LGBT Themes in Hindu Mythology

Indian Mythology can come out as a breakthrough to break down the discrimination against the LGBT Community.

* Iravan (Son of Arjun), a God for the Transgender Community

Iravan, son of Arjuna, and Naga princess Uloopi was selected to sacrificed for the Pandava's victory in the Kurukshetra's war. Iravan had one last request that he didn't want to die unmarried. But no woman comes forward to marry him, to fulfill his last wish Lord Krishna in the avatar of Mohini marries Iravan. Iravan is also considered a Principal deity of the Transgender community in some parts of the country.


* Lord Ayyappa

Many of you may know Lord Ayyappa, but only some might know how he was born. He is the son of Harihara (Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini and Lord Shiva). The most prominent shrine of Ayyapan Swamy is at the Sabarimala in Kerala. He was born with the power of Shiva and Vishnu to defeat the evil buffalo demoness Mahishi.


* Agni Dev, Consort of the Soma (Moon God) 

Agni, Lord of Fire, Wealth, and Energy. Although being married to Goddess Svaha, Agni dev is shown to be involved in a same-sex sexual encounter with Soma (God of Moon) where Agni having a receptive role in the relationship. 


* Shikhandi - born as a daughter, raised as a son

Shikhandi, daughter of King Drupad of Kingdom Panchaal was born as Shikhandini. Said to be reborn as Amba to take her revenge on Bhishma. She is raised by Drupada as a son.
She performs Austerities and is transformed into a man named Shikhandi.

* There is a story in Ramayana where they say, when Ram returned to Ayodhya he found the hijras (queer) sitting outside the country gate and they were very upset. Ram asked why were they sitting outside the city and not inside the city. They said when you were leaving the city you said all the men and women should return and you did not talk of the queer gender, Ram felt very bad and he said that in Ram Rajya they will always be welcomed with respect.


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****We should respect the LGBT community as they are part of our society ****