Role of Women in Religion

[Guest guest]

Dear Prapatti Group Members

 

Smt. Kalyani Krishnamachari raised a very interesting question about the role

of women in spiritual pursuits. Shri Mani provided the example of Maitreyi of

BU. But that was more an exception rather than a rule. (I learned most of the

Desika stotras from my grand mother).

 

Contrary to earlier days, I find women of today are taking more active part in

philosophical and religious discussions. Particularly, in North India women

are the main torch bearers of our Bhakti religion. But for their efforts much

of what is left in our day-to-day practice of religion would have been absent.

Women are also breaking some of the traditional barriers. Lots of women

prefer to chant vedas. Incidentally, now-a-days Svaram is not considered as an

important part in vedic chantings.

 

It is also very interesting to see a new trend in our Sthri-Dharmam. Women of

today confidently dismiss (with great conviction) those part of the shastras

which would like them to believe that service to their husband and family is

enough to grant them the highest goal.

 

 

Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan