Temples Famous For Their 'Sculptures'

 

Ancient temples have always been one of the amazing threads in the tapestry of Indian culture.  As one traverses the length and breadth of the country, one finds that India is home to an incredibly beautiful diversity of food, colour, smells, sights and architecture, while for many it is also a symbol of religious significance and history.

One gets the feel of the vibrant culture in the iconic ancient temples scattered around India; some known for their beautiful architecture and statues while some famous for their erotic sculptures which are  seen in Hindu way of life and religious beliefs as a means that regenerates, recycles and refreshes the cycle of life. It is Karma, one of the four aims of healthy human life in Hinduism; the other are Artha, Dharma and Moksha.

There are several temples in India that have graphics and explicit representation of indulgence. These temples are of historical significance and continue to draw millions of tourists irrespective of their ideologies. Listed below are a few of the many such temples which are visited and appreciated by Indian and foreign tourists:

1.    Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh, India

          

Built between 950 to 1050 CE by the Chandela dynasty, the Konarak temples are the most important specimens of the Indian art.These sets of Jain and Hindu temples took around a 100 years to take a shape. Originally a collection of around 85 temples, the number has reduced to 25. Located in the Chatrapur district , Madhya Pradesh, India and about 175 kms South East of Jhansi. They are UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their erotic sculptures. The temples have a rich display of intricately carved statues. While they are famous for their erotic sculptures, sexual themes cover less than 10% of the temple structure. Most erotic scenes are in proportional balance with the nonsexual images. One has to look closely to find them, or to be directed by a guide.

It is said that when these temples were built the boys in the place lived in hermitages; by being bramhacharis until they attained manhood and these sculptures helped them to learn about the worldly role of ‘householder’. 

The word Khajuraho is a derivative of ‘ khajur’ symbolizing the date palm trees surrounding the temple complex. Dedicated to Hindu Gods ’Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh and a few Jain temples as well.

Men and women are depicted in the sculptures as engaged in seduction and pleasure and placing polyandry, polygamy, bisexuality and homosexuality all at the same pedestal.

State Govt. organizes a Light & Sound show in the evening introducing tourists to the temple’s detailed history.

Entry Fee:  INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners     

Timings: 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM

Sound & Light Show: INR 300 for Indians; INR 700 for foreigners

 

2.  Sun Temple, Konark:

The name Konark comes from the combination of the Sanskrit words Kona (corner or angle) and Ark (the sun). It is also known as the ‘ Black Pagoda’. 

Konark is a small town in the Puri district of Odisha, India. It is located 60 kms from the state capital Bhubhanwshwar and is a site of the 13^th century ‘Sun Temple’ dedicated to the Sun God “ Surya”.

The temple complex has the appearance of 100 ft tall sun God ‘Surya’s chariot with immense wheels & horses, all carved in stone. The twelve pairs or the 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. These twelve pairs of wheels symbolize the 12 months and each wheel is a sundial and accurately reads time observations.

The remains of the ancient temple structures and elements are famous for their intricate network, explicit erotic ‘Kama’ ( Kama often connotes sexual desire, passion, longing, the aesthetic enjoyment of life.

               Entry Fee : INR 40 for Indians INR 600 for foreigners 

Timings:  6.00 AM to 6.00 PM

 

3.  Sun Temple Modhera, Gujarat:

Dedicated to the solar deity ‘Surya’, located at Modhera village of Mehsana district Gujarat,India, the Modhera Sun Temple was built by King Bhima 1 of the Chalukya dynasty in the early 11^th century. The temple situated on the banks of Pushpawati river in Modhera, is among the few temples dedicated solely to Aditya or Surya the God of endless energy. This beautifully intricate ancient temple of Modhera revives the reminiscences of Konark Sun temple in Odisha

The Sun Temple is skillfully divided into three major sections, the Surya Kund – which is a rectangular shaped beautiful step well right in front of the temple to store the rainwater. Another segment that holds the assembly hall is known as Sabha Mandapa , that stands on 52 pillars signifying the 52 weeks in a year, which used to be the place for religious gatherings and ceremonies. The third segment holds sanctum known as Guda Mandap, the main temple which is said to be the most sacred place in the temple.

The whole temple stands on a lotus-shaped structure, and the intricately carved  erotic figurines from Kamasutra, represent a unique glimpse of our culture. There are carvings on the walls to show unity with air, water, earth and space. You can witness and examine on the pillars intensely enigmatic art of love making, medicinal plants, etc. It is believed that in those days when temple was built, sex was neither suppressed nor moralized. It was seen as an act that brought about fertility. Hence at this temple a most profound depiction of sexual iconography is displayed, at the exterior walls of the main temple itself. This mesmerizing work of art amuses people from all over the world. 

Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners

Timings: 6.00 AM to 600 PM

 

4.  Lingaraj Temple, Bhubhaneshwar ,Odisha, India

Lingaraj literally means the King of Lingam ( an abstract representation of the Hindu deity Shiva . It is the primary devotional image in Hindu Temples edicated to Shiva.

A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest temples in Bhibhaneshwar, rge capital of Indian state, Odisha is the most prominent landmark  of the city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state.

Lingaraj Temple is the largest temple in Bhubhaneshwar. The central tower of the temple is 180 ft high. Maintained by the Temple Trust Board and ASI (Archealogical Survey of India), the temple has an average 6000 visitors per day and receives lakhs of visitors during festivals. Shivaratri is the major festival celebrated in the temple. The temple compound is not open to Non Hindus.

Every year the Chariot Festival ( Rath Yatra) is celebrated on Ashokashtami.

The sculptures adoring the temple are said to have been inspired by KamaSutra, the world’s original sex guide. These temples with erotic art are eminent because of the recognition from UNESCO and the ASI. 

5.  Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India

Virupaksha, a 7^th century Hindu Temple, is located in Hampi 350 km from Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka in southern India. It is part of  the Group of mountains at Hampi. It is esignated  at UNESCO World Heritage Site. Virupaksha is a form of Shiva  and has other temples dedicated to Him.

According to Kama Sutra (written by Vatsayayana, Chapter II), the man should practice Dharma, Artha and Kama at different times i.e. Chaturashrams.  Moksha is considered to be a long process which can be achieved only when all material desires are fulfilled that a person is always engaged in pleasure till a time comes that he is satisfied of all these things going around the temple and then he enters the temple to see the God. That is first you have to deal with very natural things like Kaam and only after crossing this, you can attain Gyan or knowledge of God. 

             Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

             Timings: 9.00 AM to 1.00 PM & 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM

 These temples may be famous for their erotic sculptures and appreciated by Indian as well as foreign tourists, one should not forget that even in those old days 'when these temples were built, sex was neither suppressed nor moralized. It was seen as an act that brought about fertility.’ 

Here one has to look beyond the erotic sculptures and understand the philosophy and the message our ancestors wanted to give us by carving such sculptures, which are mainly outside the temple complex. There are no such sculptures inside the temple complex.This signifies that before entering the inner sanctum,all those earthly feelings must be left outside the temple if you wish to attain the knowledge of God.

In my opinion, Sex is a sacred act, recognized as human desire to be satisfied and which may be used to attain the ultimate goal of enlightenment. Erotic images at the temples in Hampi, Khajurao or other places, should only be considered as a medium of this enlightenment.

Inputs & Pics courtesy : Google, Native Planet, Wikipedia,solobackpacker.com

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