Women in Indian Philosophical Thoughts

 The most important rite of the Vedic wedding ceremony is Sapatpadi.  Here the bride and bridegroom take seven steps together around the nuptial fire (Agni) and make the following seven wedding vows to each other:

 “With God as guide, let us take, the first step to nourish each other, the second step to grow together in strength, the third step to preserve our wealth, the fourth step to share our joys and sorrows, the fifth step to care for our children, the sixth step to be together forever, and the seventh step to remain lifelong friends, perfect halves to make a perfect whole.”

 The following are quotes from other scriptures that further confirm the equality between men and women in all religious and spiritual aspects:

The critical need to protect the women during the ancient period is clearly reflected in the following verse of the Manusmriti:

 “Father protects (her) in childhood, husband protects (her) in youth, and sons protect (her) in old age.  A woman cannot be left unprotected.”  (MS 9.3)

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1) “Unite, O Lord, this couple like a pair of lovebirds.  May they be surrounded by children living both long and happy ”  Atharva Veda Samhita 14.2.64

2) “Let there be faithfulness to each other until death.  This may be considered as the summary of the highest law for husband and wife.”     Manu Smriti 9.101

3) “May our prayers and worship be alike, and may our devotional offerings be one and the same.”   Rig Veda Samhita 10.191.3

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