Ram-rasiks of Ayodhya: gender problem in poetical mysticism and in worship of Sita and Rama
https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2019-3-50-67
Abstract
Abstract. Research of the so called «possession» is not limited by beliefs and practices of interaction with supernatural forces (either divine or demonic). There are mystic traditions adepts of which take efforts to adopt qualities and identities alien to him in his «normal» state. Gola-ghat’s Ram-rasiks whose tradition I would define as based on «poetical mysticism» focus on visualization of their «true» feminine nature. Their sadhana allows the to approach the beloved Deity in form of a dark-skin boy Rama as well as to get involved in different types of relationships with him including the most secret erotic ones. The article hereunder is based on the author’s field work in Ayodhya and includes his translations of the tradition’s preceptors and poets’ works from Avadhi and Hindi.
Keywords
Rama,
rasik,
bhav,
vaishnava-dharma,
Ayodhya,
ritual transvestites,
performance,
temple worship,
sakhi,
hijra
About the Author
M. B. Demchenko
Moscow State Linguistic University (MSLU)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Maxim B. Demchenko - PhD in Culturology, Assiatant Professor.
Bld. 38, Ostozhenka st., Moscow, 119034
References
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Review
For citations:
Demchenko M.B. Ram-rasiks of Ayodhya: gender problem in poetical mysticism and in worship of Sita and Rama. Studia Religiosa Rossica: Russian Journal of Religion. 2019;(3):50-67. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-4158-2019-3-50-67
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