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A BrahmavAdini (Sanskrit ब्रह्मवादिनी) is a highly intelligent and greatly learned woman, who chose the path of Vedic studies.  Brahmavādinī literally means ‘the woman who speaks about ब्रह्मन् (Parabrahma or Vedanta)’. The ancient Hindu

A Brahmavadini (Samskrit ब्रह्मवादिनी) is a highly intelligent and greatly learned woman, who chose the path of Vedic studies as against the grhasthaashrama.  Brahmavadini literally means ‘the woman who speaks about Brahman (ब्रह्मन् Parabrahma or Vedanta)’. The ancient philosophical concept of ''<nowiki/>'shakti','' the feminine principle of energy, extolls the immense mental and physical capabilities of women.  

philosophical concept of ''<nowiki/>'shakti','' the feminine principle of energy, extolls the immense mental and physical capabilities of women.  

 

The mention of female scholars and sages of the Vedic age like Vaak Ambhrni''',''' Romasa''',''' Gargi, Ghosha, Maitreyi and Lopamudra in the Vedic literature corroborates this view. Vedic

While many civilizations have seen unsatisfactory history as regards the position of women, we find that Vedas mention the scholarship of educated women like Vaak Ambhrni''',''' Romasa''',''' Gargi, Ghosha, Maitreyi and Lopamudra. Women, as we go back into antiquity, are found to have performed very well in many spheres of life.

literature praises the birth of a scholarly daughter in these words: "A girl also

 

should be brought up and educated with great effort and care." '''(''Mahanirvana'''''

Ample evidence points to the view that women were regarded as eligible for studying Vedas and Vedanta along with taking part in performing yajnas up until the recent millenia.<ref name=":0">Altekar, A. S. (1944) ''Education in Ancient India.'' Benares : Nand Kishore and Bros.,</ref>

 

'''throughout the world are Thy forms.'''" '''(Reference will check)'''

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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

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While brahmavadinis chose the path of Vedic studies, women who opted out of education for married life were called 'sadyovadhus'.  As in present day, after marriage, the girl became a 'grihini' (wife) and was considered 'ardhangini' or one half of her husband's being. Both of them constituted the 'griha' or home, and she was considered its 'samrajni' (queen or mistress) and had an equal share in the performance of religious rites.  

While brahmavadinis chose the path of Vedic studies, women who opted out of education for married life were called 'sadyovadhus'.   

== Women and Yagnopaveeta ==

 

Women in Vedic age who pursued vedic studies, could undergo the sacred thread ceremony or 'Upanayana' (a sacrament to pursue Vedic studies), which is only meant for males in the present day. Rarely we see some Rig veda followers still practice the Upanayana samskara and wearing of yajnopaveeta for female children in the present day.  

As in present day, after marriage, the girl became a 'grihini' (wife) and was considered 'ardhangini' or one half of her husband's being. Both of them constituted the 'griha' or home, and she was considered its 'samrajni' (queen or mistress) and had an equal share in the performance of religious activities. A householder was eligible to perform yajnas only if he had a wife by his side.  Taittriya Brahmana (3.3.3.1) and Shatapata Brahmana (5.1.6.10) lay down that one who does not have a patni or wife cannot perform yajnas.<blockquote>अयज्ञो वा एषः । योऽपत्नीकः । (Tait. Brah 3.3.3.1)<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A6%E0%A5%A9 Taittriya Brahmana Kanda 3] (3.3.3.1)</ref></blockquote>She partakes in the offering of milk in Agnihotra and other Pakayajnas unaided by her husband, normally in the evening and sometimes in the morning also. Under special situations she gets the right to perform the activities when her husband goes to distant places or if he is unwell.

 

That women even during the later yugas were well versed in veda mantras is clearly documented.  Kaushalya was by herself performing a yajna on the morning of her son, Sri Rama's proposed installation as heir apparent.<blockquote>सा क्षौमवसना हृष्टा नित्यं व्रतपरायणा। अग्निं जुहोति स्म तदा मन्त्रवत्कृतमङ्गला।।2.20.15।। (Valm. Rama. 2.20.15)<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=2&language=dv&field_sarga_value=20 Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 20])</ref></blockquote>Always engaged in the observance of vratas, Kaushalya clad in silk clothes was offering oblations in Agni in accordance with veda mantras (mantravid) for auspiciousness.

