Transgender Sadhus leave for Ayodhya after taking the holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj
Transgender sadhus took a holy dip at Prayagraj Sangam in Uttar Pradesh on Makar Sankranti, an important event in Hinduism. The ritual, which is believed to cleanse the soul and pave the way for a divine journey, is held by the transgender community.
New Delhi: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, transgender sadhus took a holy dip at the Prayagraj Sangam in Uttar Pradesh. This festival has a deep significance in Hindu culture. The Sadhus were accompanied by numerous devotees on this auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti.
The group, comprising transgenders who have chosen the path of Sadhus, gathered at the sangam to take a holy dip. The ritual has cultural and religious significance and is believed to cleanse the soul and pave the way for a divine journey. After taking the holy dip in the holy sangam, the group of Transgender sadhus then left for Ayodhya to attend Ran Lalla's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony that will take place on January 22.
Gratitude for the invitation
Kaushalya Nand Giri, the Mahaandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhara and also a member of the UP Kinnar association, has received an invitation for the Ram Mandir ceremony.
“We are very happy with this invitation. We have a special bond with Lord Ram. People from the transgender community had bid farewell to Lord Ram when he went into exile for fourteen years. Transgender people even spent exile along with Lord Ram. He blessed us and said that our blessings will prove fruitful in Kaliyug,” said Kaushalya Nand Giri, Kinnar Akhara Mahamandaleshwar.
Kaushayla Nand Giri also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the invitation.
“After so many years, we also received an invitation today. I cannot express my happiness and gratitude. Everyone in our community indulges in bhajans and kirtan. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM of UP Yogi Adityanath Ji for this. Although we now have a place in the constitution, we will also receive recognition in religious institutions.”
Lord Ram's connection with the transgender community
The pilgrimage to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is seen as a strong affirmation of the transgender community's right to participate in religious practices traditionally dominated by cisgender individuals. Their journey has attracted attention and sparked conversations about inclusivity and diversity within spiritual communities.
This unique pilgrimage shows a step toward breaking stereotypes and promoting acceptance within the broader religious landscape. As the transgender Sadhus embark on their journey to Ayodhya, their pilgrimage serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving and inclusive nature of spiritual practices in contemporary society.
(Input from ANI)