Dr. Ankush Mahajan
India, a land that has long prided itself on its spiritual heritage, where every nook and corner is adorned with temples dedicated to goddesses, today stands as a paradox. On one hand, women are revered as incarnations of the divine, worshipped as Devi in myriad forms-Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali-yet on the other, they are subjected to unimaginable brutality, cruelty, and discrimination. The recent horrific rape case in West Bengal once again forces us to confront the harsh reality of the plight of women in a society that claims to venerate them.
The Reverence of Women in Indian Scriptures
From time immemorial, Indian culture has placed women on a pedestal, equating them with divinity. The Rigveda (10.85.46) proclaims:
“Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devata,”
“Where women are honored, divinity blossoms there.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of how integral the respect for women is to the spiritual and moral fabric of society. Women, in ancient scriptures, are not merely revered; they are seen as the very embodiment of the cosmos, the primal energy, or Shakti that sustains the universe.
The Manusmriti (3.56) further underscores this reverence:
“Yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastatrafalaah kriyaah,”
“Where they are not honored, all actions remain unfruitful.”
Such verses clearly indicate the high esteem in which women were held in ancient Indian society. They were seen as essential to the prosperity, happiness, and overall success of any endeavor.
Devi Mahatmya, a text from the Markandeya Purana, celebrates the power and glory of the goddess Durga, who vanquishes the forces of evil and restores balance to the world. The Durga Saptashati (11.7) praises her:
“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita,
Namastasyai, Namastasyai, Namastasyai Namo Namah,”
“Salutations to the Goddess who resides in all beings in the form of power.”
Here, the Devi is recognized as the supreme force, existing within every woman, highlighting the inherent power and divinity present in the female gender.
In the Atharva Veda (14.1.6), the sanctity of the relationship between a husband and wife is depicted:
“Yatremba Yasya Varuna Bhava, Piturjayeva Savituriva Bhava,”
“Be a queen to your father-in-law, a queen to your mother-in-law,
A queen to your brother-in-law, a queen to your husband.”
This verse not only highlights the reverence for women within the family structure but also underscores the role of women as the central figures in sustaining familial and social harmony.
In Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji also emphasized the importance of women in his teachings. He questioned the patriarchal mindset that devalues women with his profound words:
“So Kyun Manda Aakhiye Jit Jame Rajan,”
“Why call her inferior, who gives birth to kings?”
Guru Nanak’s words resonate deeply in a society where women are often relegated to secondary status, reminding us that women are the very source of life and deserve the utmost respect and reverence.
The Contradictions of Modern Reality
Despite such exalted positions in scriptures, the condition of women in modern India presents a grim reality. The recent case in West Bengal, where a woman was brutally raped and murdered, is not an isolated incident but a recurring horror that haunts our nation. Each such case starkly contrasts with the reverence expressed in our sacred texts, begging the question: How have we strayed so far from the ideals our ancestors held dear?
Women, who were once revered as the personification of Shakti, now face discrimination, violence, and oppression at every stage of life. From female infanticide to dowry deaths, from domestic violence to workplace harassment, the spectrum of abuse is as wide as it is terrifying. The paradox of being worshipped as goddesses while simultaneously being treated as lesser beings exposes a deep-seated hypocrisy within our society.
Verses Calling for Justice and Equality
Indian scriptures are not silent on the issue of justice and the importance of righteous conduct. The Mahabharata (Shanti Parva, Chapter 78, Verse 17) asserts:
“Na Jatu Kamam Na Bhayam Na Lobham Dharma Moogat Sah,”
“One should never act unrighteously through lust, fear, or greed.”
This verse calls for adherence to dharma (righteousness) even in the face of personal desires or societal pressures, emphasizing that justice and morality should guide all actions, particularly those affecting the vulnerable and the weak.
The Ramayana too offers insights into the sanctity of womanhood through the character of Sita, who, despite being subjected to trials and tribulations, stands as a symbol of purity, strength, and dignity. Lord Rama’s lamentation after Sita’s abduction (Aranya Kanda, Sarga 61, Shloka 6) poignantly reflects the sorrow and anguish felt at the mistreatment of women:
“Na Jatu Lokat Sumahat Priyo Me Jivitadapi,”
“There is nothing in this world more precious than a woman’s life.”
This shloka underscores the value of women’s lives, a sentiment that should guide our contemporary societal norms and laws.
The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9, Verse 32) also speaks of the spiritual equality of all beings, including women:
“Striyo Vaishyas Tatha Shudras Te’pi Yanti Param Gatim,”
“Women, Vaishyas (merchants), and Shudras (laborers) can all attain the highest spiritual goal.”
This verse emphasizes that spiritual salvation and the highest goals of life are accessible to all, regardless of gender, and underscores the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.
The Need for a Paradigm Shift
The reverence for women, as expressed in our scriptures, must transcend ritualistic worship and manifest in everyday behavior, attitudes, and practices. A perfect illustration of this respect is seen in the sacred bond of Rakhi, where a sister ties a thread around her brother’s wrist, symbolizing love, protection, and the brother’s vow to safeguard his sister. This tradition, rooted in deep affection and respect, echoes the timeless relationship between Lord Krishna and Draupadi. When Draupadi tied a simple strip of cloth around Krishna’s wrist, he vowed to protect her, a promise he fulfilled during her greatest moment of distress.
This bond between Krishna and Draupadi is a reminder that the true worship of women lies not in ritualistic acts but in genuine care, protection, and respect for their dignity and well-being.
It is time we asked ourselves some uncomfortable questions:
” Why do we, as a society, continue to worship the female form while allowing rampant gender-based violence and discrimination to persist?
” What is the value of our rituals and prayers if they do not translate into respect, safety, and equality for women in real life?
” How can we claim to follow the path of dharma when we fail to protect the dignity and honor of women, who are the very embodiments of Shakti?
Our scriptures, rich with wisdom and guidance, provide a blueprint for a society where women are not only respected but are also empowered and valued as equal partners in the journey of life. Yet, these teachings remain unfulfilled promises in the lives of countless women who continue to suffer in silence.
A Call to Action
It is high time for a collective awakening, a revival of the spirit of the Vedic era where women were revered not just in words but in action. Laws must be strengthened, and justice must be swift and uncompromising. However, the change we seek must begin within us, in our homes, our schools, and our communities.
We must teach our sons and daughters the true meaning of respect, not just through words but by example. We must challenge and change the patriarchal mindsets that perpetuate the cycle of violence and oppression. And most importantly, we must recognize that until every woman in India can walk without fear and live with dignity, the worship of Devi in our temples will remain hollow.
As we reflect on the verses from our scriptures and the reality around us, let us not just raise our voices in condemnation but also in commitment-to building a society where women are honored not just in rituals but in every aspect of life. Let the divine within each woman be recognized, respected, and revered, so that our prayers to Devi are truly fulfilled.
In the end, the question we must all answer is not whether we worship the goddess, but whether we honor her in the women we see every day. Are we ready to bridge the gap between the divinity we revere and the humanity we neglect? The answer to that question will determine the future of women in India and, ultimately, the soul of our nation.
(The writer is Poet, Writer and Researcher)
