Sexuality has been an accepted part of the Indian culture of ancient times. Its omnipotent presence and influence on the Indian culture can be felt by the sculptures in temples like the Khajuraho and the Kama sutra, which is one of the most ancient, erotic books written in human history. In modern times the Indian society has become rigid about the matters of sex and discussing topics related to sexual pleasures are a huge taboo. The Indian society doesn’t embrace or accept an individual’s rights over his/her sexuality and continue to subjugate them to the social norms. This kind of mentality stems from our disconnection from the cultural heritage, which accepts and reveres the sexual connection between men and women.
The Truth of the Kama sutra:
The Kama sutra was written by Mallanga Vatsayana, between the 400BC and the 200BC. The exact time cannot be pin-pointed. This book describes and narrates the erotic behaviors and sexual lives of men and women. It enumerates the erotic activities with great care and details. This book has been read and translated by millions and it is still in circulation. The demand of this book clearly points out the power and potency of Vatsayana’s teachings and offerings.
There are some mythological stories associated with the Kama sutra. Some of the Indian scriptures tell that the Kama sutra has been handed down to men by Nandi, the devoted door-keeper of Lord Shiva. It is said that Nandi had observed the sexual intercourse between the Lord Shiva and his wife and he created the Kama sutra for the well being and happiness of mankind. There is another story that prophases that Lord Brahma or Prajapati, who is the god of creation, wrote the Kama sutra. There were 10,000 chapters which were later arranged meticulously by the Lord Shiva. The son of sage Uddalak, Shevaketu abridged the vast sexual literature for the sake of humans. Vatsayana later wrote it in the form of sutras.
The Kama sutra was written based on deep rooted Indian philosophy. The Indian philosophy accepts Kama, Dharma and Artha as the three basis of everyday life, without any of which human life is incomplete. Vatsayana has written that Kama or the pleasure of love making is important but not more than Dharma or human virtue and Artha or livelihood. But still the importance of Kam or sex is undeniable. He also tells that childhood is the time for educating oneself and youth is the time for taking part in the pleasures of love and lust. After a certain age it is better to concentrate on spirituality and Moksha.
The Khajuraho temple and its Sexual Significance:
The Khajuraho temple of Madhyapradesh has become synonymous with erotic art and sculptures. People from all over the world visit this temple to see the sculptures of men and women engrossed in passionate sexual activities, adorning the temple. Actually the sculptures of khajuraho are a part of the ancient sculptural motifs and can be observed in many other temples of that period as well.
