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The Rishika-Rishi-Tradition was an excellent, unique and dedicated order in Indian knowledge-philosophy. Its chief purpose 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 to the transfer of knowledge to their disciples with complete selflessness and sacrificing personal comfort for society and the nation. Undoubtedly, they played a very important role in social and national development.  

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

Similarly, Gargi, whose debate is recorded in the Brihadaranyakopanishad, was such a gem of a woman whose intellectual brilliance continues to be a matter of pride for India, even today. Within this Rishika-Rishi Tradition, the place of the great philosopher, Brahmanvadini—Rishika (a female seeker of Brahman-knowledge), Lopamudra remains 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, luxuries and comforts, adopting instead the simple life of a sage by wearing garments of tree bark and deerskin.

Lopamudra was the epitome of wisdom, virtue and devotion. She propagated the ‘Hadi Panchadasi’ (a set of Mantras related to the process of unification of the soul with the Supreme Being; regarded as the first step towards the highest state of the soul —the means of paving the way to perfection). In doing so, she set an example by demonstrating a woman’s power and intellectual capacity. As the composer of many Mantras in the Rigveda, Lopamudra expressed profound ideas on women’s self-development, self-sufficiency and empowerment. Her insights on the leading role of women in married life, family harmony and unity, and love remain strikingly relevant even today. Throughout her life, she stood as a shining symbol of supreme knowledge and of harmony between humanity and nature. Through her wisdom, she profoundly influenced her husband, Maharishi Agastya, and left behind a timeless and exemplary ideological legacy for generations to come, especially for women.

Especially noteworthy are the following two Mantras (1 and 2) of the Sukta 179 in the First Mandala of the Rigveda, which are derived from the courtesy of 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//”

These two Mantras, rich in profound meaning, reveal the ideals of womanhood –high character, inherent virtues, self-reliance and equality.

On the basis of Lopamudra’s contributions to the Vedic Mantras and other available references about her, especially based on the Vanaparva of the Mahabharata, where she is mentioned as the princess of Vidarbha who assisted her husband Maharshi Agastya in his penance at Gangadwara (Haridwar), it can be said as a brief conclusion that in the following five walks of life, the ideas of Brahmanvadini (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 of women to man; it is, indeed, a medium for achieving spiritual balance;

2-Woman’s love is a way to spiritual union; it is not confined to the fulfillment of physical desire;

3-A woman is the source of inspiration for attainment 

of wealth and prosperity; she is fully capable of making her partner aware of his foremost duties, and together they can build a meaningful life directed toward the ultimate goal;

4-Acquisition and dissemination of knowledge is equally the right of women; and 5-Harmony between man and nature is of every significance. It is a prime duty of both men and women to preserve harmony with nature —trees, vegetation and natural resources.

Lopamudra was undoubtedly a Rishika who, on the strength of sacrifice, knowledge and spiritual practices, not only secured a place of the highest importance in the male-dominated tradition, but also demonstrated the capability of a woman. Also, in ancient times, through her unprecedented contributions to the knowledge-driven philosophical tradition of India, she paved the way for women’s upliftment, equality and empowerment. Even today, we take pride in the legacy of such a learned and revered Rishika (Mata) Lopamudra.