Vasudha Narayanan

Vasudha Narayanan

Founder, Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions

Vasudha Narayanan is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Florida. The "On Faith" panelist also served as president of the American Academy of Religion in 2001-2002. With the University, Narayanan created the nation's first Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions (CHiTra) to encourage the research, teaching and public understanding of Hindu culture and traditions. She was educated at the Universities of Madras and Bombay in India, and at Harvard University. Her fields of interest are the Sri Vaishnava tradition; Hindu traditions in India, Cambodia, America; Hinduism and the environment; and gender issues. She is currently working on Hindu temples and Vaishnava traditions in Cambodia. Her research has been supported by grants and fellowships from the American Council of Learned Societies (2004-2005); National Endowment for the Humanities (1987, 1989-90, and 1998-99), the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation (1991-92), the American Institute of Indian Studies/ Smithsonian , and the Social Science Research Council. She was president of the Society for Hindu-Christian Studies from 1996-1998. Narayanan is the author and editor of six books, and of over 90 articles, book chapters or encyclopedia entries. Her books include Hinduism (2004); The Vernacular Veda: Revelation, Recitation, and Ritual (1994); The Way and the Goal: Expressions of Devotion in the Early Srivaisnava Tradition (1987); and with co-auathor John Carman, The Tamil Veda: Pillan's Interpretation of the Tiruvaymoli (1989). Close.

Vasudha Narayanan

Founder, Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions

Vasudha Narayanan is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Florida. The "On Faith" panelist also served as president of the American Academy of Religion in 2001-2002. With the University, Narayanan created the nation's first Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions (CHiTra) to encourage the research, teaching and public understanding of Hindu culture and traditions. more »

Main Page | Vasudha Narayanan Archives | On Faith Archives


Hindu Women Have Won Esteem Despite Bias
When we look at the right places we learn about women’s contributions in many realms--poetry, philosophy and performing.

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All Comments (5)

Arif Nurwahyu:

Assalamu'alaykum Warahmatullah, Peace Be Upon You:

I agree with Ms.Vasudha Narayan that Hindu Women are empowered & subjugated in their scriptures. In the past, Hindu women MIGHT BE DO SATTI (a widow MIGHT BE burned in the fire with his dead husband). HOWEVER, Hindu Scriptures also teach that Women SHOULD wear VEIL (HIJAB)!

Unfortunately, Ms.VAsudha Narayan did not address the issues of INHERITANCE, WITNESSES, DOWRIES & RIGHTS of PROPERTIES for Hindu Women.

THIS MUST BE addressed in this FORUM in the future.


Arif Nurwahyu

Jakarta - INDONESIA

February 15, 2007 11:13 PM | Report Offensive Comments

Posted on February 15, 2007 23:13

victoria:

well there is indonesia-

January 24, 2007 2:32 AM | Report Offensive Comments

Posted on January 24, 2007 02:32

Golden_Rule:

Ms. Naraynan, your inner works are very light and spritual. what i can relate directly to is your loss of history and how that requires one to turn into self for self awareness. Beyond that i must apologize...perhaps i need some rest. may Light and Beauty shine upon your path always

January 23, 2007 8:24 PM | Report Offensive Comments

Posted on January 23, 2007 20:24

J:

That was an enlightening essay. I'm happy to hear Hindu women are not as poorly treated as I have been led to believe. India is emerging as a major force in the world as I understand it. No nation that oppresses half of it's members can do that. Your essay confirms what the numbers are saying. India's women are playing an important role in catapulting India to a position of leadership on the world scene.

Perhaps those who are so concerned about the big three of religion in the western world would be well served by a closer look at the faiths of the major world populations that dwarf populations of the west. Mosty of the people of earth live in Asia where the three so called great faiths are minoritys.

January 23, 2007 7:56 PM | Report Offensive Comments

Posted on January 23, 2007 19:56

victoria:

My first exposure to goddesses was in beautiful hindu writings- the ramayana andte mahabharata- and countless other women saints whose life stories were so inspiring- indian women today are taking small loans and starting their own cottage industries and i believe iread somewhere that the rate of repayment is unparalleled - and all voluntary and honorable.

I understand the indian government today is trying to redress old prejudicial restrictions on people and i hope that muslims and hindus can grow to respect each other.

January 23, 2007 12:54 PM | Report Offensive Comments

Posted on January 23, 2007 12:54

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