Comments on: “Women in Hinduism” – Part II http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/04/10/women-in-hinduism-part-2/ Dedicated to "Bharat" and "Dharma" Thu, 24 May 2012 05:42:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: B Shantanu http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/04/10/women-in-hinduism-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-353970 B Shantanu Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:17:15 +0000 http://satyameva-jayate.org/?p=1897#comment-353970 Some excerpts from the book 'Opposition to Manu Why?' By Dr.Surendra Kumar, former Principal, Govt.College Gurgaon and author of Vishudha Manusmriti (Without Interpolations) published by Arsh Sahitya Prachar Trust,Khari Baoli, Delhi): <i>"It is clear that the internal evidence of the Manusmriti that the anti women picture of Manu presented by some is baseless and contrary to facts. The provisions concerning women in Manu have been inspired by his sense of respect, justice and goodwill and his concern for their security and equality with men. Here are some facts of evidence in support:- Maharshi Manu is the first great man of the world to have given the society the highest ideal about women which adds remarkably to the dignity, status and self respect of women. Yatra Narestu pujyantey ramantey tatra devata Yatreta too na pujyantey sarva tatrafla kriya. (Manusmriti 3-56) The correct meaning of the verse is: Gods (who stand for divine qualities, good deeds, sweet nature and blessings for the family, for obedient children and other coveted possessions) make their abode in the household in which women are treated with respect. However, where they are not shown any respect, all ventures and undertakings end in a smoke. There can be no better proof to show the reverential attitude of Manu towards women than the extremely respectful and beautiful adjectives used for women by him. He says that women in the family are instrumental in bringing good luck to the household, they are respectable; they are illuminating by their very presence and decorative in appearance they are a symbol of prosperity they are the mistresses and the sole managers of the household; they are heavenly in influence; they are conducive to a smooth worldly journey (ix-11,26,28;v-150). He adds that people wishing for their welfare must respect women, and that those families and households in which women have to suffer slights, go to dogs. According to him the real happiness and welfare of a household lies in the happiness and welfare of the women in it (Manu Smriti III-55-62). So he instructs the husband and the wife in the household to remain happy and satisfied with each other, not to act against each other and not to indulge in any such activity as may lead to their separation (Manu Smriti IX-101-102). Only one verse will suffice to bring out Manu's feelings: Prajnarth mahabhaga pujhra grihdipatya Istriya triyashc geheyshu na visheshosti kashchan (Manu Smriti 1-26). It means that women bring good luck to a household through procreation; they deserve respect and reverence; they irradiate the house with their presence. In fact there is no difference between the goddess of wealth and women." ... 7. JOINT OBLIGATION AND WOMAN'S INDISPENSABILITY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF RELIGIOUS RITES. "The participation which women get in every field of activities of men in India as sanctioned by Vedic religion is of unique nature and is not to be seen elsewhere. Here no religious rite, no social ceremony and no household venture can be accomplished without women being associated. Manu also has the same creed to propound. So he entrusts the job of accomplishing religious rites and ceremonies to women, and gives directions that such rites should not be carried out without their participation. (IX-11,28,96)/ During Vedic period women enjoyed all rights such as the right to study the Vedas, right to the wearing of YAJNOPAVITA(sacred thread), right to doing YAJNA(sacrificial ceremony), etc. They used to embellish the position of Brahma (the director) in the yajna ceremony. They would acquire the position of seers (exponents) of Vedic hymns after having received high education. Manu who regarded Vedas as of AXIOMATIC AUTHORITY in all religious matters was a great advocate of high education and all religious rights for women as ordained in the Vedas. That is why he rules that all the rights relating to women should be carried out under their own supervision with the chanting of Vedic hymns by them (II-4,III-28)." ... British researchers like Wooler, J.Jolly, Keith and MacDonell and the Encyclopaedia Americana also accept that the Manusmriti carries a large number of interpolations. Maharshi Dayanand, the founder of the Arya Samaj regards only the original and interpolations-free Manusmriti as authentic. He has pointed out some interpolated verses and has urged scholars to identify other such verses for expurgating this great work. Mahatma Gandhi in his book entitled ‘Varna Vyavastha’ accepts that the objectionable verses found in the Manusmriti are subsequent motivated insertions. Dr.Radhakrishnan, Rabindranath Tagore and other national leaders and scholars too are of the same opinion.</i> Some excerpts from the book ‘Opposition to Manu Why?’ By Dr.Surendra Kumar, former Principal, Govt.College Gurgaon and author of Vishudha Manusmriti (Without Interpolations) published by Arsh Sahitya Prachar Trust,Khari Baoli, Delhi):
“It is clear that the internal evidence of the Manusmriti that the anti women picture of Manu presented by some is baseless and contrary to facts. The provisions concerning women in Manu have been inspired by his sense of respect, justice and goodwill and his concern for their security and equality with men. Here are some facts of evidence in support:-
Maharshi Manu is the first great man of the world to have given the society the highest ideal about women which adds remarkably to the dignity, status and self respect of women.
Yatra Narestu pujyantey ramantey tatra devata
Yatreta too na pujyantey sarva tatrafla kriya. (Manusmriti 3-56)
The correct meaning of the verse is: Gods (who stand for divine qualities, good deeds, sweet nature and blessings for the family, for obedient children and other coveted possessions) make their abode in the household in which women are treated with respect. However, where they are not shown any respect, all ventures and undertakings end in a smoke. There can be no better proof to show the reverential attitude of Manu towards women than the extremely respectful and beautiful adjectives used for women by him. He says that women in the family are instrumental in bringing good luck to the household, they are respectable; they are illuminating by their very presence and decorative in appearance they are a symbol of prosperity they are the mistresses and the sole managers of the household; they are heavenly in influence; they are conducive to a smooth worldly journey (ix-11,26,28;v-150). He adds that people wishing for their welfare must respect women, and that those families and households in which women have to suffer slights, go to dogs. According to him the real happiness and welfare of a household lies in the happiness and welfare of the women in it (Manu Smriti III-55-62). So he instructs the husband and the wife in the household to remain happy and satisfied with each other, not to act against each other and not to indulge in any such activity as may lead to their separation (Manu Smriti IX-101-102).

