In Sanatan Dharma women have always been treated equally to men.Lord Shiva who is also known as ‘Ardhnarishwar’ who is a combination of Shiv and Shakti.They both are equally worshipped in this form.Hindu religion is the only religion where in hindu scriptures where women are empowered and worshiped.Women were seen in different roles,in different era’s.According to Vedic rituals men and women have equal rights to perform them.3000 years back vedic culture had no concept of feminism. Women used to have respect in the society,they enjoyed playing in field.There was freedom of expression and liberty.
It is believed that the goddess form of the divine took birth during Vedic period.The popular forms are: Goddess kali who destroyed the demons or negativity ,Goddess Durga who was considered as the protector,Goddess Annapurna was symbolised as the one who nourishes and Goddess Lakshmi was symbolised for wealth and prosperity.
Interestingly, not many people know that “Vedas were actually written by women sages”.Lopamudra and Maitreyi composed the Rigveda. Sage Gargi asked several questions to sage Sage Yajnavalkya in ‘Brihadaranyaka Upanishad’.She showed curiosity in knowing the nature of the soul which many renowned philosophers failed to do so. Devi Mahatmayam and Devi Bhagavata Purana gave poetry,dance,drama and worship. They were famously called ‘Bramhavadinis’. They had a great intellectual quality. The women who chose to get married instead of pursuing education are called ‘sadyovadhus’. During this phase common education was given to boys and girls and they were given equal attention by the teachers. As per Rigveda it is clearly stated that a woman needs to be treated as a queen of the house.Rigveda supported remarriage of widows.
In our hindu culture it is believed that God is everywhere. It is believed that a soul keeps on taking birth and rebirths till his/her any type of desire finishes. We take birth in which form is decided by God.By killing a child in a womb we disrespect God’s decision. But today we have given power to women and they have become a strong personality today.
In Sanatan Dharma women always had a special privilege.During Vedic period ill practices such as Sati never happened. When Mughals came ill practises started happening with women like kidnapping, rape,tourtures,strict women clothing, no education to girls,child marram etc.To save women from ill practices Sati pratha started.
Females are still fighting for their rights even till today.Sanatan dharma is always progressive.We should learn from it that women are progressive and equivalent to men.Women oppression should be stopped in any form. They should be given wings to fly.
Today women are in every field of society and coming with flying colours.Today women are sadly still fighting for rights in patriarchal property and in her husband’s share.But these things will change over a period of time.Women is a form of Maa Shakti who makes wise decision for herself as well as for everyone around her be it family or friends. But even today women are competing with men,striving for success and emerging as a shining star.