Sunday, June 14, 2009

Exalted Role of Women....................................

Exalted Role of Women according to Hindu Scriptures.....................

The ultimate and the only authority on the practices of Hinduism are the four Vedas. That women and men are equal in the eyes of righteousness is made explicit in a beautiful verse from the Rig-Veda:

“O women! These mantras are given to you equally [as to men]. May your thoughts, too, be harmonious. May your assemblies be open to all without discrimination” Many seers were women in the Vedic period. Indeed, several of them authored many of the verses in the Vedas. The Rig-Veda lists the names of some of the well-known women seers: Ghoshsha, Godha, Vishwawra, Apala, Sri, Laksha and many more.

The Manu-smriti, an ancient text that contained the law codes for ancient Hindu society, extols the virtues of women:

“Women are worthy of worship. They are the fate of the household, the lamp of enlightenment for all in the household. They bring solace to the family and are an integral part of righteous life.”

The fact of Hindu scriptures honoring women is testimony to the enlightenment of the Vedas and the Vedic period.

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