Most misinterpreted sculptures can transform your lives if understood.
Ruchi Thalwal · Aug 3 · Medium.com
Spirituality and art have been a significant part of Indian society for ages. Ancient Sages were the scientists. Their every action had hidden meaning. Even kings had a great reverence for saints.
The science of herbal medicine (Ayurveda), health (Yoga), astrology, grand architecture were typical in ancient India. We can see the influence of art on their architecture. The precision and marvelous carvings are no less than a masterpiece.
Khajuraho temples are one of those masterpieces. Chandela dynasty built Khajuraho temples in the 11th century. But, unfortunately, its legacy disappeared with the onset of Mughals and Muslim invaders. They plundered the temples.
But, it was not until the 19th century that Khajuraho was re-excavated by Britishers. They handed over temples to the Indian Archaeological Society in the early 20th century.
The Complex Temple’s Architecture
The science of art and architecture in those eras was called Shilpa Shastra. Shilp translates ‘to construct,’ and Shastra means ‘science.’
The major component of the temple comprises:
- Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with Antarala (with narrow antechamber)
- The Maha Mandapa (a large hall)
- The Ardha Mandapa and Mandapa (several small extra halls)
- The Pradakshina Path (circumambulation path)
Various erotic statues adorn the outside walls of temples. The sculpture depicts the human’s carnal desire.
These statues show how ancient Indian society was open to sex. The figures explicitly show couples having sex in different postures, women and men masturbating, and also depicting sex with animals.
The Profound Meaning of Erotic Art Forms at Ancient Indian Temple
All these sensuous statues stand outside the temple. One can not find such a statue inside the temple. It signifies that the desires are part of your outer world. These desires are endless.
Every desire is a pleasure that you seek. To derive pleasantness in any activity, you run around the life. But you never go inside yourself to seek everlasting fulfillment.
Temple signifies a place of worship where one leaves behind the external world’s temporary joy to become one with self. The inner sanctum represents your soul.
One can only go inside when one is unaffected by the outside environment. Your lust/desire can never fully satisfy you. The contentment is momentary. These fleeting pleasures govern your mind. Chasing a colorful illusion leads you nowhere.
Life is like a mirror. You project the inside state to the outer world.
Your unmet desires lead an unfulfilled life. When you reside inside, you can experience the oneness and godly nature of the universe. The choice is always yours.
These sensual statues symbolize — Leave your desires outside to experience the eternal. Outside lies the impermanent. Inside lies the immortal bliss.
Takeaways
We can meet our basic needs of clothing, shelter, relationships, food, and the internet. But desires can never be satisfied. Your desire to have an updated version of a smartphone/laptop/car each time or anything makes you go crazy. But, even if you get that, your happiness is short-lived.
When you recognize the futile nature of desires, you break the cycle. Every human seeks fulfillment. But it does not lie outside you. It is always inside. The completeness of being, the bliss, and eternal joy lie within.
Meditate and touch your divinity.
Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside. — Sri Ramana Maharishi
Ruchi Thalwal
4X Medium Top Writer | Spiritual friend | Writer | Poet | Energy healer (Reiki Grandmaster) | Empath | Join my tribe -https://ruchithalwal.ck.page/708ba23b2b
Change Your Mind Change Your Life
Read short and uplifting articles here to help you shift your thought, so you can see real change in your life and health.