Kama Kalpa; or, the Hindu Ritual of Love
by Paul Thomas
FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER
In a world filled with diverse cultures and traditions, the exploration of ancient customs and rituals has always been a captivating endeavor. Amidst this tapestry of knowledge, the Hindu tradition stands as a beacon of wisdom, with their rituals instilling a profound understanding of love and spirituality. It is within this context that I am delighted to introduce Paul Thomas's insightful work, "Kama Kalpa, or the Hindu Ritual of Love."
Thomas's meticulous research and passionate exploration of the Hindu ritual of love reveal a captivating journey into the depths of human emotions. He seamlessly navigates the intricate tapestry that is Kama Kalpa, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of its principles, practices, and significance within the Hindu faith.
Throughout this compelling work, Thomas paints a vibrant picture of devotion, sensuality, and spirituality intertwined within the Hindu ritual of love. From exploring the sacred teachings of the Kama Sutra to understanding the rituals that enrich intimate relationships, this book captures the essence of an ancient tradition that has both captivated and guided generations of individuals seeking love and fulfillment.
What sets "Kama Kalpa, or the Hindu Ritual of Love," apart is Thomas's ability to bridge the gap between scholarly analysis and accessible writing. His words evoke a sense of reverence and admiration for the rituals explored while remaining inclusive and inviting to readers from all walks of life. Through his engaging prose, he invites us to explore the depths of our own relationships and encourages us to embrace a balanced approach to love where physical connection is harmoniously intertwined with emotional and spiritual growth.
As we navigate the complexities of modern relationships, delving into the ancient wisdom of the Hindu ritual of love provides a refreshing perspective. Thomas's book serves as a roadmap, guiding us through the intricacies of the Kama Kalpa and shedding light on practices that have the potential to enlighten and transform our lives.
It is my sincere hope that this book serves as a catalyst for contemplation, self-discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of the Hindu tradition. May readers embark on a profound journey that unravels the layers of love and spirituality and leads them to a more holistic understanding of themselves and their intimate connections.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Paul Thomas for the gift of this enlightening work. May "Kama Kalpa, or the Hindu Ritual of Love, inspire readers to embrace the beauty of love, navigate their relationships with grace and mindfulness, and seek a greater understanding of the profound connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of love.
Olivia Salter
06/19/2022
A SURVEY OF THE CUSTOMS, FESTIVALS, RITUALS AND BELIEFS CONCERNING MARRIAGE, MORALS, WOMEN, THE ART AND SCIENCE OF LOVE AND SEX SYMBOLISM IN RELIGION IN INDIA FROM REMOTE ANTIQUITY TO THE PRESENT DAY
Based on Ancient Sanskrit Classics, Kama Sutra, Aiianga Ranga, Rati Rahasya, and modem works.
Part 1. Woman through the ages. The age of mothers. Marriage in Vedic times. Women and marriage in the Epic period. Medieval morality. Women in modern India
Part 2. Woman, her nature and power. The nature of woman. Power of woman
Part 3. Powetry, art and science of love. Love poetry. Literature on love. Love as a fine art. Dangers of seduction. The Courtesan and her wiles: a warning to men
Part 4. Erotic element in religion. Lingam and the family of Shiva -- Saktas --- Love as God -- Temple, art Devadasis and Bacchanalian festivals
With coloured frontispiece and 224 line and half-tone reproductions of masterpieces of Indian sculpture and painting.
CONTENTS
PART ONE
WOMAN THROUGH THE AGES
Chapter One THE AGE OF MOTHERS
Page
I
The matriarchal phase of social development — Mother right in ancient India — Uddalaka Swetaketu and Dirghatamas, ancient law-givers — Women of the Land of Five Rivers — Polyandrous practices — Draupadi, common wife of the Pandava brothers — Mother right in modem India — The Nayars — Exalted position of the mother in ancient India.
Chapter Two MARRIAGE IN VEDIC TIMES 8
Women of the Rig Veda — Family life in Vedic India — The marriage ceremony — Coming of the bride to her new home — Variations in ancient marriage customs — Story of Urvasi and Pmruravas — Ushas, the goddess of dawn.
