Rape in Hindusim

Introduction

→Religious texts often serve as moral compasses for societies, shaping values, behaviors, and laws for generations. Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, possesses a vast and complex body of scriptures that include the Vedas, Puranas, Itihasas (Ramayana and Mahabharata), and other texts. These scriptures are often revered as sacred, offering spiritual guidance and philosophical insights. However, when examined critically, some narratives within these texts reveal troubling episodes — including acts of sexual violence committed or sanctioned by divine figures.

To explore these concerns in depth, we now turn to specific narratives within Hindu scriptures that portray acts of sexual violence or coercion attributed to revered deities.

---

1.Ashwinkumar Raped a Brahmin Lady

God’s description:- the Ashwini Kumaras (also spelled Ashvins or Ashwinikumars) are twin Vedic deities associated with medicine, healing, and health. They are revered as divine physicians and are considered among the earliest gods mentioned in the Rigveda.

Reference:- BRAHMA VIAVARTA PURANA, BRAHMA KHANDA 10.126-128

__

2.Brihaspati Raped his Brother’s WifeMamatha

God’s description:-  Brihaspati is the guru of the Devas in Hinduism, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality. He is also associated with the planet Jupiter in Vedic astrology, representing prosperity and good fortune. As the priest of the gods, he guides them in rituals and moral decisions. In some texts, he is also linked to the Charvaka school of materialist philosophy, showing his complex role in both religious and philosophical traditions.

REFERENCE:- MATSYA PURANA 49.17-28

THIS STORY IS SUPPORTED BY OTHER SCRIPTURES TOO

OTHER REFERENCES:-

-) SHRIMAD BHAGAVATHAM 9.20.36

-) DEVI BHAGAVATAM 4.15.59-64

__

3.Indra Raped Ahalya

God’s description:- Indra is the king of the gods in Hinduism and the god of thunder, rain, and war. He wields the thunderbolt (Vajra), rides the elephant Airavata, and is known for defeating the demon Vritra to release the waters. Though his role lessens in later texts, he remains an important figure symbolizing power and leadership.

REFERENCE:- PADMA PURANA 1.54.8B-24

OTHER REFERENCES SUPPORT THIS STORY:-

-) SHIVA PURANA 5.4.18

__

3/a. Indra Raped Rambha

REFERENCE:- BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA KRISHNA JANMA KHANDA 14.45-51

__

3/b. Indra Raped the Wife of Brihaspati’s Brother

REFERENCE:- SKANDA PURANA 2.7.23.9-20

__

4.Shiva Attempted to Rape the Daughter of Sage Agniveshya

God’s description:- Shiva (or Shiv) is one of the principal deities and is part of the holy trinity (Trimurti) that includes Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer or transformer). He is a complex and multifaceted figure worshipped in many forms across India and beyond.

REFERENCE:- SKANDA PURANA 1.2.9.40-58

__

5.Soma Abducted and Raped the Wife of Brihaspati

God’s description:- Soma is a Vedic deity symbolizing a sacred drink believed to grant immortality and divine power. Central to rituals, he was later identified with the Moon and came to represent life energy and spiritual inspiration in Hinduism.

REFERENCE:- BRAHMA VAIVARTA PURANA KRISHNA JANMA KHANDA 80.1-22

OTHER REFERENCES:-

-) SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM 9.14.4

-) SHIVA PURANA 5.4.22

__

6.Surya Devta Raped Kunti

God’s description:- Surya, the Sun god in Hinduism, is revered as the visible form of divinity, the source of life and energy, and a symbol of truth and wisdom. He is praised in the Vedas, worshipped through rituals and festivals, and represents the soul and vital force in spiritual traditions.

REFERENCE:- DEVI BHAGAVATAM 2.6.13-35

OTHER REFERENCE:-

-) SHRIMAD BHAGAVATAM 9.24.33-36

__

7.Vishnu Raped Vrinda (Tulasi)

God’s description:- Vishnu is a supreme Hindu deity known as the preserver of the universe and protector of dharma. He incarnates as avatars like Rama and Krishna to restore balance. Widely worshipped in Vaishnavism, he symbolizes compassion, justice, and eternal cosmic support.

