Himangi Sakhi anointed as India’s first transgender Shankaracharya

Himangi Sakhi of Mumbai was on Sunday anointed as the first transgender Shankaracharya of India amid chanting of Vedic hymns and recital of Sanatan shlokas at a grand ceremony held on the occasion of Mahashivratri in Bhopal.

Himangi Sakhi’s ‘pattabhishek’ was conducted during the Kinnar (transgender) Dharma Sammelan.

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Organisers said Pushkar in Rajasthan has been chosen as the Peeth and the seat of the country’s maiden transgender Shankaracharya. Pushkar is home to the Brahma Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Brahma, who in Hindu belief is regarded as the creator of the universe, time, and all life forms.

Among those present was Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of the country’s first and only Kinnar Akhara.

Organisers said that four kinnar Jagadgurus and five Mahamandaleshwars were also announced.

The Jagadgurus are Kajal Thakur (Bhopal), Tanisha (Rajasthan), Sanjna Sakhi (Bhopal) and Sanchita (Maharashtra).

The Mahamandaleshwars include Sarita Bhargav, Manju, Palpal, Rani Thakur, and Sagar.