Women in Devotion and Religions (From the Natural Moral Period to the Religious Period)

Abstract

The woman was the foremost in the early maternal society. Goddesses were also seen as primary in worship. The elements of natural energy were praised as feminine. They saw them as forces of prosperity. The goddesses found in the worship of nature later entered the religion. The goddess Kali (Kottravai) later became a part of Shiva. Women have been monks in Buddhism and Jainism since the early days of the religion. The female monks performed excellent religious duties. In Saivism and vaishnavism the religion that originated in this Tamil soil, woman was seen as a Part of the God. Historical references to many female theologians are also found in all religions. Christian nuns have been performing well since the arrival of European missionaries. There is a history of blessed women in Islam as well. Yet in later times that dignity of femininity gradually diminished. Equality for woman was denied in all religions. There was a situation where the woman was considered as a defilement. To this day such a situation is found in all religions.