Erotic Art – Today, Sex education is an abandoned subject in major parts of the country and the schooling system. A study was conducted for the age group of 13 to 31 years in 19 states. It was revealed that they were never taught about sex education by teachers or parents.
Discussing sexual education is considered taboo in society. (1) However, this condition was not the same in ancient days. People were open towards sexuality. The depiction of erotic arts on the walls of temples is evidence of this. Here is a look at some of the sites illustrating erotic arts and the reason behind it.
Table of Contents
What is Erotic Art?
Erotic means something showing sexual activities or intended to create sexual desire. In India, erotic art has been found in the form of paintings and sculptures on the walls of temples.
These erotic arts were way ahead of their time. It shows sculptures depicting males and females involved in sexual activities. Apart from this it also displays the same sex relationships, polygamy, orgies and bestiality. (3) The illustration of erotic arts in the form of loving couples can be seen in the early days of the Indus civilization.
Kamasutra was written by Vatsyayana between the 4th century BCE and the 2nd Century that covers various aspects ranging from love, relationships, to sexual behavior. The Narasimha Swamy temple of Sibi has such rare wall-paintings which are profusely illustrated with erotic art. There are many temples of ancient and medieval times in India that boast the sensual arts on the outer walls.
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Top five famous Erotic sites
There are lots of temples in India that have an engraving of erotic sculptures. This shows that sex is not taboo in history. Here are the following top 05 famous erotic sites.
- The Khajuraho temple is one of the famous sites for its explicit erotic art. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built by the Chandella kings (950- 1050 A.D.) (2)
- In Orissa, the Konark Sun temple is also famous for its erotic art. It also has depictions of same sex marriages, polyandry that is considered taboo by many these days.
- Markandeshwar Temple is located in Maharashtra. It is believed that it appears mysteriously at night and was built by demons. It is famous for its sensuous erotic arts.
- The Virupaksha temple in Hampi is another example of this art. The outer walls of the temple depict some beautiful sensuous artwork, wherein the most famous scene has a nude woman being looked at and admired by the people around her.
- Not only the Hindu temples, the Jain temples in Ranakpur, Rajasthan also display this art on the walls. The walls of the main temple and other temples are carved with sensuous sculptures of dancing nymphs. (4)
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Why is erotic art displayed on temple walls?
There are many reasons cited by researchers and historians behind the depiction of erotic arts on temple walls. One theory suggests that the kings who constructed these temples were followers of the tantric. These erotic arts were displayed on the outer walls of the temples only. These were not used near the main deity or Garbha Griha. This representation on outer walls emphasizes the journey from human desires to divine truth (God).
Its depiction on outer walls also suggests that one should be able to know, control the and leave these carnal desires and lust before entering into the temple. Others considered these erotic arts as a sign of auspiciousness and as a good omen. This is because it represents the new beginning of life.
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Meaning of Kama
There are four pillars of life in the Hindu religion: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. The literal meaning of kama is love. The depiction of erotic arts on temple walls shows the necessity of the Kama as a part of human life and for the continuity of the world. Vatsyayana mentioned the need for balance between these four pillars to attain the true purpose of life. It is written: “A man practicing dharma, artha, kama enjoys happiness now and in the future.” The importance of Kama in human life is also mentioned in the Buddhist religion.
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What is the significance?
The erotic arts on temple walls display the emphasis given to sexual education in those days. It was a way to give sexual education and create awareness. It also shows the cosmic truth, not just the physical unison. It depicts the relationship between God and humans and the concept of evolution. The portrayal of erotic arts explicitly on temple walls in a way to be seen by all people shows the liberal approach towards sex education in those days.
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A note from kamarth
There are several theories about the illustration of erotic arts on temple walls. The exact reason for the portrayal of erotic arts in temples is not known to us. However, it is important to note that it shows the open-mindedness of the society at that time. Sex education was given due importance in those days. It is crucial to take lessons from that time to make comprehensive sex education more inclusive and promote a holistic well-being in mental, social, and spiritual health.
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Some Additional Doubts
Question: Why were erotic scenes depicted in Indian temples?
Answer: It is believed that its portrayal shows the spiritual connection between humans and God. It also depicts the continuity of life.
Question: Which are the famous erotic sites in India?
Answer: Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh, Konark temple in Orissa, and Virupaksha temple in Hampi are some of the famous sites.
Question: How do Indians see this erotic art today?
Answer: Some see it as the importance of sex education in those days, while others find it inappropriate.
Question: Why have Indians ‘ attitudes changed towards erotic art?
Answer: Islamic invasions, British colonial rule, and the rise of conservative practices led to more restrained views on sexuality.
Question: Are these erotic sites preserved?
Answer: Yes, ASI and other cultural organizations work for the conservation of these sites.
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References:-
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/26318318231155993
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-erotic-arts-of-india/story-2oiZAXjDesHewIFY3zPsOP.html
- https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20150921-indias-temples-of-sex
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/discovering-the-reality-of-sensuous-side-of-these-indian-temples/articleshow/65040778.cms