 

 

== Women in Rigveda ==

At least twenty different women are credited as the mantra drashtas of Rigveda. A few of the noted include, Vishvavara, Shikata, Nivavari, Ghosha, Romasaa, Lopamudra, Apaalaa, and Urvashi.

 

== Upanayana of Girls ==

No one can recite veda mantras or perform yajnas without having undergone the initiation called as [[Upanayana (उपनयनम्)|Upanayana]]. It is thus natural that in the early ages Upanayana of girls was as common as that of boys. Women in Vedic age who pursued vedic studies, could undergo the sacred thread ceremony or 'Upanayana' (a sacrament to pursue Vedic studies), which is only meant for males in the present day.

 

 

Rarely we see some Rig veda followers still practice the Upanayana samskara and wearing of yajnopaveeta for female children in the present day.  

== ब्रह्मवादिनी  Brahmavādinī ==

== ब्रह्मवादिनी  Brahmavādinī ==

Brahmavādinīs underwent the sacrament of upanayana, kept the Vedic fires, studied the Vedas under their own father and lived by begging the food, also under the parental roof. They had samāvartana (valedictory rite at the end of the period of Vedic studies) also. They could then marry and settle down in life. The name ‘brahmavādinī’ seems to have been given due to the fact that the girl could recite (vad = to speak or recite) the Vedas (Brahma = Veda).   

Brahmavādinīs underwent the sacrament of upanayana, kept the Vedic fires, studied the Vedas under their own father and lived by begging the food, also under the parental roof. They had samāvartana (valedictory rite at the end of the period of Vedic studies) also. They could then marry and settle down in life. The name ‘brahmavādinī’ seems to have been given due to the fact that the girl could recite (vad = to speak or recite) the Vedas (Brahma = Veda).   

These learned women were interested in discussing about ब्रह्मन् or Parabrahman, the Absolute, and perform spiritual practices to realize the same.   

These learned women were interested in discussing about ब्रह्मन् or Parabrahman, the Absolute, and perform spiritual practices to realize the same.   

'''Maitreyi''' - The Brhadāranyaka Upaniṣad calls Maitreyi, wife of Yājñavalkya maharshi, as a ‘brahmavādinī’. Yājñavalkya had two wives Maitreyi and Gaatyayani.  Once when he intended to provide for their essential material things in his absence, Maitreyi, disregarding the short-lived transient material wealth, asked him to endow them with the long lasting Knowledge that gives them Ultimate Happiness or Sasvata Ananda. She then learns and engages in Vedanta discussions with her husband Yājñavalkya maharshi.  

'''Maitreyi''' - The Brhadāranyaka Upaniṣad calls Maitreyi, wife of Yājñavalkya maharshi, as a ‘brahmavādinī’. Yājñavalkya had two wives Maitreyi and Katyayani.  Once when he intended to provide for their essential material things in his absence, Maitreyi, disregarding the short-lived transient material wealth, asked him to endow them with the long lasting Knowledge that gives them Ultimate Happiness or Sasvata Ananda. She then learns and engages in Vedanta discussions with her husband Yājñavalkya maharshi.  

'''Gargi''' - She, a very learned scholar, was the daughter of Vachakna rushi, belonging to the lineage of Garga maharshi. She acquired knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures and became renowned for her proficiency in these fields of philosophy, surpassing men in her knowledge. Her philosophical views also find mention in the Chandogya Upanishad. Gargi, as Brahmavaadini, composed several hymns in Rigveda (in X 39. V.28) that questioned the origin of all existence.   

'''Gargi''' - She, a very learned scholar, was the daughter of Vachakna rushi, belonging to the lineage of Garga maharshi. She acquired knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures and became renowned for her proficiency in these fields of philosophy, surpassing men in her knowledge. Her philosophical views also find mention in the Chandogya Upanishad. Gargi, as Brahmavaadini, composed several hymns in Rigveda (in X 39. V.28) that questioned the origin of all existence.