Hijras of
Hijra is a word describing male-to-female transgendered persons from South Asia, but this article is primarily about those in
Hijras live in a society permeated by Hinduism. Because they have not been accepted into the mainstream of Hindu culture, they have developed some of their own religious and spiritual traditions, unique to their subculture. This article briefly explores four major aspects of Hijra religious and spiritual life: worship, mythology, festivals, and practices.
Worship
Bahuchara Mata is the patron goddess for transgendered Hindus. She is envisioned as a woman carrying a sword (symbolizing her power), a book of scriptures, a trident (sacred symbol associated also with Lord Shiva). Her right hand bestows blessings and she is seated upon a rooster symbolizing purity. The main temple of this goddess is located in the Indian state of
Mythology
Bahuchara was originally a woman whose husband was sometimes out all night. One night, she discovered him in the jungle having sex with other men, taking the receptive role like a woman. Outraged, she asked him “If you were like this, why did you marry me and ruin my life?” He replied that his parents forced him marry to “straighten him out.” Bahuchara then cursed him to lose his genitals, to dress and behave as a woman, and to worship her.
In another story, Lord Rama leaves his beloved subjects, going to the forest to live in exile for fourteen years. They followed him to the edge of the forest where he commands all the men and women to return to town. Those who considered themselves neither male or female but members of the third sex remained right there, prayerfully waiting for Lord Rama’s return. At the end of his exile, Lord Rama found them waiting and blessed them for their devotion. For this reason, Hijras believe that Lord Rama specially blesses all who are transgendered.
Festivals
The Aravan Festival is celebrated yearly in a small town called Koovagam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It venerates the warrior, Aravan, who was to be sacrificed for sake of military victory. Before offering himself for sacrifice, he wanted marry and enjoy marital bliss, but no woman would wed him because she would soon be widowed. Therefore, Lord Krishna transformed himself into an beautiful woman named Mohini. Aravan marred Mohini, spent the night with her, and sacrificed himself the following day. Mohini then mourned her husband’s death.
Thousands of transgendered people descend on Koovagam each year to symbolically marry Aravan. They dress in bridal finery and parade to the
Practices
In most Hindu homes resides an altar with various deities for daily prayer and worship. In Hijra homes, goddess Bahuchara Mata is the central figure on the altar.
Religious ceremonies are performed for marriage and childbirth. Hijras traditionally dance and sing at these festive occasions, where their presence is considered a blessing and they can receive small donations for their livelihood.
Resources:
Wikipedia includes a brief overview about Hijras.
Neither Man Nor Woman, The Hijras of
The Man Who Was a Woman, and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore by Devdutt Pattanaik (Hawthorn Press,
Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the Third Sex by Amara Das Wilhelm (Xlibris,
More info about transgender life in Hindu culture is available from the Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association (GALVA).