The Lost Legacy of Yoginis: How Ancient Indian Women Shaped Yoga

If we rewind to ancient India, we’ll find that the world of yoga, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom wasn’t just a playground for men. Women - yes, powerful, intellectual, spiritually awakened women - were right there, shaping and contributing to the vast knowledge we now associate with yoga. These Yoginis, Brahmavadinis (women Vedic scholars), and Rishikas (female sages) played a crucial role in preserving and expanding India’s spiritual traditions.

But somewhere along the way, their presence faded. Their names disappeared from everyday discussions of yoga history. So, what happened? Why did women, once at the forefront of yogic wisdom, gradually move to the margins?

Let’s explore the fascinating history of Yoginis - how they thrived, what they contributed, and the lost legacy of Yoginis.

The Forgotten Women of Yoga and Vedic Wisdom

In ancient India, women weren’t just passive participants in spiritual life; they were active seekers, teachers, and even writers of sacred texts. Some of the most brilliant minds of the Vedic period belonged to women:

1. Ghosha – The Sage Who Overcame Disease and Wrote Hymns

Ghosha was a female sage mentioned in the Rigveda, known for her deep spiritual wisdom. She suffered from a severe skin disease but, through her unwavering devotion and yogic practices, overcame it and attained spiritual enlightenment. Her hymns praise the divine healing forces and remain some of the most inspiring verses in the Vedas.

2. Lopamudra – The Rishi Who Composed Hymns

Lopamudra, the wife of Sage Agastya, was more than just a companion; she was a poet and philosopher. Her hymns appear in the Rigveda, proving that women weren’t just learners of Vedic wisdom but also its contributors.

3. Vishwawara – The Vedic Scholar and Poet

A lesser-known yet powerful figure, Vishwawara was a great Vedic scholar and poet. Her hymns in the Rigveda reflect deep spiritual knowledge, proving that women had an equal role in composing sacred texts.

4. Apala – The Mystic Who Challenged Beauty Norms

Apala was a Rigvedic sage who defied conventional beauty standards. She had a skin disease but embraced her uniqueness and focused on attaining wisdom rather than external appearances. Her hymns in the Rigveda express her deep spiritual connection with nature and the divine.

5. Yami – The Questioner of Social Norms

Yami, the sister of Yama (the god of death), was a fierce debater and philosopher. She raised profound questions about life, death, and relationships, challenging rigid social norms and promoting the idea of free will in spiritual pursuits.

6. Maitreyi – The Seeker of Truth

Maitreyi, one of the most well-known Brahmavadinis, was a philosopher and spiritual seeker who engaged in deep conversations on Atman (the Self) with her husband, the sage Yajnavalkya. Her questions and insights, recorded in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, remain some of the most profound discussions on non-duality.

7. Gargi – The Woman Who Challenged the Wisest Sage

Gargi Vachaknavi was not only a scholar but also a fierce debater. In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, she debates the great sage Yajnavalkya in the court of King Janaka, fearlessly questioning the nature of existence and consciousness. She wasn’t just a student of knowledge; she was an intellectual warrior.

8. Indrani – The Goddess and Warrior Figure

Indrani, often considered the consort of Indra, wasn’t just a mythological figure; she was revered as a powerful warrior goddess. Her stories highlight the role of divine feminine energy in protecting dharma.

9. Devayani – The Wise Daughter of Shukracharya

Devayani, the daughter of Sage Shukracharya, was known for her intelligence and spiritual knowledge. Though her life is often remembered in the context of her marriages, she was deeply involved in philosophical discussions.

10. Ubhaya Bharati – The Woman Who Defeated a Philosopher

Ubhaya Bharati was the wife of the great scholar Mandana Mishra. When Adi Shankaracharya debated Mandana Mishra, Ubhaya Bharati was the judge. After Mandana Mishra lost, she challenged Shankaracharya to debate on Kama (desire), a topic he had no direct experience with, forcing him to gain deeper knowledge before he could continue.

11. Akka Mahadevi – The Rebel Saint and Yogini

Akka Mahadevi was a 12th-century Kannada saint and poet known for her intense devotion to Lord Shiva. She renounced societal norms, discarded clothing as a symbol of detachment, and lived in spiritual surrender. Her vachanas (poetic verses) emphasize love, devotion, and non-duality.

Read: I had listed 9 Yoginis, three from ancient India, three from medieval India and three from modern India. Read more about them here.

The lost legacy of Yoginis

Why Did Women Fade from Yoga’s History?

The decline of women’s participation in yoga and education wasn’t sudden. It happened gradually over centuries, influenced by several factors:

1. The Islamic Invasions and the Purdah System

From the 12th century onward, as Islamic invasion from Turks and Mongols increasingly spread across India, practices like purdah (seclusion of women) became more common.

While Hindu women weren’t originally bound by these customs, over time, they began adopting similar restrictions to protect themselves in an increasingly unstable socio-political landscape. This limited women’s access to education and spiritual pursuits.

2. Economic Hardships and Changing Family Priorities

With growing economic hardships, families had to make a tough choice - who gets an education? Since a son would stay within the family and be responsible for its future, he was given priority. Daughters, who would eventually marry and move into another household, were seen as a less "worthy" investment for education. Again, I am not justifying any of these reasons. I am only trying to bring these points into discussion.

3. The Rise of Patriarchy and Social Norms

Ancient India was not entirely free from patriarchy, but early Vedic society allowed women significant freedom to study and participate in spiritual discourse. You will see some patriarchy systems, some matriarchy systems etc. However, as centuries passed, mostly after 12th century, social norms shifted towards restricting women's roles to the domestic sphere.

4. Colonization and the Westernization of Yoga

Under British rule, Indian education systems were dismantled, and traditional Gurukula learning declined. The gurukula system of education was banned by the British rule in 1835 by Lord Macaulay.

When yoga was "rediscovered" in the West in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was often framed as a male-dominated practice.

The Revival of Women in Yoga

The good news? The story isn’t over. Women have been reclaiming their place in yoga, both in India and globally. You will see more female Yoga practitioners across the world today. Most often, we are asked why there are more females compared to men in yoga classes today!

Now, there is increased awareness across the female world and they are more into Yoga. I might have to write an article in the future on why there are so few men in Yoga. :)

Final Thoughts: Honoring the Yoginis of the Past and Present

As we celebrate Women’s Day, (I know, I am late to the party for a day) let’s remember that yoga was never meant to be a male-dominated practice. The Yoginis, Rishikas, and Brahmavadinis of ancient India remind us that women were always an integral part of this tradition.

So, the next time you step onto your mat, take a moment to honor these incredible women who shaped the spiritual world long before us. Yoga is, and always has been, for everyone. Let’s make sure we never forget the Yoginis who paved the way.

Do you know any other female figures in yoga history? Share your thoughts in the comments - we’d love to hear from you!