Women, Wellness, and the Divine: Reimagining Health at Mahanubhav Healing Shrines

Abstract This paper explores the intersections of indigenous and biomedical healing systems through the lens of Mahanubhav healing shrines in Maharashtra, India. The study focuses on how these shrines serve as centers of spiritual and medical intervention, particularly for women navigating complex healing pathways. Grounded in the Mahanubhav tradition, which emphasizes devotion and spiritual practices, these shrines reflect both modern and indigenous paradigms, challenging conventional notions of medical pluralism. Women’s experiences highlight the fluidity of healing pathways, blending faith, spirituality, and medical pragmatism.