Romasha

Introduction

During the Vedic period the education of women within Hindu civilisation was important. Women were regarded as perfectly eligible for performing sacrifices as well as could study the Vedic literature. Women were examples for maintaining the basic principles of Santhana Dharma. After completing their education under a Guru they could perform religious rites. Romasha was one of the woman seers to whom hymns of the Rig Veda were revealed. She was a Brahmavadini who underwent the upanayana or thread ceremony, Vedic study and Savitri Vachana(higher studies). She revealed the 126^thhymn of the first book of the Rig Veda.

Birth and Early life

Romasha was said to be the daughter of Brihaspati and the wife of King Swanaya Bhawayabya. The literal meaning of her name is ‘One with hair’ indicating that either she had long, beautiful hair on her head or her body was full of hair. Her husband was also a rishi who is said to have performed a lot of charity as a King. Numerous mantras of Sama Veda are also attributed to Romasha.

Conclusion

Romasha was a Rishika or a woman Rishi or a seer in Vedic India where there were a number of pure, elevated and spiritually exalted women who were learned in the Vedas, even composing them and were seekers of Brahman. They are highly revered and are remembered and quoted even today and recorded for posterity in Ancient Indian history.