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rrcraft-and-lore · 10 months ago

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In addition to my Monkey Man post from earlier, the always kind & sweet Aparna Verma (author of The Phoenix King, check it out) asked that I do a thread on Hijras, & more of the history around them, South Asia, mythology (because that's my thing), & the positive inclusion of them in Monkey Man which I brought up in my gushing review.

Hijra: They are the transgender, eunuch, or intersex people in India who are officially recognized as the third sex throughout most countries in the Indian subcontinent. The trans community and history in India goes back a long way as being documented and officially recognized - far back as 12th century under the Delhi Sultanate in government records, and further back in our stories in Hinduism. The word itself is a Hindi word that's been roughly translated into English as "eunuch" commonly but it's not exactly accurate.

Hijras have been considered the third sex back in our ancient stories, and by 2014 got official recognition to identify as the third gender (neither male or female) legally. Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and India have accepted: eunuch, trans, intersex people & granted them the proper identification options on passports and other government official documents.

But let's get into some of the history surrounding the Hijra community (which for the longest time has been nomadic, and a part of India's long, rich, and sometimes, sadly, troubled history of nomadic tribes/people who have suffered a lot over the ages. Hijras and intersex people are mentioned as far back as in the Kama Sutra, as well as in the early writings of Manu Smriti in the 1st century CE (Common Era), specifically said that a third sex can exist if possessing equal male and female seed.

This concept of balancing male/female energies, seed, and halves is seen in two places in South Asian mythos/culture and connected to the Hijra history.

First, we have Aravan/Iravan (romanized) - who is also the patron deity of the transgender community. He is most commonly seen as a minor/village deity and is depicted in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Aravan is portrayed as having a heroic in the story and his self-sacrifice to the goddess Kali earns him a boon.

He requests to be married before his death. But because he is doomed to die so shortly after marriage, no one wants to marry him.

No one except Krishna, who adopts his female form Mohini (one of the legendary temptresses in mythology I've written about before) and marries him. It is through this union of male, and male presenting as female in the female form of Mohini that the seed of the Hijras is said to begun, and why the transgender community often worships Aravan and, another name for the community is Aravani - of/from Aravan.

But that's not the only place where a gender non conforming divine representation can be seen. Ardhanarishvara is the half female form of lord Shiva, the destroyer god.

Shiva combines with his consort Parvarti and creates a form that represents the balancing/union between male/female energies and physically as a perfectly split down the middle half-male half-female being. This duality in nature has long been part of South Asian culture, spiritual and philosophical beliefs, and it must be noted the sexuality/gender has often been displayed as fluid in South Asian epics and the stories. It's nothing new.

Many celestial or cosmic level beings have expressed this, and defied modern western limiting beliefs on the ideas of these themes/possibilities/forms of existence.

Ardhanarishvara signifies "totality that lies beyond duality", "bi-unity of male and female in God" and "the bisexuality and therefore the non-duality" of the Supreme Being.

Back to the Hijra community.

They have a complex and long history. Throughout time, and as commented on in the movie, Monkey Man, the Hijra community has faced ostracization, but also been incorporated into mainstream society there. During the time of the Dehli Sultanate and then later the Mughal Empire, Hijras actually served in the military and as military commanders in some records, they were also servants for wealthy households, manual laborers, political guardians, and it was seen as wise to put women under the protection of Hijras -- they often specifically served as the bodyguards and overseers of harems. A princess might be appointed a Hijra warrior to guard her.

But by the time of British colonialism, anti-Hijra laws began to come in place folded into laws against the many nomadic tribes of India (also shown in part in Monkey Man with Kid (portrayed by Dev Patel) and his family, who are possibly

one of those nomadic tribes that participated in early theater - sadly by caste often treated horribly and relegated to only the performing arts to make money (this is a guess based on the village play they were performing as no other details were given about his family).

Hijras were criminalized in 1861 by the Indian Penal Code enforced by the British and were labeled specifically as "The Hijra Problem" -- leading to an anti-Hijra campaign across the subcontinent with following laws being enacted: punishing the practices of the Hijra community, and outlawing castration (something many Hijra did to themselves). Though, it should be noted many of the laws were rarely enforced by local Indian officials/officers. But, the British made a point to further the laws against them by later adding the Criminal Tribes Act in 1871, which targeted the Hijra community along with the other nomadic Indian tribes - it subjected them to registration, tracking/monitoring, stripping them of children, and their ability to sequester themselves in their nomadic lifestyle away from the British Colonial Rule.

