Rufi malik Reward Points : 14700 Member Since : Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Why in ancient period erotic scul ptures were carved in temples?Is there any religious or social reasons?
Posted On : 5/5/2009 1:29:05 AM
Indravadan Modi Reward Points : 23300 Member Since : Saturday, January 10, 2009
Liberal representation of erotic figures on the temple walls i guess was a fashion of the ancient age. Not only in Hindu temple, but also in Jain and Budhist monuments such erotic sculptures were being used in decorating the monuments. Indian mythology says that erotic sculptures are helpful in warding off the anger of natural calamities. This could be a reason why such figures were represented in temples to ward off the evils.
Posted On : 5/5/2009 5:17:33 AM
Abhi Tripathi [Guru] Reward Points : 74900 Member Since : Monday, January 07, 2008
A very interesting question. Thanks for such a thought provoking question. One of the most discussed aspects of Indian temple sculpture is its amorous aspect. various explanations have been offered for these mithunas , but no single explanation has succeeded in resolving the mystery that why such erotic sculpture adorns the temple wall. A.K. Coomaraswamy has mentioned that the Indian sex-symbolism is sacramental and in its likeness and therefore the erotic sculpture epitomise the union of the individual soul with the universal spirit. Coomaraswamy further described the erotic sculptures as symbolic of the illusory world of pleasure or MAYA in contrast to the solemn character of the inner side of the sanctuary. The outside of the temple represents various activities that belong to the samsara beyond that and within the temple is the image of God. The worshipper must overcome the world of pleasure to find this god.
Posted On : 5/5/2009 6:03:37 AM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 140200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Actually it also baffles me as to why such carvings were adopted in holy Hindu temples. My guess is that, it could be to educate the mass at that time of the intimate pleasures that can be enjoyed or attained using varied styles.
Posted On : 5/5/2009 9:39:35 PM
Ragamala Chakraborty Reward Points : 45200 Member Since : Wednesday, February 11, 2009
According to one authority, a man and woman in erotic embrace stand as the emblem of the union of the soul. It was believed that such erotic figures save the temple from beings struck by the lightening. The reason given for this is that Indra who is the rain God is himself a great connoisseur of Kama, will not damage anything pertaining to that and thus the temple will be saved from lightening
Posted On : 5/5/2009 11:53:11 PM
Chetan Juneja Reward Points : 55000 Member Since : Monday, April 28, 2008
hello members... interesting post .. what i feel that the presence of erotic sculptures show that there were no taboos or inhibitions against kama at that time. The people of that time took a healthy view of things and gave kama its requisite place in its life. At that time Kama or pursuit of pleasure was deemed to be one of the four legitimate aims of life.. quite naturally therefore in temple walls in other edifices also there was an abundance of these erotic sculptures .. these erotic scenes were not regarded as abnormal or unnatural.
Posted On : 5/11/2009 4:06:34 AM
Anil Tewari Reward Points : 17400 Member Since : Friday, April 17, 2009
I am reminded of a comment in a cartoon, in which an American is reported to have said that the current hike in food prices is due to the erotic habits of Indians who eat much as a result of their new richness. The term erotic in the post invoked this humour. This term basically refers to instinctual pleasures. Now, coming back to the original curiosity, the so-called erotic sculptures were carved during Medieval Period, sometimes between 9th and 14th century. Therefore, it may not be correct to say that it is an ancient practice. On archeological evidence, one may trace some primitive form of yoni-worship, but that is not sufficient for such a tall claim. Also, it is very difficult to pinpoint the relevance of such sculptures in an auspicious place. It is obvious from the replies that there could be various versions of reading. What follows is my version. Look at the psychology of the period when this practice was initiated along with the placing of such scriptures in the temples. The epitome, the Khajuraho temples, does not show the presence of erotic sculptures inside the temple. The external carvings bearing erotic art show the peripheral aspect of human beings, what is essential is spiritual. But the beauty of art illustrates a careful consideration of even instinctual in Indian life. Why it has got highlighted in a certain period of history? We need to look at the political and religious scenario of that period. I believe that it is the human psychology, which is invariably conditioned by historical context, gets translated into such creations.
