Gender Freedom in Yoga & Hindu Dharma: A Legacy of Inclusivity

Yoga and Hindu Dharma have a long history in gender fluidity, offering a framework that supports freedom of identity and expression. While modern interpretations sometimes impose rigid gender roles, ancient Yogic teachings reflect a much broader, more inclusive understanding of existence—one that recognizes the spectrum of human experience beyond the binary.

Teachings & Gender Freedom

🔹 The Concept of "Tritiya Prakriti" or "Third-Natured Individuals"

Ancient yoga philosophy acknowledges that gender is not strictly binary. Texts such as the Manusmriti, Kamasutra, and Puranas reference Tritiya Prakriti, meaning “third nature,” which includes people who do not confine themselves into a traditional male/female binary. These individuals were historically seen as part of the divine cosmic order, playing significant roles in society, spirituality, and the arts.

Third Nature Hindu devotee celebrates during Lathmaar Holi festivities

---

🔹 Shiva as Ardhanarishvara: The Divine Androgyny

One of the most profound representations of gender unity in Hinduism is Ardhanarishvara, a form of Shiva that is half-male, half-female, non-binary—symbolizing the ultimate harmony of masculine and feminine energies. This depiction challenges the idea of gender as rigid and instead presents it as fluid, complementary, and divine.

Ardhanarishvara, the supreme Deity who presides over our Third Eye Chakra, Ajna

---

🔹 Hijra and the Role of Non-Binary Individuals
​
In historical India, Hijras (often considered part of the Tritiya Prakriti) held spiritual and societal significance. They were seen as bearers of divine blessings, often called upon for rituals, births, and weddings. Though British influence and subsequent colonial laws marginalized them, their recognition in sacred texts affirms that Hinduism has always had space for non-binary and gender-expansive individuals.

Hijra Festival- Celebrating diversity, promoting love, acceptance

---

Yoga’s Teaches Self-Realization Beyond Gender

At its core, yoga is a practice of liberation (moksha)—freedom from false identification, suffering, and limitation.

​The Tale of Ila, found in the Ramayana and Puranas, beautifully illustrates this concept. Ila, a powerful ruler of the Solar Dynasty, was transformed between male and female forms by divine decree, granting them the unique experience of living beyond a singular identity. Rather than diminishing their strength, this transformation allowed Ila to bridge worlds, embrace fluidity, and shape the destiny of their lineage.

As Ila, they married Buddha (son of the Moon God, Chandra) and gave birth to Pururavas, the legendary founder of the Lunar Dynasty (Chandravansha), forever influencing one of the most significant lineages in Hindu mythology. Even after their royal duties, Ila sought higher spiritual knowledge and ultimately attained moksha (enlightenment), reinforcing the idea that identity is not confined to gender but exists beyond form, beyond body, and beyond limitation.

This ancient story affirms that true wisdom lies in seeing beyond distinctions—including gender. Yoga philosophy encourages us to move beyond rigid identities toward a deeper realization of the interconnected, divine essence within all beings—where transformation is not a weakness but a sacred expression of life itself. In honoring Ila, we honor the fluidity of existence, the power of self-discovery, and the boundless nature of the soul.

Ila, child of Manu & Shradda

---

What This Means Today

In a world that often tries to force people into categories, yoga and Hindu Dharma remind us that fluidity, uniqueness, and self-expression are natural and sacred. The ancient texts, deities, and traditions celebrate diversity rather than erase it, offering an expansive, accepting vision of humanity.

To practice yoga is to practice liberation.
To honor dharma is to honor authenticity.
​And to live in alignment with these teachings is to create space for all beings to exist fully, freely, and divinely—as they are.