Divine Femininity: the Role of Women in Religious and Cultural Narratives Across South Asia

EasyChair Preprint 14323

Abstract

This abstract delves into the multifaceted representation of women in the religious and cultural narratives of South Asia, focusing on the concept of divine femininity. South Asia, a region rich in diverse traditions and beliefs, encompasses a wide spectrum of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and Jainism, each of which portrays women in unique and profound ways. This study examines how divine femininity is articulated and revered across these religions, analyzing both historical texts and contemporary practices.

Central to the discussion is the exploration of goddesses and female deities, such as Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati in Hinduism, who embody various aspects of power, knowledge, wealth, and destruction. The research further investigates the role of women in Buddhist traditions, highlighting figures like Tara and Prajnaparamita, and their significance in spiritual teachings and practices. The Islamic perspective, with its emphasis on the revered figures of Fatimah and Khadijah, is examined to understand the spiritual and moral attributes ascribed to women. In Sikhism, the study looks at the egalitarian principles that underscore the equal status of women in religious contexts, while Jainism’s reverence for Tirthankara mothers and other female figures is also considered.

In conclusion, the abstract posits that the concept of divine femininity in South Asia is a complex and evolving tapestry that reflects both the exaltation and challenges faced by women in these societies. By highlighting the intersections of spirituality, culture, and gender, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the enduring impact of divine femininity on the socio-religious landscape of South Asia.

Keyphrases: Buddhism female figures, Divine femininity, Hindu goddesses, Islamic women, Jainism and femininity, Sikhism and women, South Asia, Women in religion, cultural narratives

@booklet{EasyChair:14323,
  author    = {Wayzman Kolawole},
  title     = {Divine Femininity: the Role of Women in Religious and Cultural Narratives Across South Asia},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14323},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}