REFERENCE:- SKANDA PURANA 2.4.21.17-30

OTHER REFERENCES:-

-) DEVI BHAGAVATAM PURANA 9.24.14-22

-) SHIVA PURANA 2.5.23.38-45

(•) Shiva Purana 5.4.17:- “O great sage, Viṣṇu was deluded by Kāma by the power of Śiva’s Māyā. He outraged the modesty of other men’s wives many times.” )

---

Now, let us delve deeper into certain Hindu scriptures where the authors attempt to justify or normalize acts of sexual violence, including rape, within their narratives.

*In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Bhishma kidnaps Ambika and Ambalika, two sisters, and arranges their marriage to Vichitravirya, the king of Hastinapura. Unfortunately, Vichitravirya dies without any children. To ensure an heir, Vichitravirya’s mother, Satyavati, compels Ambika and Ambalika to engage in niyog with Ved Vyasa.(Niyog is an ancient Hindu practice mentioned in scriptures like the Mahabharata and some Dharmashastra texts. It allowed a widow or a woman whose husband was incapable of fathering children to conceive a child through another appointed man, usually a close relative of the husband or a respected sage.)

Ambika was so terrified by Vyasa’s appearance that she closed her eyes during the union, resulting in the birth of Dhritarashtra, who was born blind.

Ambalika turned pale from fear, and her son Pandu was born with a pale complexion and health issues.*

REFERENCE:- MAHABHARAT SAMBHAVA PARVA, SECTION 106 (READ 105 FOR CONTEXT)

This incident clearly illustrates how the narrative attempts to normalize and ritualize a non-consensual sexual act, effectively serving as a justification of coercion that would be considered rape by modern ethical and legal standards.

Here’s a video to depict the incident more accurately.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7dYA0Avvtg/?igsh=MTc2MHUxY2t6bnRlcA==

Swami Prabhupada serves as a clear example of how some Hindu scholars in the past have made statements that effectively promote or justify rape, thereby contributing to its normalization within certain religious narratives.

For example

→ he in his purport Mention:

“woman likes a man who is very expert at rape.” (4.25.41)

“Generally when a woman is attacked by a man-whether her husband or some other man she enjoys the attack, being too lusty”(4.26.26)

Reference:- SHRIMAD BHAGWATAM 4.25.41

Reference:- SHRIMAD BHAGWATAM 4.26.26

→This toxic mindset extends beyond extramarital contexts and permeates even within marriage, where wives are often subjected to physical abuse and coerced into sex, regardless of their consent or personal will.

Reference:- BRHADARANYAKA UPNISHAD, ADHYAY 6, BRAHMAN 4, VERSE 7

Hinduism allows Martial rape, When wife is not willing to copulate, she should be beaten with sticks and raped.

Geeta press Gorakhpur:- “If even after doing this, she does not give an opportunity for sex, then the husband should forcefully try to have sex with her by showing fear of punishment according to his wish.”

Reference:- BRHADARANYAKA UPNISHAD, ADHYAY 6, BRAHMAN 4, VERSE 7

__

→ The scriptures not only attempt to normalize rape, but also establish laws and mechanisms that facilitate its acceptance and propagation within society, for example:

Reference:– MATSYA PURANA, VOLUME 2, CHAPTER 227, VERSE 148–149

__

There is no mention of the woman’s consent or well-being anywhere in these laws. Her voice, choice, and rights are entirely absent. The laws are written from the perspective of male actions and royal authority, reinforcing a patriarchal system where women are treated as property or objects of regulation. Even more disturbing is the rule about multiple men forcibly indulging with a concubine. Instead of recognizing this as gang rape—a serious crime—the punishment is merely a financial penalty. This trivializes sexual violence and fails to acknowledge the trauma and violation suffered by the victim.

END🔚

✅ (4) dogstare (3)

TOP 👆

👍 (2) red orange black green (2) Uno pink 1712yeaok