Of Women Performing Rituals & Rites

Question, Challenge These Old-Established Customs
Of Women Performing Rituals & Rites

The Vedas or Sastras do not, in principle, make a difference of sexes in the matter of performing religious rites, including Homams.

In fact, both the Ramayana and the Bhagavatham refer to several instances where women have performed Homams, without marrying or, without the husband's physical presence.

The wives of Somayajees who have performed the yaga together have to keep the fire burning all their lives.

My Athai Sarani Deekshidhar's wife did it even after his demise. Both of them were cremated by the same fire, kept alive for long.

Similarly, bachelors have to perform Samidhaadhanam, after their Poonal and until their marriage. Thereafter the couple have to perform OUPAASANAM together, for which two earthen pots Umi and decorations are given to them by the bride's father.

Therefore, women and bachelors are not barred, disqualified or, forbidden from performing homas. Perhaps, only reason, why women have been exempted could be that this will interfere with their monthly periods, also the upbringing of the children and the several other duties assigned to her.

Regarding the Sraadha points referred to, my comments are:

1. The wife holds the Dharbha because the Samkalpa (Resolution of the performer) says 'ANAYAA MAMA DHARMA PATNYA SAHA .....'

Meaning that, 'ALONG WITH MY WIFE I AM PERFORMING THIS RITE......'

This clearly shows the intention of the Rishis.

2. Yes, the woman is present only when the resolution is made by the couple. Also, at the conclusion when Dakshina is given to the priests and,

when they both receive the 'Aseervadam' of the priests and other elders present.

But, it is not right to say that woman is prohibited from performing any rites. Srimad Bhagavatha says that Sarmishta performed her husband's

funeral rites.

3. True, there is a deplorable part of the Sraadha Homam where the performer/s offers oblations into the fire chanting the following mantra:

"YAN ME MAATHAA PRALULOBHA CHARATI ANANUVRATHAA

THAN ME RETHA PITAA VRINGTHAMM AABHURANYAH VISWANAATHA SARMANE

ASMAT PITRE SWAAHA"

MEANING: "IF AT THE TIME OF MY PROCREATION, MY MOTHER WAS THINKING OF SOME OTHER INSTEAD OF MY FATHER

THEN, LET THIS OFFERING OF PINDA NOT GO THAT OTHER PERSON BUT, ONLY TO VISWANATHA WHO IS KNOWN TO ME AS MY FATHER.

Similarly, there is reference to the grand-mother and the great grand mother. I have considered this outrageous.

As I said in a different context, nobody, not even many officiating priests understand a word of what they are saying or doing.

This is regrettable and they deserve to be pitied.

This is why, I keep saying that one should question, even challenge many of these (so called) old-established customs and try to bring some

sense and rationality into them.