The 7 Mothers As Per The Vedas - The Significance Explained & Examined
Introduction
The Vedas are the ancientest and most sacred scriptures of Hinduism, dating back over 3,500 years. They contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings and are considered the foundation of Hinduism. One concept present in Vedic tradition is that of the "seven mothers," which reflects the importance of motherhood in Hindu culture.
The 7 mothers hold great significance in Hinduism as they represent the different aspects of motherhood and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Each mother plays a unique role in the child's physical, emotional, and spiritual development and is considered a source of love, support, and guidance.
This blog will explain the concept of the 7 mothers in greater detail and examine their significance in Hinduism. We will also discuss the role of mothers in Hindu culture and religion.
Who Are The 7 Mothers As Per Vedas?
In Vedic tradition, an individual considers 7 types of women as mothers, each representing a different aspect of nature and uniquely influencing the individual.
Here are brief explanations of each of the seven mothers and their significance:
1. Biological Mother:
This is the mother who gives birth to the child and nurtures them from infancy to adulthood. She is the first and most substantial of the seven mothers.
2. The Wife of the Teacher:
The teacher's wife, or the Guru Patni, is considered the second mother. She plays a significant role in the spiritual education and upbringing of the child.
3. The Wife of the King:
The king's wife, Raj Patni, is considered the third mother. She is responsible for the welfare and protection of the kingdom and its people, including the child.
4. The Cow:
The cow, or Gau Mata, is considered the fourth mother. She provides nourishment and sustenance through her milk, symbolising purity and motherly love.
5. The Nurse:
The nurse, or Dhai Ma, is considered the fifth mother. She is accountable for the physical and emotional care of the child during infancy and early childhood.
6. Mother Earth:
The earth, or Bhumi Devi, is considered the sixth mother. She provides a home for all living beings and sustains life through her natural resources.
7. The Goddess:
The divine mother, or Devi, is considered the seventh mother. She embodies love, compassion, and nurturing and represents the ultimate source of spiritual and emotional guidance and support.
These 7 mothers are considered sacred and revered by Hindus as symbols of the divine feminine.
The Significance of the 7 Mothers
The 7 mothers hold great significance in Hinduism as they represent the different aspects of motherhood and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Each mother plays a unique role in the child's physical, emotional, and spiritual development and is considered a source of love, support, and guidance.
The 7 mothers also symbolise the importance of nurturing and protecting the environment. The cow is revered as a symbol of purity and motherly love, while mother earth provides a home for all living beings and sustains life through her natural resources.
Moreover, the 7 mothers reflect the importance of respecting and honouring those who have played a significant role in our lives. The wife of the teacher and the wife of the king, for instance, are considered mother figures due to their role in the education and protection of the child.
The Role of Mothers in Hinduism
Motherhood is highly valued and celebrated in Hinduism, where a mother's role is vital in a child's spiritual and emotional development. In Hindu culture, the mother is often regarded as the first guru or teacher of a child and is seen as the primary source of love, support, and guidance.
The bond between mothers and their children in Hinduism is considered sacred and is marked by various rituals and customs. For example, the sacred thread ceremony, called Upanayana, is an essential rite of passage for Hindu boys, whose mothers usually perform it.
Mothers in Hinduism are also seen as powerful spiritual figures who can guide their children toward enlightenment and liberation. The Hindu saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was a devotee of the goddess Kali and often spoke of the profound spiritual insights he gained through his devotion to the divine mother.
Conclusion
In Vedic tradition, the 7 mothers hold great significance as they represent various aspects of motherhood, the value of safeguarding and nurturing the environment, demonstrating respect and admiration towards people who have played an essential role in our lives, and acknowledging the divine mother as the ultimate source of love, compassion, and guidance.