Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma - way of life) is the only religion
in the world that gives freedom to the devotee to see god as lover, wife or
husband. Love of god is known as bhakti and it is attained with the consciousness
of God as our true being. The feeling for god, felt through contemplation, as
servant, as parent, as friend, as beloved or spouse increases God consciousness
in the devotee.
A devotee can consider god as husband or wife. Majority of
the followers of these tradition believe that there is only one male (Purusha)
in the world and he is Sri Krishna. All others, whether men or women, are his women
companions (prakriti). The absolute merger of prakriti with purusha is the final
goal in this tradition.
The devotion of Mirabai is a classic example of seeing God as
spouse. She looked upon Sri Krishna as a husband (jake sira mora-mukuta mero
pati soi). She renounced everything for him.
Another glorious example is that of Radha, who loved Sri
Krishna as her lover, the only purusha. Her divine love, beyond
body-consciousness, is depicted in Srimad Bhagavata, which is regarded as the text
of bhakti.
In modern times, Sri Ramakrishna demonstrated through his
own life this spiritual mood in its highest form.
There are so many unknown men and women who have chosen this
path of devotion. We often read in newspapers about some men suddenly dressing
up like women and singing songs of Sri Krishna. Ignorance of modern people often
categorizes them as mentally disturbed.