The way our mythology has depicted the beauty and inner strength of Indian women is truly remarkable!
In the enormous expanse of Indian mythology, we see an array of strong women who have served as a wellspring of inspiration for centuries. These fearless women symbolise bravery and resilience, providing a timeless reminder of the unrelenting tenacity that defines women in our country. As we grapple with persisting issues affecting women globally and in our nation, these mythological figures emerge as exemplars of the strength and potential inherent in Indian women. They symbolise the incredible capabilities that our soil nurtures and underscore the limitless possibilities for the women of our nation.
Kali, the more intense counterpart to Durga, is often envisioned in a captivating form. She is cloaked in tiger skin, adorned with human skulls, and appears in shades of black or blue. With numerous arms, a long, protruding tongue, a necklace crafted from severed heads, and a decapitated head held in one of her hands, she conjures a formidable and fierce image. The name "Kali," rooted in the Sanskrit word "Kala," cleverly embodies the dual meanings of time and darkness, fitting for a goddess who both creates and annihilates time.
Sitting at the edges both geographically and culturally, Kali emerges as a potent symbol of feminine empowerment. Her portrayal serves as a vivid testament to the transformative and destructive power a woman can wield when challenged. In her essence, Kali signifies liberation—unleashing the forces of freedom, desire, and even violence.
Unwanted at birth by her father, Drupad, Draupadi's life was intricately threaded with difficulties and challenges. Despite the adversities, she defiantly held her head high. Regarded as one of the most beautiful women of her era and the wife of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, Draupadi's heart belonged solely to Arjun. A tragic misunderstanding between Mother Kunti and the five Pandavas, however, coerced Draupadi into marrying all five brothers. Nevertheless, she maintained her dignity even when faced with another intensely challenging situation. Draupadi emerges as a true symbol of resilience, standing tall in the face of adversity to achieve her desires. Rejecting the role of a passive wife, she sought revenge for her humiliations and steadfastly stood beside the Pandavas. In the context of Indian mythology, Draupadi stood at the heart, exemplifying determination and grace amidst every trial she encountered.
Savitri was anything but timid; she refused to obediently conform to the rules set by her father, husband, or even the god himself! She charted her own life path, ensuring the happiness of herself and her family through her unflinching strength of will. When the time for marriage arrived, she set forth on a quest to find the ideal husband for herself. Upon discovering him, she married the young prince Satyavan, who had a short life span. Savitri displayed absolute determination and fierceness, even influencing the god of death, Yama, in her favour.
After Satyavan's untimely death at the hands of Yamaraj, Savitri did not surrender to despair. She stood confidently, and her strong resolve and unshakeable true love triumphed in the end. She managed to convince destiny to align with her own terms. Savitri's story imparts the lesson that women are capable of anything and everything for love, and a woman's love is a formidable force that can bend even the strictest rules of the universe.
Every woman is a magnificent interlace of unyielding and consistently robust qualities. Indian mythology eloquently portrays the actual strength and fierceness ingrained in Indian women, evoking both fascination and spine-tingling awe.
