• Who was Lopamudra Rishika? What was her contribution to the Rig Veda? How women could contribute in the five walks of life?

The Rishika-Rishi tradition was such an excellent, unique and dedicated order in Indian knowledge-philosophy, the chief purpose of which was to pave the way for greater human welfare through their knowledgeable and duty-bound disciples. Both, learned women and men were associated with this tradition. They devoted their entire lives transferring knowledge to their disciples with a completely selfless spirit. Thus, they sacrificed their lives for society and the nation. Undoubtedly, they played a very important role in society and nation building.

This article was first published in the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Journal.

In the foundational texts of the Sanatana Dharma, along with Rishis and Maharishis, we find mention of many highly learned female sages (Rishikas) Brahmavadini Apala, daughter of Maharishi Atri and Devi Anusuya), Brahmavadini Ghosha, Brahmavadini Maitreyi, Brahmavadini Romasha, Brahmavadini Vishwavara, Brahmavadini Surya and Lopamudra are the most prominent among them. Many verses of the Rigveda are courtesy of these learned female sages.

Similarly, Gargi, whose debate is mentioned in the Brihadaranyakopanishad, was such a gem of a woman whose scholarship India can be proud of even today. In the same Rishika-Rishi tradition, the place of the great philosopher, Brahmavadini Rishika (a female scholar-Brahman-knowledge explorer), Lopamudra is still highly respected.

Born and brought up in a royal family, Lopamudra, who is also known by names like ‘Vaidarbhi’, ‘Varaprada’ and ‘Kaushitaki’, after marrying Maharshi Agastya, renounced royal clothes, ornaments and comforts and wore clothes made of tree bark and deerskin. She accepted to live a life full of simplicity befitting the sages.

Lopamudra was the epitome of wisdom, virtue and devotion. She conceived and propagated the Hadi Panchadasi (Mantras related to the process of unification of the soul with the Supreme Being; in other words, the first step towards the highest state of the soul—the means of paving the way to perfection). Thus, she set an example by demonstrating womanpower and intellectual capacity.

The composer of many Mantras of the Rigveda, Lopamudra’s thoughts on women’s self-development, self-sufficiency and empowerment, the leading role of women in married life, family harmony and unity, and love are relevant even today. She remained a shining symbol of supreme knowledge throughout her life as well as a symbol of harmony between humanity and nature. 

Through the strength of her supreme knowledge, she left a deep impact on Maharishi Agastya, who was her husband and left a long-relevant and exemplary ideological legacy for generations to come, especially women.

Especially, the following two Mantras (1 and 2) of the Sukta 179 of the First Mandala of the Rigveda are attributed to Rishika Lopamudra:

“Puurviiraham Sharadah

Shashamaanaa Doshaa

Vastorushaso Jarayantiih/

Minaati Shriyam Jarimaa

Tanuunaamapyuu Nu

Patniirvrishano Jagamyuh//

Ye Chiddhi Purva Ritasaapa

Aasantsaakam

Devebhiravadannaritaani/

Te Chidvaasurnahyantamaapuh

Samuu Nu

Patniirvrishabhirjagamyuh//”

Through these two Mantras, which have very deep meaning, there is a clear manifestation of womanly deeds—high character, existing excellent qualities, self-reliance and equality.

On the basis of the contribution of Lopamudra to the Vedic Mantras and other available references esp. based on the Vanaparva of the Mahabharata, where she is mentioned as the princess of Vidarbha and who helped her husband Maharshi Agastya in his penance at Gangadwara (Haridwar).

As a brief conclusion it can be said that in the following five walks of life, the ideas of Brahmavadini (a seeker of the Satya), despite appearing in quite simple manner, are of undying importance:

1. A married life is not confined to procreation and subordination to man; it is, indeed, a medium of spiritual balance.

2. Woman’s love is a spiritual union; it is not confined to the fulfilment of lust.

3. A woman is the source of inspiration for attainment of wealth and prosperity. She is fully capable of making one aware of his foremost duty, and along with herself, she also contributes towards making the life of her partner worthy and meaningful—to reach the goal.

4. The acquisition and dissemination of knowledge is equally the right of women.

5. Harmony between man and nature is of everlasting significance. It is a prime duty of a woman or man to maintain harmony with nature—trees, vegetation and natural resources.

Lopamudra was undoubtedly a Rishika who, on the strength of sacrifice, knowledge and practices, not only made her place of utmost importance in the male dominated tradition, but also demonstrated the capability of a woman.

Also, in ancient times, while making an unprecedented contribution to the knowledge dominated philosophical tradition of India, she paved the way for women’s upliftment, equality and empowerment. 

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal, March 1-15, 2026 issue. This article is courtesy and copyright Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. eSamskriti has obtained permission from Bhavan’s Journal to share. Do subscribe to the Bhavan’s Journal – it is very good.

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