantra 7/37/1- husband should never think about females other than his wives and wife should dress up decently and sensibly covering all body parts.
7). Atharvaveda mantra 7/38/1 – wife should firmly hold that she shall never be away from her husband’s house and this firm conviction prevent the husband from being attracted towards other females
0m shivoham shivoham
haappy women day all beautiful soul
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