VARṆA VIDYĀ  (English, Paperback, Sinu Joseph)

Did women in ancient Bhārat recite the Veda-s, perform agnihotra and wear the yajñopavīta? Who were Ṛṣika-s, Brahmavādini-s and Yoginī’s, and how did they attain that state? Why are the rules of religious practices similar for women and the śūdra varṇa? Can women and the śūdra varṇa officiate as temple arcaka-s, and how would this impact them and the temple? Varṇa Vidyā provides answers to all those who wish to know the science behind the dharmaśāstra rules for women and the śūdra varṇa. Going beyond the sociological understanding of varṇa based on jāti-guṇa-karma, this book takes a deep dive into the biological basis of varṇa dharma to answer questions about women and the śūdra varṇa, especially in the context of religious practices. More than 100 saṃskṛtam verses from smṛti-s (Manu, Yājñavalkya, Parāśara, etc.), the Bhagvad Gītā, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Upaniṣad-s and Tantra texts have been covered in this work, revealing their subtle meaning. Several published studies and modern scientific theories have also been included to ease the understanding of the present generation. The book not only answers burning questions of the present time but also explains the science behind the spiritual path prescribed for women and the śūdra varṇa. In the process of decoding the rules for women and the śūdra varṇa, the science of varṇa dharma itself stands revealed as an unintended consequence.