International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's also a time to reflect on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women's rights. In Hindu mythology, there are five women who are revered for their virtues of chastity, loyalty, and devotion. They are known as Panchkanya, which means "five virgins" in Sanskrit. Image by scorpy-roy on devianart The Panchkanya are Ahalya, Draupadi, Kunti, Tara, and Mandodari. Each of these women has a unique story, but they all share a common thread of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Ahalya was cursed by her husband and later freed by Lord Rama's touch. Draupadi was a princess who demonstrated unwavering devotion to her husbands, the Pandavas. Kunti was a queen who raised her five sons, the Pandavas, to be virtuous and skilled warriors. Tara was a queen who chose to stay loyal to her husband, Vali, even after he was killed by Lord Ra...