Today, things have changed and Hijras are being seen once again in a more positive light (though not always and this is something Monkey Man balances by what's happened to the community in a few scenes, and the heroic return/scene with Dev and his warriors). All-hijra communities exist and sort of mirror the western concept of "found families" where they are safe haven/welcoming place trans folks and those identifying as intersex.

These communities also have their own secret language known as Hijra Farsi, which is loosely based on Hindi, but consists of a unique vocabulary of at least 1,000 words.

As noted above, in 2014, the trans community received more legal rights.

Specifically: In April 2014, Justice K. S. Radhakrishnan declared transgender to be the third gender in Indian law in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India.

Hijras, Eunuchs, apart from binary gender, be treated as "third gender" for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under Part III of our Constitution and the laws made by the Parliament and the State Legislature. Transgender persons' right to decide their self-identified gender is also upheld and the Centre and State Governments are directed to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or as third gender.

I've included some screenshots of (some, not all, and certainly not the only/definitive reads) books people can check out about SOME of the history. Not all again. This goes back ages and even our celestial beings/creatures have/do display gender non conforming ways.

There are also films that touch on Hijra history and life. But in regards to Monkey Man, which is what started this thread particularly and being asked to comment - it is a film that positively portrayed India's third sex and normalized it in its depiction. Kid the protagonist encounters a found family of Hijras at one point in the story (no spoilers for plot) and his interactions/acceptance, living with them is just normal. There's no explaining, justifying, anything to/for the audience. It simply is. And, it's a beautiful arc of the story of Kid finding himself in their care/company.

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saganssorcery · 4 months ago

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It's the final day of Navaratri, a 10 day, or 9 night, Hindu festival celebrating the 9 forms of the Goddess Durga. ✨Jai Durga Maa✨

Today though I figured I would post each of these forms here in one big post that celebrates each of her forms and victories over the past 10 days. I hope you enjoy.

Keep in mind there are many different traditions and versions of these myths, and I am not a Hindu, so your own research is always advised.

✨Shailputri✨

✨Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah✨

The first day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Shailaputri, considered the absolute form of mother nature.

The colour of the day is yellow and she connects us to the root chakra, the foundation of Shakti.

She teaches patience, strength and grounding, keeping us firm in our beliefs. Meditating on her here represents the beginning stage of the journey to awakening, the first chakra activated when working with Kundalini. It is also said that the worship of Shailaputri on this day will ward off ill effects of the moon.

Her story goes as follows: Sati, also known as the daughter of the mountain, against her father's wishes becomes the wife of Lord Shiva. Not agreeing with Satis choice of partner, her father arranges a great party in which he invites all the gods, goddesses and holy men, everyone except Shiva and Sati. Upset and angry at this insult Sati crashes the party then throws herself into a fire, killing herself, later incarning as Parvati.

✨Brahmacharini✨

✨Om Braam Breem Broom Brahmcharinyai Namah✨

The second day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Brahmacharini.

The colour of the day is green and she connects us to the Sacral Chakra.

She teaches perseverance, devotion, peace of mind, love and harmony. Meditating on her this day is said to bring the devotee victory in all their endeavors and the ability to persevere and stay balanced mentally in order to tackle any obstacles or duties that one faces.

Her story goes as follows: After Sati's death, Shiva goes into deep meditation that lasts for many many years, abstaining from all desires. Shiva, so deep in meditation, doesn't realise that Sati has reincarnated as Parvati. Parvati, wanting to marry Shiva once again in this life, is told that the only way she can marry him is if she undergoes a severe penance. Parvati then spends thousands of years in meditation, eventually eating, drinking and breathing nothing in devotion to Lord Shiva, in the hopes that he notices her and recognises her once more.

✨Chandraghanta✨

✨Om Hreem Kleem Shreem Chandraghantayai Namah✨

The third day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Chandraghanta.

The colour of the day is grey and she connects us to the Solar Plexus.