Only one verse will suffice to bring out Manu’s feelings:
Prajnarth mahabhaga pujhra grihdipatya
Istriya triyashc geheyshu na visheshosti kashchan (Manu Smriti 1-26).
It means that women bring good luck to a household through procreation; they deserve respect and reverence; they irradiate the house with their presence. In fact there is no difference between the goddess of wealth and women.”
…
7. JOINT OBLIGATION AND WOMAN’S INDISPENSABILITY IN THE PERFORMANCE OF RELIGIOUS RITES.

“The participation which women get in every field of activities of men in India as sanctioned by Vedic religion is of unique nature and is not to be seen elsewhere. Here no religious rite, no social ceremony and no household venture can be accomplished without women being associated. Manu also has the same creed to propound. So he entrusts the job of accomplishing religious rites and ceremonies to women, and gives directions that such rites should not be carried out without their participation. (IX-11,28,96)/ During Vedic period women enjoyed all rights such as the right to study the Vedas, right to the wearing of YAJNOPAVITA(sacred thread), right to doing YAJNA(sacrificial ceremony), etc. They used to embellish the position of Brahma (the director) in the yajna ceremony. They would acquire the position of seers (exponents) of Vedic hymns after having received high education. Manu who regarded Vedas as of AXIOMATIC AUTHORITY in all religious matters was a great advocate of high education and all religious rights for women as ordained in the Vedas. That is why he rules that all the rights relating to women should be carried out under their own supervision with the chanting of Vedic hymns by them (II-4,III-28).”
…
British researchers like Wooler, J.Jolly, Keith and MacDonell and the Encyclopaedia Americana also accept that the Manusmriti carries a large number of interpolations.
Maharshi Dayanand, the founder of the Arya Samaj regards only the original and interpolations-free Manusmriti as authentic. He has pointed out some interpolated verses and has urged scholars to identify other such verses for expurgating this great work.
Mahatma Gandhi in his book entitled ‘Varna Vyavastha’ accepts that the objectionable verses found in the Manusmriti are subsequent motivated insertions. Dr.Radhakrishnan, Rabindranath Tagore and other national leaders and scholars too are of the same opinion.

