Symbols of Emancipation? Images of God/dess, Devotees and Trans-sex/gender in Hindu Traditions

Abstract

From Ancient times the imagery and mythology of the most important Hindu gods Visnu and Siva – who are personified as males – comprise well-known and popular representations of transsexual/transgender phenomena. For special purposes, Visnu takes on a female form called Mohini, whereas the androgynous manifestation of Siva as Ardhanarisvara unites the male god with his female counterpart. The significance of these images does not remain the same throughout history. The varying interpretations change according to different cultural contexts, developments, discourses and interests. Regarding Visnu Mohini, she may represent the classical stereotype of the temptress, but can also be considered as a transsexual. Pictorial representations act as powerful symbols which legitimate traditional patterns of sex and gender, as well as their dynamic transformations.