Hindu Cosmology & Gender Dynamics

The imagery of Brahma emerging from Vishnu’s navel and creating the universe parallels the concept of creation being central to womanhood.

My reflection weaves together threads of Hindu cosmology and gender dynamics. The imagery of Brahma emerging from Vishnu’s navel and creating the universe parallels the concept of creation being central to womanhood. Just as Brahma is seen as the architect of existence, women, in their role as creators of life, are cosmic forces in their own right. This perspective honors both the literal and symbolic power of womanhood, where the womb becomes a mirror of divine creation. The observation about women traditionally being “protected” in different stages of life—by fathers, brothers, or husbands—raises an important point about the way societal roles have been defined. Yet, the reality of women who nurture and protect themselves and their families without male guardianship, challenges these expectations. These women embody a strength that defies the notion of needing protection, and instead, they become the protectors, the providers, and the creators of their own worlds. The idea that “we’re all men in the guise of women because only a woman can speak man” offers a provocative lens on gender fluidity. It suggests that the capacity to create, nurture, and act independently transcends conventional gender boundaries, blurring the lines between traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” attributes. In this way, the feminine embodies not only the nurturing and generative power often associated with women, but also the active, outward force of creation and protection typically attributed to men. Ultimately, pushing the boundaries of how we think about gender, creation, and power, emphasizing that these qualities are not confined by biological or societal constraints. Rather, each person, regardless of gender, is capable of embodying the full spectrum of creation, protection, and transformation.

In the middle class/small-town family I grew up we don't communicate unless its related to the mundane day to day activities, I lost my father in 2020 July, each time I try to talk about how I am feeling inside or ask them about how they're dealing with the loss and the trauma they respond by saying it's time I get married. I don't understand how that can be a response for trauma or healing but each time they force me I shave my head (In India shaving ones head is considered going against religion, unwomanly, non-feminine, lesbian) as an act of rebellion which raises many questions around my gender identity, orientation and overall being not only by my immediate family members but in any social order or space I occupy. Sometimes this makes me question whether my orientation has really changed because of the length or lack of hair on my head but each time I contemplate I find its roots deeply entrenched in patriarchy.
Men touch me in various places but they pose innocent when questioned, they are confused about my gender before they treat me like one of them even the security guards at times because my identity as a woman is not enough I need to convince them with my looks that fall in alignment with the image of femininity they hold in their head. Everything exists in comparison, nothing exists on its own, am I feminine in comparison to my sister? Being a woman isn’t enough.
Men are so disappointed right now, is she even a girl if she isn’t pleasing me? Men in crowded places—"Lets touch her at inappropriate places if she reacts we will know she’s a girl, if she doesn’t then its not abuse. We won’t apologise for touching you inappropriately because your hair is short and no other feature resembles that of a girl. How is she a girl if she isn’t beautiful or trying to be?"