Traditional gender roles in India have historically influenced cultural and social customs,
shaping distinct responsibilities and expectations for men and women. Some are pressed for
not fitting in the male/female binary. However, Ancient Indian Temples challenge this classification.These temples, built more than 1500 years ago, embrace gender fluid identities and challenge the present idea of perceived gender norms.
In many patriarchal societies like India, men are often seen as a dominant figures that represent strength, authority and leadership whereas women are often seen as submissive and perfect for roles that require nurturing.
Hindu Temples have always worshipped powerful female gods like Shakti (Parvati), gentle
and benevolent Uma, or Durga, the warrior who conquers forces that threaten the stability
of the universe, or Kali, the terrifying force destroying evil. There are enduring goddess
traditions all over India especially in West Bengal and South India that serve as dominant figures in Hindu mythology often over-powering men. This places the feminine energy at the center of one’s religious life thereby acknowledging the power of femininity.
Let's understand this closely with an example of Ardhanarishvara, depicted as half-male and half-female, split vertically down the middle. Shiva represents Purush, the male principle and Parvati represents Prakriti, the female principle. Purush and Prakriti are constantly drawn to one another and fuse with each other (like yin and yang). This showcases that the male part and the female part are considered on equal power and shows balance between the two. This depiction can be found in many ancient temples across India and showcases that the divine can embody both genders at once. Some of the well-known temples that carry the Ardhanarishvara are the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai and the Brihadeeswara Temple, in Thanjavur.
Elephanta Caves feature a 6th century rock-cut sculture of the diety whereas the Brihadeeswara Temple built in the 11th century showcases intricate carvings of Ardhanarishvara, symbolizing the inseparable nature of male and female principles. In Gujarat, you will find the Bahuchara Mahata temple which welcomes people of all gender identitites. This temple, believed to be built in 1738 AD is a place of reverence for the eunuch community of India. This strongly upholds the fact that eunuchs were highly revered back in the day.
Historical data indicates the possible existence of same sex relationships across the temples of Khajuraho. This temple built in 950 AD showcases erotic sculptures showcasing intimate same sex relationships breaking the taboo that "Lesbian-Gay" terms are recent findings in sexual orientations.
In conclusion, India's temples built more than 1000 years ago, challenge our understanding of perceived gender roles. These sacred places are more inclusive than our metropolitan socities of today and force us to re-think our pre-conceived ideologies of sexual orientation.
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