Module 8: South & Southeast Asia

 Artwork Analysis

Loving Couple (Mithuna), 13th century, Odisha, India

 

    The image above is of a sculpture constructed in the 13th century in Odisha, India (previously named Orissa) by an unknown artist. Symbolism and beauty were major aspects of Indian culture throughout this time period. In Hinduism, deities were portrayed by good things such as beautiful ladies and couples expressing love and sex. The image offered is comparable to many images and sculptures of a loving pair (mithuna). The lady is frequently drawn to the male, despite the fact that both have emphasized broadness and curves.

        Dharma, an important Hindu teaching, encompasses the pleasures of sexual intercourse and celebrating it, while maintaining boundaries that limit bodily and emotional distress. Kama's teachings include self-control as an important boundary, but otherwise praise sex. But what does mithuna have to do with sex in Hinduism?

    Mithuna is an important term in not only India, but around the world. It also means Gemini. In this context however, mithuna means conjoined, or sexual union. Since sex and intimacy is celebrated, rather than rejected, a loving relationship between, in this case, a man and a woman represent mithuna. Hindu scriptures make several references to mithuna (or mithunaya). It is believed to be one of the four goals of life.

    Mithuna is a significant term not only in India, but all throughout the world. It also denotes Gemini. Mithuna, on the other hand, indicates conjoined or sexual union in this context. Because sex and intimacy are cherished rather than condemned, a love connection, in this case, between a man and a woman represents mithuna. Mithuna is mentioned multiple times in Hindu literature (or mithunaya). It is thought to be one of the four life goals.

                           

Mithuna sculpture from north Jagmohan of Brahmeshwar temple, 

Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, India, ca. 11th century A.D.

 

Citations

What does Hinduism say about sexual relationships? - Sexual relationships - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - WJEC. (2019). BBC Bitesize. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zmct92p/revision/4.

Rajendran, A. (2020, December 29). Mithuna – The Male – Female Auspicious Symbol in Hinduism. Hindu Blog. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.hindu-blog.com/2020/12/mithuna-male-female-auspicious-symbol.html.

 

What is Maithuna? (2018). Glorian. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://glorian.org/connect/blog/what-is-maithuna.

 

Loving Couple (Mithuna). (2015). The Met. Retrieved October 24, 2021, from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/38141.