Faith is like an ever burning lamp which not only illuminates the self, but also the surroundings. When such faith is a virtue, then it becomes the greatest strength. This strength has been always a special virtue of the women of our Sanatana Dharma, and it has helped them gain special place which help many other women empower themselves in life. The Pancha Kanyas mentioned in the epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat are the perfect example for this.
Mata Sita – The reflection of Shri Ram, Mata Sita was the epitome of beauty and virtues. While she follows the footsteps of Shri Ram in the forest, she teaches a great lesson that although life is unpredictable one needs to walk the journey with faith and patience. She teaches patience to deal with life in the hardships of forest, courage to face life when separated from Shri Ram and self- respect when asked to face the trial of fire, the three qualities necessary for a woman to always have a self-identity.
Ahalya – What one learns from Ahalya is being beautiful from the inside. Ahalya’s beauty bought her many troubles when she was cursed by her husband Rishi Gautam to become a stone. But it is at that time that her inner beauty as a stone shone while she waited patiently for the one who would revive her from the curse. Ahalya’s innocence cost her lot, yet she waited for Shri Ram, who understood her purity and relieved her of her curse.
Tara – When intellect combines beauty, it takes all the traits of Tara, the wife of the Vanar king Bali. Being an Apsara gifted to Bali, Tara was not only beautiful, but the wise one too. When Sugriv calls Bali for a duel, Tara realises that Dharma is not on their side and advises Bali not to fight Sugriv as Shri Ram was on the side of Dharma. But, when things don’t go in her favour, she accepts it and gains strength to aid Sugriv in ruling the kingdom after Bali. After Sugriv becomes king, Tara again comes to the rescue of the kingdom while calming down the anger of Lakshman and averts danger on Kishkinda thus proving that she is a woman of intellect and wisdom.
Mandodari – The chaste wife of Ravan, Mandodari was the daughter of Mayasur, the architect of the demons. Although Ravan was known for his ego and arrogance, Mandodari bore with him patiently. Mandodari revolted for the first time when Ravan abducts Mata Sita as she knew that Ravan had invited his own doom by this action. She advises Ravan and her sons against harming Dharma and proves that when dharma is hindered, it needs to be opposed even though when they are their own kith and kin.
Draupadi – The one born from the sacrificial fire, Draupadi shone like fire with her trait of self- respect and dignity. Although being married to five powerful brothers, she suffers humiliation during her Vastraharan, but does not go back in questioning the injustice of the Kauravas. Although she saw the destruction of her entire clan, she stood by her word that a woman’s self-respect should always be protected.
Even in adverse situations, these five women never lost their faith and determination to stand up for their belief and virtues, as they not only stood up for themselves, but also became an inspiration for many women down the timelines to have an identity and a place in the world of their own.