Paper short abstract:

Every transition stage of the woman's fertility is performed with rites and rituals. As the barrenness is a severe social consequence matter. This paper brings out the magico-religious and indigenous medical practices to treat the barrenness among the rural dalit women of Pudhucherry.

Paper long abstract:

Marriage is a universal institution and birth of a child is a fulfillment of a cherished dream and the ultimate desire of a married couple. In Indian society, a childless woman is considered as malati or 'dry womb'. Her life will always be seen as incomplete due to her lack of motherhood. Due to her own sterility or her husband's sterility, she is not considered worthy to attend family, religious or social functions as her presence in such occasion is considered inauspicious.

Every transition stage of woman is oriented with her femininity and fertility. Therefore the transition stage of the woman is performed with many rites and rituals in order to honour her femininity and fertility. As the barrenness is a matter serious consequence. This paper brings out the magico-religious and indigenous medical practices for treating the barrenness among the rural dalit women of Pudhucherry.