The re-emergence of the Hindu priestess
Whilst the topic of “Women Priests and Spiritual Leaders” remains controversial in many religions, Hinduism from ancient times has boasted a number of remarkable female spiritual leaders. The Rig Veda, the most ancient Hindu sacred text, cites more than 30 women sages.
However, in medieval times, a period of intense conflict and social upheaval, Hindu society became more restrictive, and women Purohits all but disappeared from the spiritual horizon. Of course, there remained some Hindu women saints, but they often had to face intense difficulties, exampled by the legendary Rajput princess turned saint, Meera bai.
September 26th, 2006 at 7:55 am
Manu say’s that virtue in the age of Kali is liberality, so it is good to see women in the role of priests.
September 26th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
Namaskaram,
Surprised to see no comments yet.
During last Navarathri - in 2005 - I happened to be in Dubai. I was indeed surprised to see that they were having pooja all the 10 days - every day at a different house- and the pooja was performed by woman priest…each one of them is a wife, but was trained by POORNA VIDYA from Chennai - as I understand. I was very lucky that I could participate in pooja for two days and I really like the way conducted the whole POOJA. They were following every step at normal pace- not fast to finish it or too slow- and not in a hurry…every one there - i think enjoyed .
I feel that more and more women should learn the pooja and if time permits then they should involve. Atleast then they will be able to tell other people who perform the pooja only as ritual what mistake they commit etc and that will make such priests to perform pooja in more accurate way.
Glad that such info is brought to the notice of many.
September 26th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
an interesting article.
i read up on all the women stated in the article and was particularly inspired by the work of jayashreeben talvalker. an inspiration to a family of millions is all i can say
October 5th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
Yaduvendu - women priests have a longer history in Sanatana dharma than ‘Kali Yuga’, as evidenced by the Vedas themselves. I don’t think the ’sayings on Manu’ (at least the version as it exists today) is a good guide in directing or evaluating Hindu society.