In a diverse, multicultural society like Malaysia, the experiences of transgender people are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including religion, culture, and legal considerations. Building on the previous discussion of Hinduism as a more tolerant religion towards transgender people, this article delves deeper into the situation of Hindu transgender people in Malaysia. It explores the challenges they face, their cultural practices, and their efforts to gain recognition and acceptance within their faith and society.

Hinduism, one of Malaysia's main religions, primarily practiced by the Indian community, has a rich cultural and religious heritage. Hindu transgender people find themselves navigating their gender identity within this complex tapestry. They often draw strength from their faith and actively participate in the life of their religious community.

For example, Malaysia's transgender community has established its temple in Pandamaran (Klang), following the example of the major temple dedicated to transgender people in Gujarat, India. These temples serve as a focal point for religious and social activities within the transgender community. They provide a safe space for transgender individuals to express their faith and identity, reinforcing their sense of belonging within Hinduism.

In addition to transgender temples, the celebration of the goddess Bahuchara Mataji is a notable event that highlights the importance of transgender people in Hinduism. Devotees from Malaysia and Singapore come together in a five-day ceremony to fulfill their vows, symbolizing the acceptance of transgender people within the religion. This religious recognition gives them a profound sense of belonging and validation within their faith.

Moreover, the Malaysian transgender community suffered a significant loss with the passing of the famous and respected Mother Asha. Her journey, which led her to undergo gender reassignment surgery in her early twenties, illustrates the challenges and triumphs faced by transgender people in Malaysia. Mother Asha has played a vital role in helping many transgender people obtain new identity cards as women and advising those seeking a sex change, on the Hijra’s model.

To further understand the dynamics within the Hindu transgender community of Malaysia, we can draw insights from the hijra community in India, often associated with transgender individuals. The hijra community has a complex system of kinship and hierarchy, primarily centered around the guru-chela relationship, where a guru (elder mentor) guides and mentors their chela (disciple).

Interestingly, within the hijra community, most kin relation terms are addressed using feminine pronouns. However, chela and nati-chela, the lowest in the hierarchy, are addressed using male pronouns. This highlights the unique gender fluidity within hijra kinship, embracing the androgynous nature of their community. The hijra community's social stratification is embedded within a prestige economy system. Kin relatedness is closely tied to social standing, influenced by factors like power relations within gharana networks (groups of hijras under the patronage of a guru). This system operates based on unwritten rules and behavioral expectations, similar to gender roles imposed in any society. Within the prestige economy system, the number of chelas under a guru's patronage is a measure of their upward mobility and social status. This hierarchy extends to the role of greater chiefs or maha nayaks, responsible for maintaining kin relations among different gharana networks. Junior members within the hierarchy must seek permission from those in higher ranks for various activities, including maintaining kin relations with their natal families or having sexual partners. This hierarchical structure helps maintain social order within the community and ensures that behavior aligns with the community's norms.

In conclusion, we can observe that, in Malaysia, Hindu transgender people face a complex set of challenges and opportunities within their faith and society. While Hinduism offers a more accepting environment compared to some other belief systems, transgender individuals still grapple with societal norms and legal considerations. The celebration of Bahuchara Mataji and the establishment of transgender temples provide transgender individuals with a sense of belonging and validation within Hinduism. Furthermore, insights from the hijra community in India shed light on the significance of kinship and hierarchy within transgender communities, offering parallels to the experiences of Hindu transgender individuals in Malaysia. To wrap up, the experiences of transgender individuals within the Hindu community in Malaysia are shaped by a combination of religious beliefs, cultural practices, and social structures.