She teaches justice, discipline, strength and power. Worship of her on this day is said to remove all evil spirits and obstacles, dispel sorrow and negativity and bring peace, grace and serenity to her devotees. She will also bless her devotees with a warrior spirit imbued with courage and might, so, like Chandraghanta, we are always confident and ready to fight for our own and others well-being.

Her story goes as follows: When Shiva is finally brought out of meditation and notices Parvati, he is happy with her devotion to him and agrees to marry her again. On the day of the wedding Shiva appears in his terrifying form, shocking and scaring the wedding guests. In response, and to ease the minds of the wedding guests, Parvati also changes herself into her terrifying form, Chandraghanta, and the two are wed.

✨Kushmanda✨

✨Om Hreem Kushmandayai Jagatprasootyai Namah✨

The fourth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Kushmanda, considered the creator of the universe.

The colour of the day is orange and she connects us to the Heart Chakra.

She teaches purification, clarity and creative energy. Worship of her on this day is said to remove planetary flaws and imbalances, purifies the darkness from bad actions or karmas, removes evil or negative energy, brings in good energy and a positive aura, sheds light on our path, promotes business which brings about success and opportunities, boosts creativity and concentration, builds harmonious relationships with others, and promotes good physical, mental and spiritual health.

Her story goes as follows: When the universe didn't yet exist and all was darkness, Kushmanda created the universe with her smile, filling the universe with light. She is believed to reside in the centre of the sun and embodies the source of all life. She created all the other gods, who go on to create other universes, beings and life forms.

✨Skandamata✨

✨Om Hreem Saha Skandmatryai Namah✨

The fifth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (also commonly known as Kartikeya), the commander-in-chief of the gods.

The colour of the day is white and she connects us to the Throat Chakra.

When we connect to Skandamata by proxy we also connect to Skanda, receiving both of their blessings.

Skandamata teaches us to nurture and protect children, have purity of intent and find ways to grow our knowledge. Worship of her on this day is said to promote fertility, prosperity, courage and wisdom. She blesses her devotees with a clear mind and a feeling of tranquility, she can pacify the heart and bring a life filled with contentment, prosperity and achievement for those with pure and selfless intentions, bringing many rewards. She will protect her devotees with a mothers love, giving them strength and power. It's also said that she can lead her devotees down the path of salvation, liberating them from the cycles of birth and death.

Her story goes as follows: When Shiva detached himself from all worldly affairs and went into deep meditation after the death of Sati, the demon Tarakasura was given a boon which only allowed the son of Shiva to kill him, and as such was free to wreak havoc. Parvati, after her severe penance was able to marry Shiva, and together they created an incredibly hot and fiery seed. Agni, the god of fire, was tasked with delivering the seed but the seed was far to hot. So Durga takes the form of water and carries the seed to a lake where Skanda is born. Skanda then goes on to become the commander-in-chief of the gods and fulfils his destiny, killing the demon Tarakasura.

✨Katyayani✨

✨Om Hreem Shreem Katyayanyai Namah✨

The sixth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Katyayani.

The colour of the day is red and she connects us to the Third Eye.

She teaches strength, protection and solutions to issues of love and marriage. Worship of Katyayani on this day is said to bring protection, remove evil spirits, triumph over obstacles, promote success and fame, bring love to those seeking, lead the way to a happy marriage, resolve problems in marriages and protect families. It is also said she will remove the negative powers of aspects in her devotees natal charts, as well as protect from malific planetary transits, remove sins and struggles that one faces, facilitating all round happiness and fulfilment.

Her story goes as follows: The trinity of the gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, among other gods, were so angry that the demon Mahishasura was wreaking havoc that their anger combined created Katyayani. They each gave her weapons and powers and tasked Katyayani to kill the demon. On her way to do this, Mahishasura was so captivated by her beauty he asked her to marry him, but Katyayani told him that she can only be won in a fight. Mahishasura, determined to win Katyayani's hand in marriage, changed into his bull form ready to fight, Katyayani on the other hand, jumped from her mount with such force she knocked him to the ground, killing him.

✨Kaalratri✨

✨Om Aim Hreem Shreem Kaalratryai Namah✨

The seventh day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Kaalratri, also known as Kali.

The colour of the day is royal blue and she connects us to the Crown Chakra.

