Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

Page 524

Decorative Sculptures and Their Structural Functions
469 Several theories, as to the origin and significance of the erotic aspects of temple sculpture, prevail among Indian as well as foreign scholars. Recently Shri Francis Leeson 46 has summarised them briefly as follows :
(1) The mithuns are symbols of Sakti-both-sexes in one God-representing the oneness of God, or the magic syllable AUM.
(2) They are representations of supreme, bliss an attempt in earthly terms to convey the meaning of heavenly rapture.
(3) The mithuns are temptations to laud thoughts, but there expressly to be overcome by the devout.
(4) They are just innocent depictions of a human activity in the same way as other sculptures show scenes of dancing, fighting, making music, praying, etc.
(5) The mithuns were intended as a protection against the evil eye, "lightening" etc.
(6) They attract grosser-minded people to come to church, if only for the initial pleasure of examining them.
(7) The mithuns are there for the sexual education of the young and ignorant, as a sort of illustrated Kāma Sūtra.
(8) They are straight forward representations of ritualistic orgies or Yogic postures.
Having taken into account the various theories about the significance of sculptural representations of erotic postures in temples, examined them in light of the canons prescribed in the silpa works Dr. B. J. Sandesara has justified their place in temple sculpture as illustrating Kama which is induced among the three puțaşārthas leading to mokṣa.47 The ancient Indians
46 Kāma Shilpa. III, p. 31, 34. 47. Sandasora B. J. "Itihāsa ni Kedi' pp. 87 ff.