Chapter Three WOMEN AND MARRIAGE IN THE EPIC PERIOD . . . . 15
The MahabJiarata and Ramayana — Grihya Sutras — Swayamvara form of marriage — Swayamvara of Damayanti — Marriage of Draupadi — Marriage of Savitri — Marriage by capture — Marriage by contract — Story of Kunti and the sun-god — Levirate — Gandharva or love-marriage — Contempt for conventional marriage — Marriage by purchase — Widow-burning in epic period — The character of Draupadi — Art of pleasing husbands — Sita, heroine of Ramayana — Rama and Sita — Kaikeyi, child wife of Dasaratha — Morality preached in Ramayana.
Chapter Four MEDIEVAL MORALITY . . . . . . • • 33
Low status of women in medieval India — Aryan pride of race — Medieval law-givers on women — Story of Anasuya — Child-marriage — The eight forms of marriage — Sati — Position of widows.
Chapter Five WOMEN IN MODERN INDIA , . . . . . 40
Position of women during the Muslim period — British influence on Indian social system — Widow-marriage — Female education — The Sarda Act — Modem attitude towards music and dancing — Role of Indian women in the Home Rule Movement — Marriage in Modern India — Co-education and love marriage — Inter-communal and inter-caste marriage — The dowry system — The joint family system.
PART TWO
WOMAN : HER NATURE AND POWER
Chapter Six THE NATURE OF WOMAN 48
Two opposing attitudes towards women — Woman as goddess — The mother — Stories of Parasurama and Jamadagni, Shiratkaru and Gautama — Status of the wife — Wife is the Home ’ — Cehbacy condemned — Ascetic view of woman — Story of the moon-god and his wives — Man or woman, who is better
viii
Chapter Seven POWER OF WOMAN . . 55
Active principle as feminine in Hindu mysticism — Woman as a fruitful source of strife — Story of Thilottliama and the two demons — The myth of Mohini — Story of Rishyasringa and the temptress — Viswamitra and Menaka - Occult powers obtained through celibacy — Woman and asceticism — Loyalty to husband, the strength of woman — Occult powers obtained through devotion to husband — The position of matron — Devayani and her doting father — Erudition of the lady Sulabha.
PART THREE
POETRY, ART AND SCIENCE OF LOVE
Chapter Eight LOVE POETRY
Love and devotion, the inspiring sources of poetry and love stories from the epics —
Kalidasa's Shakuntala — Bhavabhuti's Malati-Madhava — Bana — Nandin-- Mayura — Description of wild forest scenery.
Chapter Nine LITERATURE ON LOVE
The four objects of life — Kama or pleasure — Love as the greatest of pleasure — The divine origin of literature on love — Datlaka and the courtesans of Pataliputra — Vatsyayana's Kama Sufra — 'I'lie greatness of Vatsyayana — Koka Pandit’s Raii Raliasya — Story of Koka Pandit and the Yakshi — kalyanamalla's Ananga Raiiga.
Chapter Ten LOVE AS A FINE ART 77
The sixty-four fine arts — The language of signs — The four types of women ; Padmini, Chitrini, Sankhini and Hastini — The four types of men — Chandrakala or erogenous zones in women — How to court a woman — The first night — Love making in certain places prohibited.
Chapter Eleven LOVE AS A FINE ART (Concluded) 83
The six auxiliary pleasures that lead to union — Twelve forms of embraces — the art of kissing — Eight kinds of nail marks — Love-bites — Four kinds of stroking — Erotic articulation — Postures — Unequal sexual combinations — Rejuvenation — Men successful with women — Women who fall an easy prey to men — Varying moods in women — Nayikas — Samudrika-Sastra or the science of auspicious marks — Characteristics of women of different provinces.
Chapter Twelve DANGERS OF SEDUCTION 94
Need for guarding women against seducers' — Duties of a wife — Devotion to domestic duties that preclude chances of temptation — Punishments for adultery and seduction — Charm of women and laws of the pious — Even gods prone to temptation — Vatsyayana on the waj’s of seducers — Love-sick souls — women are not easily seduced — Messengers employed by seducers — Women of different dispositions — Signs of indifference or discontent in women — Ways of royal seducers.
IX
Chapter Thirteen THE COURTESAN AND HER WILES: A WARNING TO MEN .....100
The position of courtesans in ancient and medieval India — courtesan’s morality and duty — The story of Kamamanjari — Bhartrihari on the wiles of courtesans — Some works on the profession' — Vatsy ay ana’s classification of courtesans of his time — Classification in the Mahabharata — Vatsyayana on the ways of the courtesan — The art and craft of winning and holding a lover — The art of getting rid of an unwanted lover — On repairing broken relations — Plight of the aged courtesan.
