Maharaja Virata's Example

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12.0pt">Maharaja Virata’s Example

 

The perfect example concerning the proper treatment of

third-sexed people can be found in the behavior of Maharaja Virata. This great

king was the ruler of the

Matsya province in India during the time of Lord Krsna, or just over five

thousand years ago. When Arjuna

went to approach the king for shelter, he had assumed the form and nature of a

transgender male, a member of the third sex.

yes"> Donned in a woman’s blouse and draped in red silk, he wore

numerous ivory bangles, golden earrings and necklaces made of coral and

pearls. His hair was long and

braided, and he entered the royal palace with the gait of a broad-hipped

woman. According to the

Mahabharata, “his feminine attire hid his glory and at the same time it did

not. He appeared just like the

full moon when eclipsed by the planet Ketu.”

This portrayal of Arjuna’s dress and behavior is very

interesting because it clearly reveals his third-sex status. It is the same

behavior found in the

Kama Shastra describing feminine gay males who dressed-up and lived as

females. Most English translations

use the archaic and evasive word “eunuch” to describe Arjuna, but it should be

noted that the castration of heterosexual men does not cause them to adopt the

psychological nature of females and behave in such a womanly fashion.

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Introducing himself as a professional dancer and

musician trained by gandharvas, Arjuna explained that he was expert in singing,

hair decoration and “all the fine arts that a woman should know.”

After exhibiting his skills before the

court, Arjuna was tested by beautiful women to ensure that he was actually

third-sexed and thus free from any lust for females.

yes"> (Had he been merely a eunuch or neuter, the men of the palace

could have examined him for testicles).

yes"> The king was surprised yet pleased with his manner of

speaking, and he agreed that Arjuna should live amongst the palace women and

instruct them in singing and dancing.

Brihannala (Arjuna) soon became a great favorite within their

chambers. Maharaja Virata

instructed his daughter Uttara, “Brihannala seems to be a high-born

person. She does not seem to be an

ordinary dancer. Treat her with

the respect due to a queen. Take

her to your apartments.”

 

It is important to note that the king addressed

Brihannala as a female, accepting her transgender status. He did not ridicule or belittle her,

and he most certainly did not have her sent away or arrested. He also did not

suggest that Brihannala

change her dress and behave as an ordinary male.

yes"> Rather, he accepted her nature as it was and offered her

shelter and employment within his royal palace.

yes"> This kindness and respect offered by Maharaja Virata to

Arjuna in his transgender form of Brihannala is exemplary and should be

followed by all government officials and leaders of society.

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