Woman is exalted in Sikhism. Unlike other religions which may consider women inferior or the harbinger of evil, Sikhism honors the woman in every respect. Hymns of the Guru Granth Sahib show respect to women using the example of a happily wedded woman to explain the state of a soul in union with the divine, likening such a relationship to the connubial bliss of the soul bride at one with her divine groom. Like a married women takes her husband's name, absorbed naam, or the identity of the true enlightener, the soul bride merges with the divine to realize complete spiritual union with her beloved.
Guru Amar Daas wrote:
"Shabad ratee sohaaganee satgur kai bhaae piaar ||
Attuned to the divine hymn the soul bride is happily in love with the true Enlightener.
Sadaa raavae pir aapanaa sachai prem piaar ||
Affectionately attached with reverent regard she ever enjoys her Beloved.
At suaalio sundaree sobhaavantee naar ||
She is lovable and lovely, a noble woman and wife.
Naanak naam sohaaganee melee melanehaar ||2||
Nanak, in name is the soul bride united in union with her divine Lord." SGGS||90
