Aravan: The God of Transgenders
One of the most formidable warriors of the Mahabharata, Aravan, was capable of instantly ending the war by killing hundreds of Duryadhonas. But then, destiny had its plans. Even though he could not terminate the battle right from the beginning, he ensured that he played a significant role in the victory of the Pandavas to establish justice and peace.
The God of transgenders, Aravan, Image source- TemplePurohit
Aravan is one of the less explored characters in the Mahabharata. He was born to Ulupi, the Naga Princess, who was married to Arjuna. Yes, you heard it right. This tale centres on the banishment of Arjuna from the Indraprastha (Pandava Kingdom) for interfering with Yudhishthira while he was enjoying the company of Panchali, or Draupadi.
In between these 12 years of banishment, Arjuna moved from place to place, but his stay at Haridwar remained fascinating. It was the place where he met the Naga Princess, Ulupi, and was taken aback by her beauty and charm. Gradually, both were attracted to each other, and thus Aravan was born.
However, Arjuna could not stay with Ulupi for long as he was on his journey. Before Aravan was born, he left her in her realm and left for his journey. Aravan remained with his mother in the Naga Loka and grew up there, unaware of the identity of his father, but he was indeed a great warrior like Arjuna.
In Mahabharat, Aravan is pictured as having big protruding eyes, large ears pierced with earrings, and a thick black moustache. He is seen wearing a conical crown, and his forehead is adorned with a Vaishnava tilak. Over his crown is a cobra hood and also a serpent, which occasionally sits on it.
As he becomes older, he grows increasingly eager to meet his father, Arjuna. He sets out on his search and finally meets him. Even though their union was overwhelming, the time when he came to meet him was so horrific. It was the time of the devastating and destructive Mahabharata war.
After hearing the narrative and the justification for the war, Aravan made the decision to support his father in the battle, but little did he know what he was going to face. Aravan was so powerful that he could have instantly perished the Kauravas clan at once, but fate had other plans for him.
According to Parana Venpa, a Tamil version of the Mahabharata, as the war was about to start, Krishna reminded the Pandavas about the Kalapali ritual (a human sacrifice near Maa Kali). Selecting the one to sacrifice was not simple, as the one to be beheaded near Maa Kali must have 32 morals. But, who was able to perform the sacrifice?
There were only three candidates who adhered to the rules. So Krishna presented the eligible names, and they were: the guide of the Pandavas, Krishna, the archery expert Arjuna, and the great warrior Aravan.
The courageous Aravan came forward for self-sacrifice. But upon making the decision of self-sacrifice, Aravan requests Krishna to grant him two boons. He pleaded with Krishna to give him a heroic death on the Kurukshetra at the hands of a great hero. He was a great warrior and did not want to be deprived of the honour of “Veergati” (heroic death). And his second wish was to marry before he died, which would entitle him to the proper rights of cremation.
Krishna had to grant him the boons, but who would marry a man who was going to die and then spend the rest of her life as a weeping widow? Hence, no girl agreed to marry Aravan. Left with no other options, Krishna assumed the persona of an enchantress, Mohini, and married Aravan for a night.
He was ready for the sacrifice after having all of his wishes accomplished. He cut his body into 32 parts and offered it at the feet of the Goddess Kali. The conch shell was blown, and the war began. However, to participate in the battle of Kurukshetra, Aravan's body was once more regenerated. He was eventually killed by the renowned warrior Alambusa, thus fulfilling all his fantasies.
However, you might wonder how Aravan became the God of Transgenders. This was because of Aravan's marriage to Mohini, Krishna's female form; transgender people are thought to be descended from him.However, you might wonder how Aravan became the God of Transgenders. This was because of Aravan's marriage to Mohini, Krishna's female form; transgender people are thought to be descended from him.
Because the legend of Aravan is so widely accepted in Tamil Nadu, transgender people are also referred to as "Aravanis" in Tamil. Every year, during the Chaitra month, the transgender community holds an 18-day festival called Koovagam at the Sri Koothandavar temple in the unassuming Koovagam village.
Numerous events, including dancing, singing, beauty pageants, etc., are planned for the first 16 days. The transgender people dress as brides on the seventeenth day, and they wed Aravan. The entire night is spent in extravagant celebration. The Aravanis wear white sarees on the morning of the 18th day, as they lament the passing of their husband Aravan.
As part of the rites, the Aravanis break their bangles, beat their breasts, and forgo any bridal jewellery. This festival is not just famous but fascinating as it feels so special when the mythology blends in with the modern world.
Reference Links-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iravan
https://www.hinduismfacts.org/hindu-gods-and-goddesses/iravan/
https://www.templepurohit.com/sacrifice-iravan-mahabharata/
https://www.hindu-blog.com/2012/07/story-of-aravan-iravan.html
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