Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.59

v2.c4.s7.59

1. Vadhū is a frequent word for ‘woman’ in the Rigveda¹ and later.² It denotes, according to Delbrück,³ the woman as either married or as seeking a husband, or as a bride in the wedding ceremony. The word appears to be derived from a form of the root vah, ‘to carry,’ as is vahatu, ‘the bridal procession,’ thus meaning ‘she who is to be or has been conducted home.’ Zimmer,⁴ however, objects to this explanation, regarding vadhū as a derivative from a different root meaning ‘to marry.’