]]> By: Sushruta http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/04/10/women-in-hinduism-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-47308 Sushruta Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:49:19 +0000 http://satyameva-jayate.org/?p=1897#comment-47308 First off, hats of to Mr. Maliger for exposing the attempts to slander Sanatana Dharma! But I have a few questions… If women were so respected, why then does the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad say the following: If she does not willingly yield her body to him, he should buy her with presents. If she is still unyielding, he should strike her with a stick or with his hand and overcome her, repeating the following mantra: “With power and glory I take away your glory.” Thus she becomes discredited. As shown here: http://www.gayathrimanthra.com/contents/documents/Vedic-related/brihadaranyaka_upanishad.pdf Also, if the Ashwamedha Yagna was corrupted by the Indologists, why then does this picture: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asvamedha_ramayana.JPG which predates the British Raj, depict a queen killing the horse? And why does this coin from Samadragupta I’s reign (also predating the British Raj) depict both the queen and the horse? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ashvacoin.jpg And why do the Mahabharata and Ramayana contain mention of queens like Kausalya and Draupadi participating in the rite? For more information, see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvamedha Is that also Indologist corruption? Could someone please post the correct version of the Ashwamedha Yagna? Thanks! First off, hats of to Mr. Maliger for exposing the attempts to slander Sanatana Dharma! But I have a few questions…

If women were so respected, why then does the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad say the following:

If she does not willingly yield her body to him, he should buy her with presents. If she is still unyielding, he should strike her with a stick or with his hand and overcome her, repeating the following mantra:
“With power and glory I take away your glory.”
Thus she becomes discredited.

As shown here: http://www.gayathrimanthra.com/contents/documents/Vedic-related/brihadaranyaka_upanishad.pdf

Also, if the Ashwamedha Yagna was corrupted by the Indologists, why then does this picture:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asvamedha_ramayana.JPG

which predates the British Raj, depict a queen killing the horse?

And why does this coin from Samadragupta I’s reign (also predating the British Raj) depict both the queen and the horse?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ashvacoin.jpg

And why do the Mahabharata and Ramayana contain mention of queens like Kausalya and Draupadi participating in the rite? For more information, see here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvamedha

Is that also Indologist corruption? Could someone please post the correct version of the Ashwamedha Yagna? Thanks!

]]> By: Raju Maliger http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/04/10/women-in-hinduism-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-30822 Raju Maliger Mon, 04 May 2009 08:57:57 +0000 http://satyameva-jayate.org/?p=1897#comment-30822 Namaste to all! Thanks for all the comments. I was on holidays in India from April 10 - May 3. If you have any comments/clarification, please contact me at r.maliger@gmail.com Namaste to all! Thanks for all the comments. I was on holidays in India from April 10 – May 3. If you have any comments/clarification, please contact me at r.maliger@gmail.com

]]> By: PS http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/04/10/women-in-hinduism-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-29659 PS Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:16:24 +0000 http://satyameva-jayate.org/?p=1897#comment-29659 Thanks for emailing me the contents. I have placed them at GlobalPost now. Feel free to delete it from your blog. Thanks once again. Thanks for emailing me the contents. I have placed them at GlobalPost now.

Feel free to delete it from your blog.

Thanks once again.

]]> By: PS http://satyameva-jayate.org/2009/04/10/women-in-hinduism-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-29635 PS Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:56:36 +0000 http://satyameva-jayate.org/?p=1897#comment-29635 Thanks Shantanu... I should have done that in the first place. Your site seems to be copy-protected and I can't life text from here. Will try some other time. Thanks, Thanks Shantanu…

I should have done that in the first place. Your site seems to be copy-protected and I can’t life text from here. Will try some other time.

Thanks,

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