PART FOUR
EROTIC ELEMENT IN RELIGION
Chapter Fourteen LINGAM AND THE FAMILY OF SHIVA in Erotic element in archaic religions — Sex worship — The dual principle in universe — Shiva as the Lingam — The Lingayats — Marriage of Shiva — The family of Shiva.
Chapter Fifteen SAKTAS... 119
Sakta conception of Godhead as feminine — Sakti as the Divine Mother — Sakti as the deity of destruction — The two divisions of Saktas — The Tantras" — The Panchatatva form of sex worship — Its justification — Tantric ritual and its origin.
Chapter Sixteen LOVE AS GOD.... 127
Vishnu as the God of Love and grace — Ecstasy of Vaishnava saints — Erotic symbolism in Vaishnava worship — Krishna as the mystic lover — Song and dance as expression of religious fervour — Radha, the beloved of Krishna — Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda — Vallabhacharya — The sect of Maharajahs — The exalted position of the Maharajahs — Swaminarayana sect — Radha Vallabhis —
Sakhi Bhavas.
Chapter Seventeen TEMPLE ART, DEVADASIS AND BACCHANALIAN
FESTIVALS 139
Promiscuity in archaic religions — Erotic art in temples — Devadasis — Abbe Dubois on recruiting Devadasis for Venkateswara — The origin of Devadasis — Opposition by enlightened Hindus — Patronage of kings — Prohibition of the institution — Bacchanalian festivals — The Holi in India — The Bharani festival of old Cochin.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
- KAMA GOD OF LOVE
- RATI GODDESS OF LOVE
- A LOVING COUPLE
- A FOND MOTHER WITH HER CHILD
- DANCERS
- COUPLE
- A NOBLE WOMAN
- A LADY OF DISTINCTION
- A MAID SERVANT
- A FEMALE ATTENDANT
- A QUEEN
- A GIRL OF NOBLE BIRTH
- AN ATTENDANT
- A PRINCESS
- A WOMAN OF NO DISTINCTION
- A MAID SERVANT
- A NOBLE WOMAN
- SOUTHERN STYLE
- A ROYAL TYPE
- A MODEST TYPE
- HEAD OF PARVATI
- HEAD OF PARVATI
- A COMMON TYPE
- ANOBLEWOIAN
- A SERVANT GIRL
- HEAD OF A GODDESS
- NALA AND DAJIAYANTI LEAVING THEIR KINGDOM
- NALA PERSUADING DAJIAYANTI
- NALA PLAYING A PRACTICAL JOKE ON DAMAY DAMAYANTI
- DAMAYANTI IN A DIFFIDENT MOOD
- EASTERN STYLE
- THE KUSHAN STYLE
- LATAVESHTITA EMBRACE
- EMBRACE
- AN APSARA OR CELESTIAL COURTESAN
- TOILET
- DECCANI LOVERS
- HINDUSTANI LOVERS
- ROYAL LOVERS
- A PRINCE AND HIS CONSORT ..
- OFFER OF A DRINK
- OFFER OF A FLOWER
- THE KISS: CENTRAL INDIAN STYLE
- LOVERS FROM THE NORTH
- A COURTESAN
- HINDUSTANI LOVERS
- ROYAL LOVERS A PRINCE AND HIS CONSORT ..
- OFFER OF A DRINK OFFER OF A FL0VT;R
- THE KISS CENTR.AL INDIAN STYLE
- LOITERS FROM THE NORTH
- A COURTESAN
- NAGA FIGURE
- EQUESTRIAN LOVERS
- FLYING CELESTIAL COUPLE
- AKUSHANTYPE
- TOILET
- THE KISS NORTHERN STYLE
- ROYAL LOVERS WITH ATTENDANTS
- SHAKUNTALA WITH HER TWO FRIENDS
- A DANCING GIRL
- LOVERS
- A YOUNG MOTHER FONDLING HER CHILD
- A PRINCE AND HIS LOVE
- INDRA AND HIS CONSORT
- TOILET
- TOILET
- RISHIPATNI
- A SMILING BEAUTY
- THE LOVE LETTER
- A DANCE POSE
- A CELESTIAL DANCER
- PILLAR WORK
- A LADY WITH A MIRROR
- A DANCE POSE
- BLISS
- SHIVA AND PARVATI IN AN AMOROUS POSE
- GANDHARVA
- DANCERS
- A KINNARA COUPLE
- COUPLE
- 75 LOVERS
- COUPLE
- THE MEETING
- THE APPROACH
- SHE IS TAKEN ABACK
- SHE IS STOPPED
- THE PROPOSAL
- SHE IS WON OVER OFFER OF A DRINK
- SHE IS NOW AMOROUS
- BUT RESENTS LIBERTIES
- A BIT OF COAXING
- SHE IS HIS NOW HIS
- THE BLISS
- So AN APSARA ANOINTING HER FEET
- MAITHUN FIGURESAN APSARA PAINTING HER EYES ..
