The Feminine in Shastra

1. Misconception: Manusmriti values women only for their domestic role.

2. Quick Clarification: In today’s context, we explore Manusmṛti’s bold warning that a society which overlooks the well-being of its women invites its own decline.

For centuries, the Manusmṛti has been portrayed as a text that demeans women and fails to recognize their worth beyond domestic roles. But what if the truth is more layered… more nuanced… and even, in some places, surprisingly empowering?

3. Dialogues of Dharma

Verse 1 in Focus - Manusmriti 3.56 

यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः।यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफलाः क्रियाः॥

 “Where women are honored, all gods rejoice.Where they are not honored, all acts become fruitless.”

Why is this verse criticized?

On the surface, this verse appears deeply respectful toward women. But it has been the subject of criticism for several reasons:

Critique 1 - Domestic Confinement

In this verse, women are honored primarily in their domestic roles—as wives, mothers, and caretakers of household life. Critics argue that this limits their value to the private sphere, without recognizing their intellectual, public, or spiritual contributions.

Clarification - Women’s Many Roles

This verse appears in a chapter focused on household duties and family life—naturally highlighting domestic roles. Yet it does not imply that the Vedic tradition values women only within the home. In fact, Vedic texts honor women in a wide range of roles, including as teachers, philosophers, saints, and seers—such as Gārgī, Lopāmudrā, Sulabhā, and Maitreyi.

Alongside these revered seers, queens also held significant positions of responsibility. A striking example is Draupadi. She studied political science from learned Brahmanas engaged by her father. As queen of Indraprastha, Draupadi wielded considerable authority. She managed not only the Pandavas’ household but also its finances and treasury. Her duties extended to supervising the horse stables and elephant stables, as well as caring for citizens, including the poor and the handicapped. She even established household rules—for instance, prohibiting other women from entering her kitchen—thus maintaining direct control over domestic affairs.

In this, Draupadi was not exceptional. Many queens and wives of powerful men managed their husbands’ households and responsibilities, shaping the success of their families and kingdoms. The old saying captures it well: behind every powerful man is a strong woman.

From this perspective, Manusmriti 3.56 is not confining women to the home but recognizing their essential role in sustaining it. The prosperity and sacredness of a household—whether simple or royal—rests on the capable hands and intelligence of women. Because they are the foundation, the verse warns that when women are neglected or disrespected, the balance of the household collapses—and with it, even the most sacred rituals lose their potency.

Finally, it is important to remember the historical context. When the Manusmriti was composed, nearly all people across the world lived a domestic life. Farming, animal husbandry, pottery, weaving, goldsmithing, blacksmithing, and other professions were carried out within or close to one’s home. The separation of work from the household came much later, with the industrial revolution.

Critique 2 - Conditional Honor

The “honor” described is often seen as conditional—extended to women who fulfil certain roles, rather than affirming their intrinsic worth or autonomy. It promotes reverence without empowerment.

Clarification - Honor through Relationships

The verse itself does not specify any conditions—it simply states that where women are honored, divinity dwells. No qualifiers are mentioned, such as “if she obeys,” “if she is a wife,” etc.  In fact, it connects cosmic consequence to how women are treated: even the gods leave, and all rituals fail if women are not honored. That goes beyond social reward—it’s metaphysical. 

In the Vedic tradition, people are honored through their relationships—like being a mother, teacher, or wife. But this doesn’t mean their worth depends only on those roles. According to dharma, honoring someone is not a matter of exchange or usefulness—it’s a way of living in harmony with the deeper order of the universe (ṛta).  So even if a verse speaks about women in the family, its meaning goes beyond just their role. It’s about showing deep respect as a part of upholding spiritual values.