Abstract: This paper attempts to examine the domain of tantric sacred geography with the exploration of the religious institute of Kamakhya temple situated in Assam. Kamakhya temple stands out not only as an eminent tantric centre but also as one of the chief Shakti Pithas. Ritualization of women body in tantric tradition is not an unknown phenomenon. However, this paper will limit itself with the aspect of sacred geography and menstruation in the tantric tradition. Scared geography in tantric tradition is not bound to locations, but it could be viewed as the parts of Sati’s body which developed into various sacred Shakti Pithas. The most vital of these pithas is situated in Kamakhya. Kamakhya is adorned in the form of Sati’s yoni, which is perceived as the centre of creation. Another aspect in adoration of Sati’s yoni at Kamakhya is menstruation of the goddess. Kamakhya is one of the few Indic religious institutions where menstruation is celebrated in the form of an annual festival known as Ambubachi Mela. Ritualization of women body could be perceived with a renewed understanding by exploring Kamakhya and examining domains like sacred geography and menstruation in tantric tradition in particular and Indian religious setting in general.
Keywords: Women Body, Tantric tradition, Sacred Geography, Menstruation, Kamakhya, Assam.
Title: Ritualizing Women Body: An Analysis of Tantric Sacred Geography with special reference to Kamakhya in Assam
Author: Nilam Kakati
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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