In the spiritual and intellectual traditions of India, the concept of a guru, or a teacher, is deeply respected, especially on occasions like Guru Purnima, when the nation pauses to honour those who guide us. But when we hear the word, it usually brings to mind a wise man with a flowing beard. This gendered image often overshadows the powerful contributions of female gurus and teachers, who have played essential roles in shaping the moral, spiritual, and intellectual life of the nation.
From Vedic scholars to bhakti poets and modern reformers, India has seen generations of women who chose the path of knowledge, courage, and guidance. As we observe Guru Purnima, let us take a journey through time and meet some of these remarkable women, some remembered and others forgotten, who have been true gurus in their own right.
1. Gargi Vachaknavi – The Vedic Philosopher
Living around 700 BCE, Gargi was one of the earliest known women scholars of the Vedas. She appears prominently in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, where she engaged in a public debate with the sage Yajnavalkya, questioning him about the nature of existence. Her fearless inquiry and depth of knowledge earned her a revered place in the philosophical traditions of India. Gargi was not just a thinker. She was a teacher to future generations about the importance of questioning and seeking truth.
2. Maitreyi – The Seeker of Higher Knowledge
A contemporary of Gargi, Maitreyi is another figure from the Upanishads. She was a philosopher and scholar in her own right. When her husband, Yajnavalkya, offered to divide his wealth between her and another wife, Maitreyi asked whether wealth could bring immortality. When he said no, she asked instead to be taught the path to eternal truth. This moment captured the spirit of true learning and the desire for wisdom over material gain.
3. Lopamudra – The Composer of Hymns
Another notable woman from the Vedic age, Lopamudra was the wife of sage Agastya and is believed to have composed several hymns in the Rig Veda. Her verses reflect both spiritual depth and intellectual clarity. Though not commonly recognized as a guru, her teachings were passed down orally and respected as divine insight.
4. Akka Mahadevi – The Bhakti Mystic
Jumping forward to the 12th century, Akka Mahadevi was a poet-saint of the Lingayat movement in Karnataka. She renounced worldly life, including marriage, and wandered freely, composing devotional poetry dedicated to Lord Shiva. Her works challenged both gender roles and societal expectations, and her deep spiritual insights continue to be taught and revered in the Bhakti tradition. On a day like Guru Purnima, remembering saints like Meera Bai reminds us that devotion and inner strength are powerful forms of teaching.
5. Meera Bai – The Devotional Teacher
Meera Bai, a 16th-century Rajput princess, rejected courtly life to devote herself to Krishna. Through her songs and poems, she became a spiritual teacher to many. Her devotion, courage, and wisdom were revolutionary for the time, especially because she openly taught and led spiritual practices even as a woman in a patriarchal society.
6. Sister Nivedita – The Nationalist Educator
Although born in Ireland, Margaret Elizabeth Noble, later known as Sister Nivedita, became a disciple of Swami Vivekananda and dedicated her life to India. She worked for women’s education, set up schools, and wrote extensively on Indian philosophy and culture. Nivedita was more than a teacher. She was a nationalist who believed education could empower India’s future generations.
7. Anandamayi Ma – The Spiritual Mother
Born in 1896 in present-day Bangladesh, Anandamayi Ma was a mystic and spiritual teacher whose followers included scholars, politicians, and everyday people. Her calm presence and wisdom attracted people from all walks of life. Though she did not follow a formal teaching structure, her words and actions became lessons in themselves. Many regarded her as a guru of pure consciousness.
8. Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma) – The Modern-Day Guru
Popularly known as the Hugging Saint, Amma has become a global figure of compassion and spiritual leadership. She combines age-old Indian values of love, service, and devotion with modern outreach. Her humanitarian work and spiritual discourses have inspired millions. Amma’s presence proves that the role of a guru today can evolve with the times while still being rooted in ancient wisdom.
9. Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh – The Reformist Teacher
A freedom fighter and educationist, Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh played a major role in shaping independent India’s social policies, especially regarding women’s rights and education. She founded the Andhra Mahila Sabha, which educated thousands of girls and women. Her role as a social reformer and mentor made her a guiding force for many in modern India.
10. Savitribai Phule – India’s First Female Teacher
Savitribai Phule is often remembered as India’s first female teacher. Along with her husband, Jyotiba Phule, she opened the first school for girls in 1848 in Pune. Despite facing social ridicule, she stood firm in her mission. She also mentored generations of young girls from Dalit and marginalized communities, offering them dignity through education.
These women, from ancient times to the present day, were not always called gurus in the traditional sense. Still, they were guides, mentors, and shapers of thought. They broke boundaries, challenged conventions, and passed on their light to others.
As we celebrate Guru Purnima, it is time we remember not just the male sages and teachers of India’s past, but also these unsung female gurus. Their stories remind us that wisdom knows no gender, and true guidance comes from courage, compassion, and clarity.
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