Ancient lessons from Arundhati-Vashishtha
The wisdom that Indian sages possessed in unparalleled in the annals of mankind. However, even though some traditions developed by them don’t seem to make sense, a deeper reflection gives amazing insights.
One such tradition is observing the second last star of the Saptarishi Mandal or the ‘Big Bear’ viz. Vasishtha after a marriage ceremony. However, a keen observation reveals that it is a binary star system by the name Arundhati-Vashishtha. Usually, binary star systems have their centrifuge around one star, while the other revolves around the former. However, this is a unique system, where both the stars revolve around each other as depicted in below pic.
The deeper message behind the tradition is developing a realization amongst spouses that a relationship should be like this system; their lives should revolve around each other rather than one’s life around the other. This is true with any relationship: not necessarily spouses! One-sided effort never leads to a successful venture. It must be both sided! However, is that all? Let’s take a look.
What could be the modern-day lessons?
While scientists have named them as a twin star system or binary star system, in reality, they form a complementary system i.e the two stars are in sync with each other. They form a complete harmony. However, that doesn’t imply that they are identical. This is where modern feminism goes wrong.
Modern-day gender equality means that women need to rub shoulders with men. However, this, in my humble opinion is a gross way of looking at life. Imagine, if the two stars try to compete, there is bound to be a collision. They have their own positions, velocities and characteristics. Moreover, they serve their own unique purposes while staying in a binary setup simultaneously.
Yet, modern-day feminism abhors everything that is feminine and beautiful in a rat race to imitate men. However, our ancient sages have a solution to their problems. In our ancient traditions, the female names appeared before male ones’. Starting with the example in this article, we have Arundhati-Vashishtha. Others include Radhe Krishna, Sita Ram, Uma Maheshwar, Lakshmi Narayan etc.
It is not a Race
Coming back to the astronomical example of Arundhati-Vashishtha life is not a race. Take a look at the simulated image of Arundhati-Vashishta below.
Can you really determine which star is ahead or which one is lagging? Doesn’t it purely depend upon the frame of reference? Similarly, in life, certain aspects make the feminine better, while in the case of others, masculine supersedes. Hence, where is the concept of superiority and inferiority? I admit, historically, wrongs have been done to women. However, that does not mean women need to forget themselves to imitate men?
Women can save men by being themselves
Embracing their feminine nature, countless women have complimented men and at times tried to save them. A famous example includes Ubhaya Bharati, the wife of Mandana Mishra. When the latter was defeated in a debate with the legendary Adi Shankaracharya, Ubhaya Bharati stepped up to debate with him. Although she too was defeated, yet her stature increased since she made Adi Shankara step back for some time with basic questions of worldly life, as opposed to her husband who kept debating Adi Shankara with esoteric philosophies.
In 18th century, a woman named Onake Obavva saved an entire fort without any martial skills, but simple common sense and resourcefulness, traits that are found abundantly in women.
Coming to modern times, it was Madam curie who complimented her husband Pierre Curie and continued his work even after his death, thus saving his legacy for posterity. Hers is a story of extreme perseverance and will power, which women possess in abundance.
In conclusion, I will leave you with a question. Why do women want imitate men when they can possess something valuable that the latter doesn’t?
Also Read: Dashavtaras: The Indian allegory to Science of evolution
P.S.
- As per the latest discoveries, this binary system is visible to the naked eye. However, this is a six-star system. Please read about Mizar and Alcor.
- Featured image P.C. Wikipedia
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