Pilgrimages may be seen, to an extent, as vantage points from which to look at more general issues of gendered modalities of existence in South Asia. Through an exploration of dynamic local traditions that are tied to particular shrines and other sacred places to which pilgrims are drawn, we can further understand the vibrant and fluid nature of religious identity in South Asia. We must also bear in mind that just as the nature of religious and gender identity cannot be essentialized, neither ca…