Education, Wisdom and Knowledge
On the state of womanhood, the Vedas, a collection of ancient Sanskrit hymns and chants through which the vid, or wisdom, of the ancient sages can be heard, declare that women are the embodiment of great intellect and virtue.
“O scholarly woman, the way a river breaks away mightiest of hills and rocks, the scholarly woman destroys myths and hypes through her intellect alone. May we bow to women through our polite words and noble actions.” — Rigveda 6.61.2
“A scholarly woman, the entire life of society depends upon you. You provide us the right knowledge. May you bring knowledge to all segments of society.” — Rigveda 2.41.17
The Atharva Veda, particularly advocates for female empowerment, claiming that women are an integral aspect of society.
In regards to knowledge and wisdom, it states:
“O woman! Utilize your Vedic intellect in all directions of our home!” — Atharva Veda 14.1.64
The Vedas also place a heavy emphasis on the education of female children. Believing each individual to be equal to the next, Vedic literature not only encourages women and girls to be scholarly, but expresses that it is the duty of each parent to ensure that their daughter is brought up and educated with great effort and care. After all, as the Devi Mahatmya (a religious text expounding upon the glories of the Goddess) states, “All forms of knowledge are aspects of Thee, and all women throughout the world are Thy forms.”
If they so desire, the Vedas also permit women to undergo Upanayana, a ceremony that initiates Vedic studies. As a matter of fact, the Vedas mention several female scholars and sages, such as Vac, also known as Ambhrini, Ambani, Romasa and Gargi who had their own Upanayana ceremonies and went on to become experts in Vedic studies. Called brahmavādinis, these figures demonstrate that during the Vedic period, women were not only allowed to pursue higher studies like their male counterparts, but they also received equal attention from their gurus and teachers.
In regards to this, the Rig Veda states:
“Parents should gift their daughter intellectuality and power of knowledge when she leaves for the husband’s home. They should give her a dowry of knowledge.” — Rig 10.85.7
Read More at https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/vedic-teachings-about-womanhood-2
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