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Original fileErotic Mithuna Couple, Konark Sun Temple
Erotic sculptures, Konark 18
About This Work
The image shows a high-relief stone sculpture of two figures, both missing their heads, standing in an intimate embrace. The figure on the left has its right arm draped around the waist or back of the figure on the right, while the figure on the right holds the left figure's upper body. The sandstone surface is weathered, textured, and marked by varying shades of brown, ochre, and grey.
This carving belongs to the tradition of 'mithuna' (amorous couples) imagery found in Indian temple architecture, which represents the union of opposites and the auspiciousness of fertility in accordance with Hindu temple aesthetics and Agamic texts.
Connected Texts
Kama Sutra
The inclusion of erotic sculptures on temple exteriors reflects the classical Indian philosophical view that erotic pleasure (kama) is one of the four legitimate goals of human life.