Wonder Women Of Ancient India
As per ancient Hindu scriptures, myths and legends, women enjoyed an exalted status. And there are plenty of instances of this celebration of femininity in ancient times.
Mythology goes that God created Satarupa, the first woman, to bear and nurture the human race. Similarly as Adishakti (Devi Durga), a woman manifested the combined strength of all the godsto destroy demon king Mahisasura.
This reverence for women was also reflected in societal norms. During the Rig Vedic period, women used to enjoy equal status as men. They were entitled to pursue education and had the liberty to practice specific rituals, study the scriptures and even choose their own husbands. The hymns of Rig Veda are replete with praises of several eminent female poets, princesses, sages and merchants. Even today, many orthodox Hindus begin their day by reciting the names of five mythological women—Ahalya, Draupadi, Tara, Kunti and Mandodari.
Here, we look at five such paragons of femininity celebrated in Hindu culture for their inherent qualities, talent, patience and courage.
Apala
Apala, literally the most beautiful, is a woman mentioned in the Rig Veda. Apala was a happily married home maker, but then her husband discarded her because she was suffering from an incurable skin disease. Back at her father’s place, Apala vowed to find a cure for herself. Using a summoning ritual and the leaves of the Soma plant, she prayed to Lord Indra. Her desire was so ardent and her prayers so sincere that it compelled the king of gods to descend upon earth and bless Apala. She was cured of her disease and once again regained her former glow and radiance, giving justice to her name Apala, the most beautiful.
Gargi
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The most eloquent among all Brahmavadinis (women who studied Vedic texts), Gargi was one of the most prominentPanditas during King Janaka’s reign. She challenged sage Yajnabalkya to a debate, questioning the latter on issues regarding the existence of soul and the supreme knowledge of “The One”. Yajnabalkya, who was an accomplished sage himself and had coined the term “Advaita”, was helpless before the critical questioning of Gargi. The dialogues between the two are compiled in “Yajnabalkya-Gargi Sambada”, which is mentioned in “Brihadaranyaka Upanishad”.
Maitreyi
The second wife of sage Yajnabalkya, Maitreyi was of spiritual bent of mind and concerned for the uplift of her soul. On the other hand, the sage’s first wife,Katyayani, was a woman who pursued worldly things and material comforts. Maitreyi renounced all her worldly possessions and expressed the desire to learn the supreme knowledge from her husband. Accordingly, Yajnabalkyataught Maitreyiand she regained profound knowledge.She is counted as one of the chief Brahmavadinis even to this day.
Savitri
Daughter of King Ashwapati, Savitri was a princess who possessed the perfect combination of beauty and brain. She had chosen Satyavan, an exiled prince, as her husband by swayamvar. Satyavan, however, was destined to die before completing one year of marital bliss. But when that time arrived and Lord Yama arrived to take away his soul,Savitri, followed him. To dissuade her, the god of death offered her boon after boon. Tactfully, the princess asked for strong sons, which the Lord granted. At this, Savitri pointed out that it was impossible for her to bear sons without a husband. Speechless with her ingenuity, Lord Yama agreed to returnSatyavan to life. For her wit, courage and love for husband,Savitri is considered as an ideal among women.
Ghosha
Ghosha was the daughter of Kakshivat, who was a composer of the hymns of Rig Veda. Inheriting her father’s talent,Ghosha composed two hymns (containing 28 verses in total) dedicated to Ashwin Kumar, the twin gods of health and healing. It is said that Ghosha was suffering from an incurable skin disease, but was cured due to the blessings of the twin gods.