Gāyatrī Mahāvijñāna -16 - Agastya Kulapati Sri Shakti Sumanan

Women Are Not Deprived of Rights

The previous sections have presented scriptural evidence proving that there is no restriction in the Vedas or Hindu scriptures that prevents women from performing religious activities, acquiring sacred knowledge, or engaging in spiritual practices. Hindu Dharma is a scientific and universal religion, with no place for discriminatory ideologies that suppress women’s spiritual growth, intellectual development, or religious freedom.

The great sages and seers of ancient India were compassionate and just. Would such enlightened minds ever deny women access to the divine wisdom of the Vedas, preventing them from attaining self-realization and spiritual fulfillment? Hindu Dharma is one of the most inclusive and respectful traditions toward women, and it is unreasonable to assume that it would deny them the right to practice Gāyatrī Upāsanā—the most exalted spiritual discipline.

Overcoming Historical Distortions

Some isolated verses in later texts appear to prohibit women from studying the Vedas, and many scholars have given undue attention to these. Initially, I too believed that women were not allowed to study the Vedas, but deeper scriptural analysis and historical research revealed that these restrictions originated during the feudal era, not in the Vedic age. These interpolated verses were introduced during a period when society was dominated by patriarchal and feudalistic ideals, aiming to suppress women’s education and independence.

The true, eternal, Vedic Sanātana Dharma never imposed such restrictions. It grants women the same access as men to divine wisdom, self-realization, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Even the most revered scholars and religious authorities have affirmed this. The Hindu spiritual traditions and Yogic disciplines recognize women as fully qualified practitioners of Gāyatrī Upāsanā.

Malaviya Ji’s Decision

Mahāmanā Madan Mohan Malaviya, a pillar of Sanātana Dharma, initially followed the traditional belief that women were restricted from Vedic studies. However, upon thorough research with a committee of eminent scholars, he concluded that there was no scriptural basis for denying women this right. Despite resistance from orthodox circles, he revoked the ban at Banaras Hindu University, allowing women to study the Vedas freely.

Even today, some people still argue against women’s right to Gāyatrī Mantra and Vedic recitation. However, such opposition is based on ignorance, misinformation, or rigid dogma, rather than rational scriptural analysis. A true seeker of truth must accept what is right, rather than stubbornly defend outdated beliefs.

Logical Questions That Demand Answers

Anyone genuinely seeking truth should reflect upon the following fundamental questions:

If women are not allowed to recite Vedic mantras, then why were there female seers (Ṛṣikās) in the Vedic era who composed mantras?
If women are excluded from Vedic practices, why are they included in Vedic yajñas and all sixteen samskāras?
Why are women instructed to recite Vedic mantras during marriage ceremonies?
How can women perform daily Sandhyā and Homa without chanting Vedic mantras?
If women were ineligible for Vedic study, how did sages like Anasūyā, Ahalyā, Arundhatī, and Madālasā become Vedic scholars?
Is it not unjust and biased to deny women their natural right to knowledge, religion, and spiritual practices?
Can a society that spiritually suppresses its women produce truly religious and enlightened offspring?
If a woman is the ‘ardhāṅginī’ (half of a man), then how can one half be eligible for Vedic wisdom while the other half is denied it?

Upon honest reflection, every impartial thinker will recognize that restricting women from spiritual or religious pursuits is illogical, unfair, and un-Vedic. Women must have equal rights to the recitation of Gāyatrī and other Vedic mantras.

Personal Experience and Observations

Through years of research, study, and direct observation, I have encountered numerous women who have devotedly practiced Gāyatrī Upāsanā and attained the same profound spiritual benefits as men—often achieving faster and greater success.

Young girls have received good marriages and ideal life partners through dedicated Gāyatrī worship.
Married women have safeguarded their husbands’ longevity, prosperity, and children’s well-being.
Widows have found inner strength, self-discipline, and financial stability through Gāyatrī’s transformative power.

The soul is neither male nor female—it is pure, divine consciousness. Just as men require a Guru and spiritual discipline, women too need the same access to spiritual enlightenment. The path of sādhana (spiritual practice) does not differentiate between genders—it is open to all sincere seekers.

Why Women Are Naturally More Inclined Toward Spirituality

Women inherently possess greater religious inclination than men. Their minds are purer, less tainted by materialistic distractions. Their daily duties involve selfless service, patience, sacrifice, and love, making them naturally receptive to divine grace.

Unlike men, who are more exposed to corruption, deceit, and worldly struggles, women are generally more devoted, sincere, and morally disciplined. Even though modern trends have introduced some flaws, the core spiritual nature of women remains superior.

Given these facts, discouraging women from spiritual practices is not only unjust but also harmful to society. Instead, women should be actively encouraged to embrace spiritual disciplines. Suppressing their spiritual growth contradicts both scriptural wisdom and rational thought.

Final Conclusion: Women Rightfully Belong to Gāyatrī Sādhanā

There is overwhelming evidence from the Vedas, Upanishads, and Smṛtis that women have full rights to study scriptures and chant Vedic mantras, including Gāyatrī Mantra. Denying them this right violates the core principles of Dharma.

Spiritual enlightenment is not gender-specific.
Gāyatrī Sādhanā is the right of every seeker—male or female.
Women who sincerely practice Gāyatrī achieve divine blessings, liberation, and uplift their families.

Every woman must confidently embrace Gāyatrī Upāsanā, without hesitation or fear. Just as a mother never differentiates between her children, Vedamātā Gāyatrī welcomes both men and women with equal love and grace.

Let women reclaim their birthright to Gāyatrī Mantra and awaken their divine potential!