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Decoding the epics: The Rama Way!

Lord Rama is(was) the most ideal world leader. The way he projected an idea and example of a just society, no one could do it like Rama did. The epitome of selflessness, justice, and righteousness. 

This blog post draws light on some specific events of one of the most epic tale ever written in history, Ramayana. 

Through "Decoding the epics", I do my part in bringing you some of the seldom heard but significant tales and characters of the greatest epics in the most endearing way possible. Follow it through. Happy Reding :)


According to some popular folk tales, Lord Rama when was leaving Ayodhya to begin his exile period of 14 years. The entire residents of Ayodhya came to see him off. His followers followed him to the forest but he requested all of them to return back to the city of Ayodhya. 

He said, "All the men and women should return back to Ayodhya," exactly as he had ordered. All the men and ladies left for the city at his sincere request.

On the completion of the exile period when the Lord returned to the city, he founded that the transgender community is still sitting at the outskirts of Ayodhya. When he enquired about it, the transgender people told him that as according to the Lord's request it is all the "men and women" who should return back to the city. As their community didn't identify with any of it, they chose to stay back and waited for him to return after finishing his exile period.  

Lord Rama was greatly moved by their love and loyalty and has known to bless the community by sanctioning them the power to confer blessing on auspicious occasions like marriage, child birth, and inaugural functions.

Ramayana and other religious folk tales highlights the characteristics of Lord Shree Rama and the stories of his inclusivity and respect for all people. His character serve as an inspiration for people to be accepting and tolerant towards all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.


There are several other ancient Indian stories and folktales that feature transgender characters, such as the story of Shikhandi in the Mahabharata.

Shikhandi is a character from the Mahabharata, another ancient Indian epic. According to the story, Shikhandi was born female, but was raised as a male. Later, Shikhandi was granted a boon by a god, which transformed them into a male warrior.

Shikhandi is most famous for their role in the battle of Kurukshetra, where they fought alongside the Pandavas against the Kauravas. Shikhandi was instrumental in the defeat of one of the Kaurava warriors, Bhishma, who had previously been unbeatable in battle due to a vow of celibacy that made him invincible. Shikhandi was able to defeat Bhishma because he had previously sworn not to fight against a woman, and Shikhandi's male form was enough to break that vow.

These stories are often interpreted as a representation of gender fluidity and the fluidity of social roles in ancient India. They are also seen as an early example of transgender representation in Indian literature.



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