Nari Devi bhava
Where women are worshipped there the God’s dwell
The ancient history of Indian women is the complete picture of pioneers who brought drastic changes in our life by inspiring them with their achievements. They extended their support and improved the quality of life among women to prove their potential in order to achieve what they require in their lives. Vedic women are strong with zeal for success and willingness to walk extra steps creating history in society. They set an example for today’s women. Let us know about ancient women and modern women in India.
In Indian society, women feel they are dominated by men in fact it is true and false. No one and men cannot stop the success of any women in their field. From the Vedic period till today history recollects women’s achievement in diverse fields. Even today we read Vedas, Puranas, and epics as they influence Hindu Society. Do you know how Vedic women fulfilled their duties, and dreams and created an impact on modern women? They are role models for every woman. Comparatively Vedic women are given more freedom than today’s women. In the Vedic age, both husband and wife used to participate in religious and social customs with gender equality. They loved their husband and the husband in turn allowed the wife to participate in all aspects of life. Modern women are a step behind Vedic women.
During the early Vedic period Swayamvaram is a custom for women to choose a husband of their choice. Equal importance is given to her along with their husband to prove her potential in debates and to attend socio-religious ceremonies. Women in those days are highly respected and honored in all aspects of life. In the Vedic period wife is called Gruha Devi, Dharma Patni and Saha dharmacharini to attain Dharma, Artha, kama, and moksha. They are permitted to participate in Homam and other spiritual ceremonies along with their husband.
There is a prevalent practice in colonial India called Kanyashulkam i.e.Money in lieu for a girl. The parents of the pre-puberty girl are sold to the groom in name of marriage. Their freedom to choose the husband of their choice was forbidden. Child marriages increased. Later on, child marriages were abolished and women are forced to get married at the choice of elderly persons thereby Love marriages increased. Customs and traditions were mixed and messed up. Women’s education is banned. But slowly women are encouraged to education. Even today women are discouraged to participate in spiritual programs and they are prohibited to recite hymns of Vedas.
In the Vedic period Brahmavadhini women like Gargi, Apala, Ghosha, Mythri, Atreyee, and many more women created hymes of rig Veda. Today Women are prohibited to recite Vedas and participate in Pooja or Homam or Spiritual programs. But since the Vedic period, Nari is worshipped as Devi in form of Trishakti. Chaitra Navratri, Ashada Navaratri, Ashwin Navaratri, Sharada Navaratri, Shakambari Navaratri, and Magha Navaratri are celebrated in honor of Trishakti. Ashwin Navaratri is celebrated for 9 days to honor Goddess Durga Devi in 9 forms. It is said to be Sharon Navratri, Devi or Durga navratri. Durga Devi is worshipped as Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. Since the Vedic period, Nari is well versed with 64 arts and empowered with many tasks & duties. Nari is worshipped as Mahila, stree, Mata, sati, Pathivratha, vanitha, shakti, Devi, wife, sister, daughter, and a great warrior. According to Devi Puran, Devi is worshipped as Durga in 21 forms. One among them is Devi Sarva bootheshu chaya rupena samsthitha Namaste Namo Namaha which means goddess Durga is the head of Navagraha specifically Lord Shani and Lord Rahu. During Rahu mahadasha or antardasha or debilitated Rahu or Rahu chandala or grahana, dosha in the birth chart (where Rahu is with Moon or Sun) or Kala sarpa dosh worship of Durga Devi in Navratri curtail evil effects of Rahu dosh. Rahu is considered Chaya Grah.
Many women like Gargi, Apala, Mythri, Sulabha, Arundathi, Anasuya, Atreyee, and many more created Vedic mantras referred to as brahmavardhini. Similarly, Nari is also a great warrior who helped in the war. Kaikeyee helped Dasarath Maharaj to win the Devasur battle. Satyabhama helped Lord Krishna and traveled with him on the Garuda flight to support him in battle. Arjun’s wife Subhadra is Chariot on the battlefield.
In modern Vidhushi mani, poets, professors, politicians, scientists, and many more women play a vital role. There is no such field where women are behind the way. as such there is not much difference between Vedic women and modern women. In fact, Vedic women are more civilized than modern women. Durga Devi fought for nine days against evil demons and succeed over them. She is worshipped in nine forms of Navadurga, Martuka, and also Dasamaha Vidya in Ashwin Month. Navaran Mantra or Durga mantra is chanted. Vijaya Dashami is a tenth-day festival celebrated as a mark of the success of Durga Devi over evils. On this day Devotees take shower, wear new clothes, do Ayudha pooja, worship Shami Pooja and exchange each other Shami leaves considered as Gold. Aparajita Stotra is Chanted. It is Sade then Muhurt an auspicious day for all occasions. Chant this sloka before the Shami tree
