Significance of Conjugal intercourse
Conjugal intercourse, as outlined in Dharmashastra, refers to the sexual relations between a married couple. It highlights specific practices such as refraining from intimacy for three nights during rituals, maintaining personal cleanliness after such acts, and selectively permitting these relations based on circumstances like a student's phase. The nature of this relationship also comes under scrutiny depending on the wife's behavior. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of ritual purity in the context of marital intimacy.
Synonyms: Marital relations, Sexual intercourse, Cohabitation, Sexual activity, Coitus, Copulation, Intimacy.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Conjugal intercourse'
Conjugal intercourse in Hinduism encompasses the sacred sexual relations between a married couple, emphasizing personal cleanliness and ritual purity, with specific guidelines on timing, behavior, and restrictions, reflecting the importance of spiritual conduct.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The sexual relationship between husband and wife, which is subject to scrutiny based on the wife's behavior and characteristics.[1]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The act of sexual relations with one's wife, permitted at appropriate times during a student's term.[2]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The act which, if occurred during the night prior, prevents Veda recitation, indicating a focus on ritual purity.[3]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The act of sexual relations between a married couple, which must be followed by personal cleanliness.[4]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of sexual relations between a married couple, which is to be refrained from for a period of three nights in the context of the ritual.[5]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Physical intimacy that is to be refrained from during a specified period post-ceremony, underscoring a period of ritual purity.[6]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The act the couple is meant to avoid for a period of three nights while they sleep on the ground.[7]