Can a Woman Divorce?"

Veda

1. Rig Veda 10.85.42 "Let her be devoted to her husband and serve him like a god. She should never think of separation, as marriage is a divine bond." 🔹 Interpretation: This verse emphasizes a woman’s duty to remain with her husband for life. It discourages separation.

2. Atharva Veda 14.1.43 "May your heart be fixed and devoted to your husband. Just as the heavens are steadfast, so should your marriage be unwavering." 🔹 Interpretation: This indicates that a woman must remain with her husband permanently and does not mention any right for her to leave him.

1. Rig Veda 10.85.42 "Let her be devoted to her husband and serve him like a god. She should never think of separation, as marriage is a divine bond." 🔹 Interpretation: This verse emphasizes a woman’s duty to remain with her husband for life. It discourages separation.

2. Atharva Veda 14.1.43 "May your heart be fixed and devoted to your husband. Just as the heavens are steadfast, so should your marriage be unwavering." 🔹 Interpretation: This indicates that a woman must remain with her husband permanently and does not mention any right for her to leave him.

1. Rig Veda 10.85.36 "May this couple be inseparable! May they never part ways. May they live together for their full lifetime and share their duties." 🔹 Interpretation: This verse reinforces the idea that marriage is permanent and divorce is not an option.

2. Atharva Veda 2.30.2 "O bride, you are now part of your husband’s household. Live here and do not separate from your husband. Be the mother of heroic sons and bring prosperity to this home." 🔹 Interpretation: The verse discourages a woman from leaving her husband’s home or separating from him.

Manusmriti

1. Manusmriti 9.45 "A wife, a son, and a slave – these three are declared to have no property. Whatever they acquire is for him to whom they belong." (Interpreted by some as meaning that a wife is dependent on her husband and does not have independent rights, including divorce.)

2. Manusmriti 9.101 "Neither by sale nor by abandonment is a wife released from her husband." (This suggests that a wife cannot leave or be freed from marriage except under very limited conditions.)

3. Manusmriti 5.156 "A woman must never seek to separate herself from her father, husband, or sons; by leaving them, she would make both families contemptible." (This reinforces the idea that women should not initiate separation or divorce.)

3. Manusmriti 9.101 (Also relevant) "Neither by sale nor by abandonment is a wife released from her husband." 🔹 Interpretation: This suggests that once married, a woman has no independent right to leave or dissolve the marriage.

Manusmriti 5.151 "A woman must always be under the protection of her father in childhood, her husband in youth, and her sons in old age. She should never be independent." 🔹 Interpretation: Since a woman is always under a guardian’s protection, she does not have the right to leave her husband on her own will.

Manusmriti 9.47 "A wife should never do anything displeasing to her husband, whether he is alive or dead. She should remain faithful and devoted to him always." 🔹 Interpretation: Even in cases where the husband dies, the wife is expected to stay devoted, suggesting no room for divorce in a husband’s lifetime.

Bhagavad Gita 

Bhagavad Gita (3.35) "It is better to do one’s own duty, even if imperfect, than to follow another’s duty perfectly." 🔹 Interpretation: In traditional Hindu law, a woman's Dharma (duty) is to serve her husband and family, and leaving the marriage would be considered against her Dharma.

Mahabharata

Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva 146.9-10) "A woman should always serve her husband, whether he is righteous or sinful. She has no duty greater than loyalty to him." 🔹 Interpretation: Implies that a woman is bound to her husband under all circumstances, with no mention of a right to divorce.

Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Section 74) "A woman should never abandon her husband, even if he has lost his wealth, is ill, or has fallen from righteousness. Her highest duty is to serve him." 🔹 Interpretation: Again, this suggests that a wife does not have the right to initiate divorce.

. Mahabharata (Shanti Parva, 144.23-24) "A virtuous wife should follow her husband in all situations. If he is exiled, she must go with him. If he is troubled, she must support him." 🔹 Interpretation: A wife is expected to be with her husband no matter what, with no mention of a right to separate.

Bhagavata Purana 9.3.10 "A chaste woman must never abandon her husband, even if he is wicked, immoral, or cruel. Her duty is to serve him faithfully." 🔹 Interpretation: This strongly reinforces the idea that a wife cannot leave her husband.