Could you talk about the tradition of revering India’s women sages as part of our heritage?
In Hinduism, we worship and revere goddesses as emblematic of Shakti, the all-powerful feminine energy, but ironically, in reality, the position of women in India has always been secondary or peripheral. From the olden times, our society was (and still is) patriarchal and patrilineal which by default becomes disadvantageous to women.
Perhaps the Rig Vedic Age is the only time in history where women enjoyed some freedom and were respected. In fact, it is known as the golden period for women. During that period, a handful of rishikas like Gargi, Maitreyi, Ghosha and Lopamudra came to prominence for their intelligence and scholarship. Thereafter, from the Later Vedic Period to contemporary times, women’s status steadily declined. A harsh patriarchal system seized their rights and shackled their spirit. Their social mobility dwindled as they were confined within the four walls of their homes. They lost their dignity, respect and were forced to be subservient to the male members of the household and society.
Thus, in my view, women across all spectrums were never allowed to become an intrinsic part of the heritage. So, the title of my book says “heroines” because despite such tremendous degradation in their status, some extraordinary women broke the mold to pursue their calling, made a mark for themselves and paved the way for others to follow.
Having said that, I am happy that in recent years, feminist campaigns to fight against inequality between the sexes have forcefully brought to light the suppression and marginalization of women worldwide. India too seized the moment by launching various initiatives under the “Stree Shakti” (Woman Empowerment) banner. It has helped to generate awareness of women’s rights and create opportunities for them that are equal to those for men in all spheres of life. I am very optimistic that women’s empowerment will lead them to contribute meaningfully and creatively to our heritage.
Why did you choose this topic? What motivated you to select this subject?
One answer to that is my own life, my spiritual inclinations and predilections. For reasons I don’t want to get into, from childhood I often felt dejected and worthless. That gnawing feeling was instrumental in a lot of soul-searching and introspection. It eventually led me to Ramana Maharshi whom I never met in person because I was born over a decade after his mahasamadhi. Nonetheless, he touched me deeply, healed my wounds and gave me succor. It led me to think that there must be other women seekers like me down the ages who must have found answers through spirituality. I wanted to read about them, to know their stories. That is when I started looking for them but, to my surprise, found it was not so easy. I could not find a single anthological collection of biographies of Indian spiritual women from the olden to the modern times. It then struck me that this was a marvelous opportunity for me to fill the gap and bring their heroism into the limelight. That was the genesis of India’s Spiritual Heroines.
It was also my intention to acquaint young audiences of Indian origin living abroad with our rich heritage vis a vis women and their contribution in an area as sublime as spirituality. I have a son in his late twenties who lives in California. He and others like him are not familiar with names like Gargi, Gangasati, or Ubhaya Bharati. They may have heard about Radha, Sita or Mirabai but do not know much about their lives or their contributions. This book would be a good starting point for them. It would also introduce them many facets of Hinduism.
Could you talk about the Vedic women sages?
Vedic women sages like Gargi Vachaknavi, Maitreyi and Lopamudra are the first women scholars of India. Gargi was the daughter of an eminent sage named Vachaknu. In modern parlance, she was a nerd whose sole interest lay in scriptural learning. Shunning stereotypes, she decided to follow her calling. She remained single and devoted her life to pursue knowledge. She was conferred the title Brahmavadini, one who is an expert in expounding the scriptures. A famous public debate between her and the renowned rishi Yajnavalakya showcases her sharp intellect and grasp of complex concepts. Maitreyi, too, was a scholar of repute. She was married to Yajnavalakya. A well-known passage in the scriptures between husband and wife has gifted humanity with the secret knowledge of the Self. Lopamudra was beautiful and learned. She was Sage Agastya’s wife and contributed hymns in the Rig Veda.
Could you talk about women saints of note?
As far as I am concerned, each and every saint is unique and all of them made immense contribution in their field, knowingly or unknowingly. Let us take Mirabai, for example, who scorned name, fame, riches, and royalty for her Giridhar Gopal. Three attempts were made on her life, but she remained unscathed and steadfast in her devotion. Or Akka Mahadevi, the rebel-mystic of Karnataka who, in defiance, walked out of the palace sky-clad. A beautiful young woman with only the lovely long tresses to cover her nudity, she roamed the earth freely and fearlessly with the name of Shiva forever on her lips. Then there was Lal Ded of Kashmir, who bore the most gruesome tortures at the hands of her mother-in-law. She left her home, wandered all over the exotic Kashmir Valley, and through her glorious vakhs, became immortal. Like her, Mirabai and Akka, too, were exceptional poets, and their works are sung even today.
Who is your favorite heroine?
As I said earlier, each one of my heroines is remarkable in her own right. But I found the character of Sister Nivedita particularly striking. She was one of Swami Vivekananda’s foremost Western disciples. She came to India, lived frugally in the torrid heat of Kolkata and dedicated her life to the people. She had a magnanimous spirit and gave her all to better the lot of women, the disadvantaged as well as to India’s nationalist causes. In turn, India loved her back.
She had immense love for her guru and called Vivekananda “the king”. Despite her own spirited, often rebellious, personality, she withstood the harsh discipline imposed on her by her beloved master. She was an epitome of selfless service and an ideal disciple…. A lovely woman.
I also found the character of Madalasa quite fascinating. She was an ideal queen who was steeped in the highest wisdom. She bore the king four sons. When they were infants, she would sing to them lullabies which, perhaps, no mother ever sang to their babies. She would recite to them about their true nature which is not the body of five elements but that which is “ever-pure, enlightened, and spotless”. She instructed them not to be lured by the illusory world, and remain untouched by maya. These lullabies are known as “Madalasa Updesha” and we need such mothers and such updesha more now than ever in this materialistic age.
What are your insights based on the study of women saints?
By studying the lives of these women saints, I learned that role models matter, especially for women. Research has proved that role models have a greater benefit for women who have long contended with gender biases and other issues. These icons can help women make informed decisions and influence them to make the right choices.
Their study also reiterated that no matter what, never give up on your goals and aspirations. These women proved that the claim to Self-realization, supreme knowledge, devotion, or spiritual leadership does not rest with men alone, that they are equal contributors to the spiritual fabric woven in the human mindset.
How does India’s goddess tradition and women saint tradition serve as soft power?
In Hinduism, the concept of Prakriti (female principle) and Purusha (male principle), or Shakti and Shiva denote the opposing universal forces which are inseparable. Their union is exalted as the root and womb of all creation. One cannot exist without the other and together they create a perfect balance and harmony. They are best represented in the form of Ardhanarishwar, which literally means the lord whose one half is male and the other female, equally split in the middle.
To put it differently, the most basic element, the atom, has negative and positive charge and both move in perfect balance which builds the entire universe. Hence, any system which is working in a coordinated fashion, there is always a balance of power.
Similarly, when women and men live together by complementing each other, supporting each other and respecting one another, there is peace and order. But if there is any imbalance in this equation, then there is chaos. So, even though normatively we may worship goddesses and women sages, it should translate into action in everyday life. Women play an imperative role in making a nation progressive and guide it towards development. Therefore, they must be respected and given their due place in society. Only then can a nation progress. As you know, the suppression and subjugation of women worldwide, including in India, has caused enormous harm and retardation to the socio-cultural advancement in the past. We have to change that right now with right thought and right action.
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