BY PUSHPITA PRASAD

“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” These might sound like the words of modern-day progressive. Or maybe it’s the latest slogan for International Women’s Day! After all the theme for 2024 is to “Invest in Women-Accelerate Progress”

However, these words date to the 19th century, from Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu philosopher and monk. And in speaking as he did, one could argue, his thoughts were nothing more than an update on the broader focus on women within the Hindu faith and their central place in the heart of Hindu society. After all, a famous and ancient Sanskrit shloka declares:

Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devata,

yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastatrafalaah kriyaah!

Meaning- Where women are honored, divinity blossoms there. And where women are dishonored, all action, no matter how noble remain unfruitful.

Women enjoy a unique place of honor in Hinduism, also known as Santana Dharma. The Sanskrit word for energy,  power and strength, is Shakti  –  a word that is also used as a synonym for female divinity. And shakti personifies in many ways – from the benevolent and nurturing Devi Saraswati and a fierce unbridled Devi Kali, to all conquering warriors like Devi Durga! There are numerous Hindu scriptures detailing and celebrating the power of Shakti including the Devi Upanishad, Devi Mahatmya,  Devi-Bhagavata Purana, Devi Sukta and many more.

While it is well known that Hinduism is the only major world faith to worship the feminine divine, less discussed is the role and space accorded to Hindu women in daily life. The world today recognizes the power of “representation” – and this is where Hindu women have always had a lead!

The importance of this representation cannot be stressed enough. Attributes that exemplify masculinity in the western world are seen as fundamentally female in the Hindu worldview! This creates an environment, where it is normal for Hindu society as a whole see femininity as strong, as powerful and as a leader.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/dharmalens/2024/03/representation-a-hindu-take-on-womens-day/