In the Sundar Kaand of the Ramayana, there is a story that has given the transgender community in India its identity. When Ram was leaving for his 14-year-long exile, all the creatures of the kingdom came to bid him farewell. They were teary-eyed to see their beloved prince leave and eager to follow him till the end. But when Ram found out their intent, he asked every nar, nari, pashu and pakshi to return home. But he did not mention us, the kinnars (transgenders). We were neither nar nor nari. So we stayed on in the forest for 14 years, waiting for Ram’s return.
When he returned and found us still waiting for him, he was so moved by our faith that he blessed us with the power to bring good luck, and also to curse. Even today, kinnars are invited to auspicious occasions like weddings and childbirths, to bring good luck.
That’s how Kinnar Akhada got its legitimacy in 2018. Ram’s blessings have empowered kinnars to fight against sadhus and sages. They say, “Hum manyata nahi denge (We will not give you legitimacy).” But even the Ramayana accepts us, as it says: “Dev dhanuj kinnar nar shreni saadar majjahi sakal triveni (Gods, demons, transgenders and men in all forms, Are blessed to bathe in Triveni Sangam).”
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Not only Sundar Kaand but also many versions of the epic, including folk retellings, mention kinnars by various names: magadha, kinnar, sakhiyaan... we were always there. In some versions, Ram’s nannies are sakhis. In traditional kinnar communities, there is a saying, “Hum Ram Rajya ke kinnar hain (We’re kinnars from the Ram Rajya era).” Despite being in Kalyug, we draw our lifeblood from Ram’s blessings. The Ramayana has helped India’s kinnar community build its identity and become an akhada. As the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the kinnar temple, I try not to stray into the politics of it and keep my faith centred on Ram.
(As told to Rakhi Bose)
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is a mumbai-based transgender/hijra rights activist, bollywood actress, bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer and motivational speaker
