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Journal of Indian Knowledge Systems and Contemporary Learnings

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Breaking Barriers: Women’s Spiritual Liberation in Contemporary India

  • Sunayana Sunayana Associate Professor Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, India. India Sunayana ORCID Id ,  
  • Shadab Mohd Khan* Shadab Mohd Khan Corresponding author Scholar Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, India. India Shadab Mohd Khan ORCID Id ,  
  • Arshia Arora Arshia Arora Scholar Department of Management Studies, Faculty of Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, India. India
Received: March 04, 2025
Accepted: April 04, 2025
Published: June 20, 2025
Volume: 1 (1) | Page: 1-10

Abstract

This study examines the convergence of women's spirituality and gender equality, emphasising the potential impact of women's involvement in events such as the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. Despite the historical challenges posed by patriarchal mindsets, women are now discovering avenues for spiritual growth and leadership. This study examines the challenges women face, their methods of spiritual emancipation, and the implications of these phenomena for society at large. Women's spirituality, shaped by cultural and religious influences, is a potent force that empowers individuals and communities. To examine women's lived experiences through essential thematic perspectives such as geographical accessibility, bodily autonomy, work and caregiving, representation, and intersectional identity, to understand how holy spaces influence and transform gendered realities. The research demonstrates the significance of education, feminist theology, and supportive networks for women seeking to reclaim their spiritual autonomy. The female sadhus at the Mahakumbh Mela exemplify the dismantling of gender boundaries and the advocacy of women for societal change. The findings indicate that integrating spirituality with action is transforming social norms, fostering greater acceptance, and motivating future generations to advocate for gender equality in spiritual leadership.

Keywords: spiritual leadership, gender equality, convergence, thematic perspective, feminist theology

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