Kaalratri is commonly known as the fiercest form of Durga, her mere image invokes fear in all those who do evil, she displays no mercy for the wicked. She teaches how to be bold, powerful and destroy ignorance and replace it with knowledge. Worship of her on this day is said to remove black magick and malevolent spirits of all kinds, they flee in terror when she is present. She removes fears, negativity and obstacles giving us the power to be bold, courageous and successful. She destroys ignorance and blesses her devotees with knowledge, wealth, power and good health. It is also said she will remove negative aspects in her devotees natal charts that relate to career, troubles with success or aspects that indicate health issues.

Her story goes as follows: The demon Raktabeej had a doon where every drop of blood would spawn yet another version of him, infuriating Parvati. As a result of her anger, Parvati changed into her Kaalratri form, turning her as dark as the night. Filled with rage she slaughters each of the forms of Raktabeej, collecting his blood in a bowl, and drinking it to stop him from multiplying. She did this until only the real Raktabeej was left, whereupon she chopped off his head and drank his blood until he was no more.

✨Mahagauri✨

✨Om Hreem Shreem Glaum Gam Gauri Geem Namah✨

The eighth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Mahagauri.

The colour of the day is pink and she connects us to the Soul Star chakra, located just above the Crown Chakra.

Mahagauri teaches compassion, morality, and emotional stability. Worship of her on this day is said to remove impurities, dispel confusion, bring peace, facilitate compassion, lead the way to enlightenment, expand spiritual growth and fulfill desires. She blesses her devotees with a peaceful life, home and family, bringing a good partner to those who are seeking and bless marriages. She will also remove obstacles, negativity and the sins of her devotees, lead to self realisation and promote virtue and emotional stability.

Her story goes as follows: Parvati, after her battles as Kaalratri, was stuck looking as dark as the night, to regain her original form she was told to bathe in the river Ganges. Doing as recommended, she re-emerges from the river more beautiful than ever, as the glowing form of Mahagauri.

✨Siddhidatri✨

✨Om Hreem Shri Siddhidatri Durgaaye Namaha✨

The ninth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Siddhidatri, the supreme goddess.

The colour of the day is purple and she connects us to the Universal Chakra, located above the Soul Star Chakra above the Crown.

She teaches divine knowledge, spiritual attainment and bestows all manner of siddhis (powers) to her devotees. Worship of her on this day is said to help one focus on higher attainment in all pursuits, whether those pursuits are physical or spiritual. She grants boons to mortals and spirits alike fulfilling the desires of her devotees. She promotes a mediative mindset, brings peace and helps one with devotional practices that take perseverance. She will even remove obstacles and fears, facilitate balance and perfection in all things, and bring success.

Her story goes as follows: When the universe was void and there was nothing at all to behold, a celestial light spread amongst the universe filling every part of the void. This light started to take shape into the form of Mahashakti. She brought into existence the trinity of gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Trinity of gods were then assigned their roles and obligations by the goddess. They then sat in meditation for a very long time performing many atonements, pleased with this the goddess appeared to them in her most divine form, Siddhidatri. She granted each of the Trinity all manner of siddhis, also gifting the trinity with their three wives, who all represent divine aspects of herself; Brahma with Saraswati, Vishnu with Lakshmi, and Shiva with Parvati, who are to help them with their tasks. She then goes on to create other deities, demons, universes, galaxies, worlds and life, and grants all manner of siddhis to anyone who dedicates their devotion to her.

✨Durga✨

✨Om Dum Durgayei Namaha✨

The tenth day of Navaratri celebrates all of Durga's victories over the past nine nights. Jai Durga Maa!

It is a tradition in some parts to commemorate the weapons and tools that brought Durga victory and triumph over all she faced, and too, pay homage to our own weapons, magickal or otherwise, and tools of trade that bring us victory in our own lives.

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I have been posting each of her forms for each day during the festival on my Facebook page: facebook.com/SaganOakes

When I don't post on here I'm always posting there if you want to check it out 💙☄️

Thank you so much for reading ✨🙏✨ Much love.

While this article and the very last image I have used is written and created by myself @saganssorcery, the rest of the images I have found on the web. If you are the original creator(s) and wish for me to remove an image please send me a DM and I will remove it as soon as I see the message. Thank you 💙☄️

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