The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c12.22

c12.22

There were some sacrifices which could be offered by women alone down to *c.* 500 B. C. Sītā sacrifice, intended to promote a rich harvest, was one of them. Rudrabali was another; it was intended to ensure prosperity and fecundity among the cattle (*P. G. S.*, II, 17; III, 8, 10). Rudrayāga, intended to secure good luck to maidens in marriage, was a third one. The last mentioned sacrifice could of course be performed by women alone; in the case of the earlier two, it is possible that the exclusive association of women with them was due to the theory that since they are intended to promote rich harvest and fertility, they should be performed by women alone, who are their visible symbols.