Traces of LGBTQ+ in Hindu Mythology

The Pride Month, June 2022

The month of June marks the arrival of the Pride month. Carnivals and rallies with people supporting the community in their own ways take place this month. Moreover, all this characterises the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and their rights on the world stage.

Contrary to popular belief, the traces of the underlying themes of the LGBTQ+ community have been prevalent in Hindu Mythology. People believe that our culture has always resisted any gender fluidity ever since the colonial era. However, this is untrue. The implication of homosexuality, homoerotic encounters, and various third gender characters have subtle discussions in the epics and magnum folklore. Furthermore, the ancient folk tales describe gender as a belief that goes beyond conventional characters.

LGBTQ+ Themes in Mythology

The gender variance and homosexuality of deities in Hindu Mythology are: 

Shiva and Parvati- Ardhanarishvara form

The supreme Lord Shiva, the primary deity, is the physical and pinnacle embodiment of masculinity. However, various depictions of Lord Shiva in the form of an androgynous composition of Lord Shiva and Parvati are there in mythology. This is the Ardhanarishvara form. This came from Goddess Parvati’s desire to share similar experiences as Shiva. Therefore, this form portrayed Shiva (masculine side) on the left and Parvati (feminine side) on the right. Thus, this proves the prevalence of LGBTQ+ and that it is not a new-age notion.

Mohini (Vishnu)

The epitome of strength and power, the preserver- Lord Vishnu, is remembered in faith for being gender fluid. The female avatar of Vishnu is known as Mohini, an enchantress who maddens lovers. Moreover, every time Vishnu, as the saviour, took the form of Mohini in times of difficult situations, the world was saved. Furthermore, Ayyappa is the product of Mohini and Shiva procreating. Moreover, his devotees worship Ayyappa across millions of shrines in India. This also shows the roots of LGBTQ+ and gender variance in Hindu mythology.

Lord Krishna

The great Lord Krishna is the enchanter of the universe and incarnation of Vishnu. Lord Krishna also embodied the form of Mohini. Furthermore, he did so to marry Aravan to fulfil his last request. Moreover, even after Aravan passed away, Lord Krishna remained his widow and mourned his death for a long time. 

Shikhandi- Man and Woman

The warrior, Shikhandi of Mahabharata, was born as a female, Shikhandini but changed gender later on. As a female, they were raised as a boy by King Drupada. Furthermore, in another story, on meeting a Yaksha in a forest, Shikhandini exchanged genders, remaining as a man, as Shikahndi. It’s almost shocking to imagine sex-swapping in those times. Therefore, the mention of Shikhandi and their struggle story is indispensable while talking about the LGBTQ+ community and their rights. 

Presence of LGBTQ+ themes in Temples 

The Khajuraho Temples

The ancient Khajuraho temples consist of depictions of gender as a fluid concept. Furthermore, the carvings in the temple depict people in sexual congress. The temple breaks the shackles of the binary gender system. Moreover, its creation in medieval times represents the traces and presence of the LGBTQ+ community back in the time. Thus, this pride month, let’s vow to provide recognition, representation and acknowledgement to our queer folks.

Also Read: Astrological Perception Of Third Gender Planets And LGBTQ Community