International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124 The Demonic Body: An Evaluation in the light of Gender and Sexuality Ms. Neethu S, Assistant Professor in English, Department of Taxation, Bharata Mata College,Thrikkakara. Email:
[email protected] Abstract Myths and legends have influenced human beings from times immemorial. They serve as the backbone of any culture. Hindu civilization is mainly renowned for its myriad myths and legends. Puranas like Ramayana and Bhagavatha serve as an eye opener to our cultural heritage. It serves as an answer to all kinds of dilemma faced by people even today. The role of puranas is thus significant in layman’s life as he/she takes it as an authentic record of his/her cultural past. The paper intends to analyse the treatment of certain women who are characterised as demonesses in Puranas who are categorized so just because they are the desiring subjects, throwing light on two mythical characters Shoorpanakha (from Ramayana) and Poothana (from Bhagavatha) who are portrayed as evil in the Puranas as they express overtly their repressed desires. Keywords: sexuality, female body, desire. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ramayana, the story of Srirama, has been among one of the favourites of people belonging to almost all age categories. It tells the story of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, his wife Sita, daughter of king Janaka and Ravana the king of Lanka. The story of Ramayana has been thus told innumerable times. The enthralling story of Rama, the incarnation of lord Vishnu, who slew Ravana, the evil demon of darkness, is known to every Indian. In the pages of history, as always, it is the version told by the ones who hold the weight of victory.