Author: Special Correspondent
Publication: The Hindu
Date: Jun 5, 2006
URL: http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/05/stories/2006060502380200.htm
SHIMOGA. "Upanayana" for girls.
It may sound incredible as it is held as the exclusive domain of men in the
Vedic system and a taboo for women in the Hindu community.
The upanayana of two girls was performed at
Shankar Krupa in front of Shankar Math here on Sunday under the "pourohitya"
of Sudhakar Sharma and Shruti Priya of Arya Samaj of Bangalore in strict adherence
to Vedic rites.
Geeta Sharma and Savita Sharma, daughters
of Jagannath Sharma and Nagamani Sharma of Chikkamaradi in Shimoga taluk,
were initiated into Veda adhyayana after the completion of the formal upanayana
here on Sunday.
Every mantra (hymn) in Sanskrit chanted was
followed by the explanation of its meaning in Kannada.
Presentations to the girls who were initiated
into the Veda abhyasa were barred in accordance with the "Vaidika Samskara".
Later, a "Jnana Satra" discourse
was held in the afternoon.
An exhibition on Vedic literature was arranged
on the occasion.
