Feminine forces

Many attributes desirable in a woman are represented by Hindu female deities. They are worshipped as the embodiment of specific capabilities and powers.

For instance, Saraswati represents intelligence, consciousness, cosmic knowledge, creativity, education, enlightenment, music, the arts, and power. Hindus worship her not only for "secular knowledge", but for "divine knowledge" essential to the achievement of ‘Moksha’ (Freedom or Salvation), their ultimate spiritual goal.

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. She is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows.

Durga, an embodiment of creative feminine force (Shakti), manifests fearlessness and patience.

This collection of brass statuettes are not from a mandir or puja room but have been part of this household for more than fifty years. They belonged to my mother-in-law M, a truly empowered woman of great determination, taste as well as beauty.

Women need to tap their own abilities and powers -- discovering the true goddess spirit within. Whether they have access to these goddesses or not they should take inspiration from them to elevate their self-esteem and empower personal growth and spirituality.

M more or less educated herself, got a job (in Bombay), participated in the Freedom Movement in a small way, married outside her community (at a time when such inter-religion marriages were taboo), took on the role of a Consular Officer / Ambassador’s wife, and then gamely fought through her husband’s terminal illness and then finally her own.

IS remembers that in the difficult times when his father’s condition deteriorated, his mother’s belief through these deities would have been a help in bolstering her strength and composure.

Today is my mother-in-law’s 91^st birth anniversary.