Female ascetics in Hinduism

By Lynn Teskey Denton

Book Description

In the sacred city of Varanasi, where the Ganges flows and spiritual seekers have gathered for millennia, a remarkable community of women lives largely unseen by the outside world. These are the female renouncers of Hinduism, women who have chosen to step away from conventional domestic life to pursue profound spiritual transformation through ascetic practice.

Lynn Teskey Denton opens a window into this hidden realm, revealing the complex intersection between two fundamental paths in Hindu tradition: the role of woman as householder and the calling of the ascetic who transcends ordinary social boundaries. Through careful fieldwork in one of India's most spiritually significant cities, she documents the personal journeys that lead women to renunciation, the institutions that support their spiritual quest, and the daily realities of their contemplative lives.

This exploration goes beyond academic study to offer genuine insight into how women navigate the tension between societal expectations and spiritual calling. For readers drawn to understanding diverse expressions of devotion and the courage required to follow an unconventional spiritual path, this work provides rare access to authentic voices and experiences.

The book illuminates not only a specific tradition within Hinduism but also broader questions about women's spiritual autonomy and the various ways humans seek transcendence across cultures.