Lopamudra: The Rishika-Rishi Queen of the Vedas

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.

- Dr. Ravindra Kumar

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.