Could Reading Of Religious Scriptures On Mokshada Ekadashi Perpetuate Misogyny?

Mokshada Ekadashi will be celebrated by Hindus in India on December 25, 2020. On this day, the devotees worship and supplicate Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the 11^th day (ekadashi) of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) during the Margashira month of the lunar calendar. The Margashira month falls between November to December. Etymologically, Mokshada Ekadashi refers to the Hindu ritual through which one can gain moksha or freedom from the continuous cycle of birth and death. It is believed that devotees who observe this fast are transferred to the abode of Lord Vishnu after their death.

How is it celebrated?

On this day, devotees observe a 24-hour fast that begins with the sunrise of Mokshada Ekadashi and ends with the sunrise of the next day. Usually, the fast involves no consumption of food or water but devotees can observe a partial fast in which they can consume dairy products and vegetarian food. However, the consumption of rice, grains, pulses, onion and garlic is prohibited for all, including those who do not observe the fast. Chanting of the holy mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is considered significant on this day. It is believed that by burning oil lamps and chanting the mantra, a devotee invokes Lord Vishnu to accept the offerings. The holy offerings on this day also include significant ingredients like tulsi leaves, turmeric, chandan, kumkum, coconut with its husk, betel leaves and flowers and fruits.

This occasion is considered auspicious to worship, read or listen and gift Bhagawad Gita.

Also Read: Devutthana Ekadashi: Understanding Tulsi Vivah From Feminist Perspective

Significance of Mokshada Ekadashi

It is believed that devotees who observe this fast religiously gain salvation after death. Moreover, by observing Mokshada Ekadashi fast, a devotee can seek the liberation and peace of the souls of their dead ancestors also.

History behind the festival

According to Hindu Mythology, Mokshada Ekadashi is believed to be the day when Lord Krishna recited Bhagawad Gita to Pandava Arjuna on the historic battlefield of Mahabharata. Therefore, Mokshada Ekadashi is also celebrated as Gita Jayanti.

Watching From The Feminist Lens

There are no gender-specific restrictions on who should observe the fast. It is a celebration of the inception of Bhagwad Gita which is an auspicious Hindu holy text and an important part of Indian literature and philosophy.  However, it is believed that Dalits or people from the lower caste do not deserve to read and learn the Sanskrit language and any Hindu scripture. The possession, knowledge and understanding of Hindu scriptures have always been the dominion of the upper caste. Moreover, it also cannot be ignored that one of these venerated Hindu scriptures, Manusmriti, denigrates women and low caste people on the basis of the Varna System. Most of the religious texts are centred around the men and women of Brahman or the Kshatriya community excluding people from other caste and gender. You can read a few lines from Manusmriti that are problematic and misogynist here.

So the question that arises is that should one read and legitimise the misogynistic and discriminatory beliefs espoused by the religious texts (not only those of Hindus)? Or reject these texts completely? In my view, burning down the texts is not the solution because apart from being misogynist, these texts hold values for their antiquity and the attached religious sentiments of communities. One should rather aim at encouraging interpretations of the texts from different perspectives, its analysis on the basis of its antiquity, and upholding it as Indian literature and representation of Indian culture without conforming to its derogatory beliefs. This means that the understanding of equality and respect should be included as a part of personal development as much as reading and memorising religious scriptures.

Also Read: Sushmita Sinha’s Criticism Of Teej Exposes Its Misogyny And Upholds A Woman’s Freedom To Choose