– Satyakam Ray
The Konark Sun Temple is a remarkable artistic masterpiece. After seeing it, great Poet Rabindranath Tagore minced no words in applauding its beauty. He said, “Here, the language of the stone surpasses the language of man.”
The Konark Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, is listed among the seven wonders of India. It stands alongside the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple of Amritsar. King Narasimha Deva I of the East Ganga Dynasty constructed the Konark Sun Temple in the 13th century. The temple continues to embody the artistic excellence of Odisha-style architecture. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984.
The other UNESCO World Heritage site, Khajuraho, is located in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by the Vindhya Mountains, Khajuraho is renowned for its cluster of Hindu and Jain temples. It is known for its erotic sculptures, which were created during the Chandela dynasty. These sculptures represent Indo-Aryan architecture. The temples of Khajuraho date back to between 950 and 1050 A.D.
The two heritage places, built in different centuries, share one common feature. They feature erotic rock carvings or sculptures. These artworks beautifully showcase various sensuous sexual positions between man and woman. These are visual representations of the essence of Indian aesthetics. Does the artist’s imagination reflect the passion and celebration of forbidden art? Or is it merely a trace of the open society we lived in during that period? It’s time to try to unravel the truth.
The concept of an open society and connection with the sculptures:
An open society comprises people who openly confront their personal decisions without being demoralized by collective or populist social norms. Philosopher Karl Popper sees an open society as the antithesis of the closed system of law, morality, and religious beliefs. In a closed society, individuals often resist change and adhere to long-standing social traditions, conforming to established rules. Humanitarianism, accountability, equality, and freedom of thought and expression are fundamental to people living in an open society.
Sexuality is a crucial aspect of an individual’s open-mindedness. The hallmark of open-mindedness is a more liberal approach to discussing physical needs, treating them as non-taboo. The more liberal a country is, the richer it tends to be in terms of artistic expression and cultural heritage. Paris is the cultural capital of Europe. In Paris, women can roam unclothed. It is not a sight that astonishes the public.
The sculptures of both Konark and Khajuraho display many erotic kama and mithuna scenes. These sculptures are often considered derogatory and amoral carvings. But they say a lot about the life cycle. They also highlight the importance of sexuality in the process.
Vatsyayana, the author of the Kamasutra, depicts Kama as a form of happiness that originates in the mind. Vatsyayana’s discourse on Kama praises the aesthetics of painting, dance, and music. Expressing and practicing sexuality without any hindrance is a means of enjoyment and pleasure. People seek satisfaction from the world through various senses. These include hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and feeling. This interaction maintains harmony between their mind and soul.
Karl Popper describes the Kama as an attitude and capacity. During various sensual experiences, the person becomes immersed in the loved ones. They feel whole and fulfilled by embracing openness and intimacy.
According to Hindu tradition, Kama is one of the four principal goals of human life. The other three goals are Dharma. Dharma means leading a moral life guided by virtue. Artha denotes material prosperity or the means of sustaining oneself. Moksha signifies the self-realization or liberation of an individual from the cycle of birth and death. These four aims of life are called Purusartha.
Maithuna is the union of opposing forces, emphasizing the non-duality of humans and the divine. It’s a means of worldly enjoyment and spiritual liberation. In Tantric sex, maithuna means sexual intercourse, and mithuna is a couple participating in such a ritual.
Makara is the emblem of the love god, Kamadeva. Maithuna is one of the essential Makaras. The various tantric, erotic poses of the male and female shown in Konark and Khajuraho depict different practices. These practices are followed for semen retention by the male practitioner in the grand ritual of Panchmakara.
Theories behind the sculptures of Konark:
Various theories about the erotic sculptures at Konark have circulated for generations. Nonetheless, very little is known about the Khajuraho temple.
One theory suggests that during the 13th century, people living in Kalinga (now in Odisha) were very open-minded. They showed no hesitation towards sensual pleasure, and polygamy was rampant in society. The sculptors merely represented social customs through temple carvings.
The second theory revolves around the importance of sex education. Unlike in the 13th century, there was no medium for teaching children about sex. Nonetheless, in the Hindu tradition, the grihastha was strictly followed. Couples were obligated to have healthy and fulfilling sex for a satisfying life. Young people were permitted to roam the temple premises. They observed the yogic and tantric poses. They learned from these poses and emulated them in their private lives.
The third theory concerns retaining the concentration of young Brahmans while they learn sastra or pray to God. The outside walls of the temple are adorned with erotic man-woman embracing poses. A devotee comes to the temple to pray to the sun god. Yet, the sight of such postures distracts him. Avoiding such distractions teaches individuals to focus.
The Last theory seems very practical and relatable. After the Kalinga War, many soldiers died, leaving Asoka’s army short of warriors. The postures were built to promote sex. Women visited temples regularly. Erotic figures were created to increase inclination and curiosity toward sex. This ultimately led to more childbirths.
The Kalinga War was fought around 262 BC, and the Konark temple dates to 1290 AD. Archaeological surveys have revealed something significant. A temple dedicated to the Sun god has been on the same spot since at least the 11th century B.C. According to some credible historians, a replica of the old temple was constructed with black stones. The erotic images were copied exactly as they were.
Experts in history and archaeology should thoroughly recheck the authenticity of these theories. This includes surveys conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Importance in the current context:
Today’s world combines a regressive patriarchal mentality and ultra-liberal, obstinate sexuality. One section is busy imposing different to-do lists on the less powerful womenfolk with a religious, traditional mindset. The other section explores different sexual sensuousness. They claim they are open-minded.
The open-minded mindset doesn’t justify the idea that the goals of Purusartha can be attained through random mating. Self-realization or Moksha can’t be achieved this way. These goals also can’t be achieved by finding dates on digital platforms.
Still, polygamy is prevalent among urban and rural people (both men and women), either stealthily or sometimes openly. But adultery is a brainchild of the reptilian brain, where only lust is prominent. Sexual pleasure without binding the two souls doesn’t guarantee the completeness one craves physically and emotionally.
Vatsyayana claims the Kama is never in conflict with Dharma or Artha. In Hindu philosophy, sexual pleasure is not a shameful or taboo topic. When pursued diligently, the Kama, Artha, and Dharma fulfill the three Purusartha goals for a holistic life.
Perhaps that’s the message conveyed by the beautiful, artistic stone works on the temple walls of Konark and Khajuraho. They communicate with Gen Z of the 21st century. It encourages them to enjoy life holistically. It also advises them to pursue the Purusartha pursuits without being a pervert.
The Witty Stride 