Posted On : 5/11/2009 7:05:20 AM
Rufi malik Reward Points : 14700 Member Since : Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Posted By : Chetan Juneja Posted On : 5/11/2009 4:06:34 AM Go
hello members... interesting post .. what i feel that the presence of erotic sculptures show that th..
I have a doubt that these erotic sculptures were not regarded as abnormal or unnatural... then why did they depict with animal and human
Posted On : 5/11/2009 9:09:13 PM
Albert D souza Reward Points : 33200 Member Since : Sunday, February 24, 2008
Posted By : Anil Tewari Posted On : 5/11/2009 7:05:20 AM Go
I am reminded of a comment in a cartoon, in which an American is reported to have said that the curr..
Thanks Mr. Tiwari ..what i feel that the subject of erotic sculptures entwined with its philosophical and religious interpretations is perhaps not new in India. In a country where the Linga cult is the source of religious belief then its manifestations sculptures are indeed the continuance of that tradition, which accepts procreation as a major function of life.
Posted On : 5/12/2009 2:01:01 AM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 140200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
now can anyone tell me about the mini erotic sculptures depicted in temple s sanctum doorway frames, are they sculptures or are they sand art???
There are different opinions on why temples were decorated with sexually explicit sculptures. One group argues that the old kings lived in obscene luxury and that they used these for excitement. Another group thinks that it was part of sexual education in ancient India: since most people visited temples, it was an appropriate place for mass communication. Some scholars say that since Hinduism believes in the efficacy of all four paths to Moksha Dharma, Artha, Yoga, and Kama , these sculptures were provided to assist in the last of these four paths. Since these sculptures are limited to the outer walls of the temples, some people interpret them as a symbolic gate to reaching God. It is possible that at the time just preceding the construction of these sculptures, monastic Buddhism was prevalent, people were losing interest in the householder-life, and the temples were built to attract people to sex and family life and to renew Hinduism. Some others go to the extent of saying that these temples themselves are built upon the model of an ultimate seductress. The steps are like the feet, the Ardhmandapam are the knees, the Mandapam represents the curvaceous thighs, the sanctum-sanctorum is like the ovaries, and since it is very dark where the Linga is installed, it represents the sexual organ, etc. For a long time, the pundits have wondered why it was necessary to decorate a place of worship with sexual material, but if one observes the materialistic thoughts of Hinduism, then there is nothing unnatural about them.
Posted On : 6/20/2009 2:42:33 AM
kanyalsingh Reward Points : 500 Member Since : Tuesday, November 03, 2009
i feel that the presence of erotic sculptures show that there were no taboos or inhibitions against kama at that time. The people of that time took a healthy view of things and gave kama its requisite place in its life. At that time Kama or pursuit of pleasure was deemed to be one of the four legitimate aims of life.. quite naturally therefore in temple walls in other edifices also there was an abundance of these erotic sculptures .. these erotic scenes were not regarded as abnormal or unnatural.
Posted On : 11/3/2009 10:05:36 PM
vineet Reward Points : 100 Member Since : Friday, November 06, 2009
I think we need to see the erotiquization at some temple towns like Khajuraho and Bhubvanwsara and else where not in terms of the erotique representation from a sexual perspective but slightly more than that. SOmething which may have symbolized the communion of the soul or just the human s desire to be part of the act, putting these at the outer walls of the temples was more like cleaning it or guiding to the visitor/worshipper to cleanse the mind and soul of the humanly desire and then enter the temple which was abode of God for a healthy communion with the Supreme Being.
Posted On : 11/7/2009 8:52:44 PM
Maniam PS [Guru] Reward Points : 140200 Member Since : Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Posted By : kanyalsingh Posted On : 11/3/2009 10:05:36 PM Go
i feel that the presence of erotic sculptures show that there were no taboos or inhibitions against ..
Your explanation is quite acceptable Kanyal Singh.
Erotic Sculptures In Temples
