EMBODIED MYSTICISM AND FEMININE PILGRIMAGE: THE RIVER AS A LIMINAL SPACE IN THE SHORT STORY ISHWAREE BY INDIRA GOSWAMI

This paper explores the concept of "embodied mysticism" in the story Ishwaree, focusing on how spiritual and emotional transformation in women is deeply tied to the physical body and natural landscapes. The protagonist, Ishwaree Devi, embarks on a spiritual journey where rivers like the Kamala and Baitarini serve as liminal spaces that facilitate her self-realization. Unlike the intellectual approach of male scholars in the story, Ishwaree’s spiritual awakening is rooted in her physical and emotional experiences, revealing an alternative form of mystical knowledge. The paper contrasts Ishwaree’s embodied, feminine spirituality with the intellectualism of figures like Shastriji, arguing that her encounters with nature, holy men, and sacred geography represent a uniquely feminine pilgrimage. Ishwaree’s connection with rivers and the landscape transcends mere intellectual pursuit, reflecting how her desires, emotions, and body become channels of divine understanding. This exploration introduces embodied mysticism as a framework to analyze how South Asian women’s spiritual narratives often blend physical, emotional, and mystical dimensions. By focusing on Ishwaree’s journey through sacred spaces and her eventual spiritual revelation, the paper contributes a fresh perspective to discussions of feminine spirituality, liminality, and the transformative role of nature in Indian religious literature.