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Kamashastra and Classical Sanskrit literature (study)

by Vishwanath K. Hampiholi | 1986 | 78,921 words

This essay in English studies the influence of Kamashastra on classical Sanskrit literature by exploring the significance of Kama (sexual desire) within Indian philosophy and literature. It is highlighted tat ancient Indians valued both spiritual and worldly aspects of life. The treatise "Kamasutra" by Vatsyayana is highlighted as a pione...

Chapter 5.3 - Examination of the state of a woman’s mind

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The third adhyaya deals with the examination of the state of a woman's mind. In this adhyaya, Vatsyayana has discussed the plans to know the feelings of women. He has advised a male how to attract a woman to fulfil his desire. The Kamasutra says that when a woman wants to manifest her love, she speaks tremblingly and inarticulately. Her fingers and toes moisten with perspiraThough 74 tion and her face becomes covered by sweat. Vatsyayana has given these characteristics in Paradarikadhikarana, Kalidasa has made use of these sutras when he describes the marriage ceremony of siva and Parvati as well as Aja and Indumati. In the Kumarasambhava he statesBy the joining of their hands the hair of Uma's body stood on end, while Siva's fingers perspired. Here Kalidasa 75 72. grog mutat: Pafurra a galeg | yz 8.1.51 62. 73. sarvepathu gadgadam vadati | ka . su . 5.3.17. 74. svinnakaracaranalih svinnamukhi ca bhavati | ka . su . 5.3.18. 75. romodgamah pradurabhudumayah svinnangulih pumgavaketurasit | ku . sam . 7.77.

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330 has reversed the order of Kamasutra. perspirates, but here Hara perspirates. It says that a woman This reverse order has been corrected by the poet when he wrote Raghuvamsa. There the bridegroom harripilates and the bride perspirates 76 according to the words of Kamasutra. In both the contexts Kalidasa has used the word svinnanguli as mentioned by Vatsyayana only. At the end of this adhyaya the Kamasutra says- "A man should first get himself introduced to a woman and then carry on a conversation with her. He should give hints of his love for her. If he finds from her replies that she receives these hints favourably, he should then .77 set to work to gain her over without any fear. Dusyanta behaves according to the above aphorisms. He initially inquires about the parentage of Sakuntala and then initiates a talk with her. 78 When he beholds her in 76. amidavarah kantakitaprakosthah svinnangulih svavrte kumari | raghu . 7.22. 77. adi paricayam kuryattataca paribhasanam | paribhasana sammisram mithacakaravedanam || pratyuttarena pasyeccedakarasya parigraham | tato'bhiyujita narah striyam vigatasadhvasah || ka . lu . 5.3.31, 32. 78. vayamapi tavada bhavatyoh sakhigatam kimapi prcchamah | abhi . 1. pr . 21.

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331 love-sick condition, then only he expresses his love thus- "O slender-limbed one, Love heats you; but it incessantly 1.79 Thus Kalidasa has followed the instructions of Vatsyayana while depicting the king Dusyanta. burns me.

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