- A DANCER IN A PECULIAR POSE
- COURTING
- LOVERS
- HAJURAHO TEMPLE SCULPTURES
- THE FAMOUS TEMPLES OF KHAJURAHO
- DETAILS OF SCULPTURES ON N. FACADE
- DETAILS OF SCULPTURES S.
- DETAILS OF SCULPTURES KANDARYA MAHADEO TEMPLE FACADE
- A MEDALLION DEPICTING A LOVE SCENE
- A DANCING GIRL
- A MEDALLION DEPICTING A COUPLE
- A NAGA AND NAGINI
- YOUNG LOVERS
- RAPTURE
- ARCHITECTURAL FRAGMENTS
- A GROUP OF FEMALE FIGURES
- DRINKING PARTY
- ILLUSTRATIONS FROM GITAGOVINDA
- LOVE SCENES
- A YANTRA SHOWING LINGAM GUARDED BY NANDI AND A SERPENT
- A YANTRA SHOWING LINGAM GUARDED BY FOUR SERPENTS
- DANCE SEQUENCE
- A WOMAN PLAYING ON A DRUM
- WRITING A LOVE LETTER
- THE KISS
- A DANCER
- A CELESTIAL BEAUTY IN AN EXQUISITE DANCE POSE
- CELESTIAL BEAUTY FRESH AFTER BATH
- A COURTESANA DANCE POSE
- THE KISS
- TOILET
- TRIPURARI
- DECORATIVE SCULPTURES OF LOVE SCENES
- MARRIAGE OF SHIVA AND PARVATI
- LOVE SCENES
- SHIVA AND PARVATI
- ANOTHER REPRESENTATION OF SHIVA AND PARVATI
- A WOMAN OF FREE LOVE
- SHIVA AND PARVATI IN AN UNUSUAL POSE
- AN EXQUISITE DANCE POSE
- A DANCE POSE OF THE AGGRESSIVE TYPE
- THE BASHFUL BRIDE
- CHITRINI
- PADMINI
- HASTINI
- SHANKHINI
- UTKA
- SY'ADHINA PATIKA UTKA
- VIPRALABDHA
- MANINI
- UTKA WAITS IN A LONELY PLACE
- ABHISANDHITA KHANDITA
- A NABODHA CHAND ABHISARIKA
- ABHISARIKA VASAKA SAYA DUTIKA ..
- PRUSITA PREYASI ABHISARIKA
- VASAKA SAYA ABHISARIKA
- ABHISARIKA .
- VIBHASA RAGA VARARIRAGINI
- TODI RAGINI SAMBHOGA RAGINI . .
- RADHA AND KRISHNA IN THE FIELDS OF BRINDABAN KANADA RAGINI
- A RAGINI SWEET AS A LOVE SCENE
- A RAGA REPRESENTED AS A BATHING SCENE SORATH RAGINI
- THE FINAL LOOK OF SATISFACTION RADHA’S TOILET
- RAJPUT LOVERS DIPAKA RAGA
- A PRINCE PLAYING HOLI IN HIS HAREM RADHA AFTER HER BATH
- A PRINCE AND HIS CONSORT
- RADHA AND KRISHNA SHELTERING FROM RAIN TODI RAGINI
- A JEALOUS LADY UPBRAIDING HER LOVER WHO HAD EMBRACED HER
- THE FOLLY OF GODS THE WARM EMBRACE
- RECONCILIATION
- MEETING AFTER SEPARATION THE MADNESS OF PASSION
- THE INEXPERIENCED BRIDE
- THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
- THE LOVER’S TRICK THE ROUGH KISS
- BROACHING THE SUBJECT THE SURPRISE SHE IS WILLING
- SOME SIGNS OF THE HAND DANCE
- TOILET
And more.......
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