• Rajashree.N

This study examines the penis envy concept, a psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud and Phallocentrism concept by Lacan through one of the characters in The Mahabharata named Shikhandi. Shikhandi is one of the vital characters in Mahabharata who encompasses a complex interplay of gender, identity and power dynamics. By delving deep into the transformation of Shikhandi from woman to man and her role in the epic, this paper explores the reason behind the penis envy. By examining the character of Shikhandi, this study examines the way penis envy can be reconceptualized as a symbol of opposition against patriarchal norms, rather than an unsophisticated expression of female inferiority. This work only focuses on the part of Freudian’s penis envy that says women feel inferior as they lack penis. This research explores how Shikhandi adheres to phallocentric norms to oppose it eventually.

Shikhandi, Phallocentrism, Penis Envy, Gender, Mahabharata

"Exploring penis envy and phallocentrism concept through the lens of Shikhandi in The Mahabharata", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no.d185-d187, December-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412322.pdf

"Exploring penis envy and phallocentrism concept through the lens of Shikhandi in The Mahabharata", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no. ppd185-d187, December-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2412322.pdf