Namaste is a
significant part of Hinduism, as well as being incorporated in various
cultures. It is frequently observed in many Western spiritual practices,
including yoga, and is also used as an expression of politeness and esteem.
However, what is the real meaning of Namaste, and why is it so important to so
many cultures?
Namaste is a
Sanskrit term that is composed of two words: nama, which means “bow,” and te,
meaning “you.” It can be translated to mean “I bow to you.” This is usually
done in a physical manner, with the hands placed together in a prayer-like
position with the fingers pointing upwards near the chest and accompanied by a
bow. This is a common salutation and a way of showing respect.
It is more
than just a polite way to greet someone; it carries more weight than that.
Namaste is a sign of appreciation, respect, and modesty. It symbolizes the
recognition of the divine energy present in each person and is an
acknowledgement of the unity of all human beings, regardless of their gender,
race, religion, or social standing. It is an expression of admiration for
someone’s being.
When Namaste
is used as a greeting, it has a greater purpose than simply a pleasantry. It is
a way of expressing the spiritual link between two people. It signifies the
acknowledgment of the divine in one another, as well as honoring the connection
that binds us all together. It is a way of displaying mutual respect and
dedication to a serene and harmonious relationship.
In Hinduism,
Namaste has even more significance than as a salutation. It is usually used to
pay homage to a deity or to greet a mentor or guru. In this context, Namaste is
a way of expressing the highest degree of deference and humility, and of
recognizing the divine within each other. It is a method of demonstrating the
interconnectedness of all life, as well as expressing reverence for the power
of the divine.
Furthermore,
Namaste can also be used as a means of expressing appreciation, as in “thank
you for your presence.” This is an acknowledgement of the blessings received
and a way of showing gratitude for them. It is a way of recognizing the force
of the divine in one’s life.
In yoga,
Namaste is generally used as a gesture of appreciation towards the teacher and
other students, as well as to demonstrate humility and respect for the
practice. It is used to signify the end of the practice and to show gratitude
for the teachings. It is a way of acknowledging the divine in one another, and
of honoring the connection between the student and the teacher.
Namaste is
an important term in Hinduism and one which is present in many cultures. It is
a gesture of respect and appreciation, and is a recognition of the divine
energy in each individual. It is a way of honoring another’s existence, and of
displaying humility and mutual respect. In yoga, it is used to signify the end
of the practice and to express gratitude for the teachings. Namaste is a
meaningful way of showing the highest level of respect and acknowledgment, and
of recognizing the power of the divine in each other.
In recent years, India has become a popular travel
destination for tourists and backpackers alike, offering visitors the chance to
explore its rich and diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. With an
abundance of attractions to explore, India has become a bucket list destination
for many travellers. Yet with its vibrant culture, comes some inherent risks
that travellers must be aware of, particularly for women traveling alone. This
article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of women traveling to India
solo, and argue that despite the potential risks, there are enough precautions
that women can take to enjoy a safe and rewarding experience.
Argument for Traveling to India Alone
There are numerous advantages for women to travel to India
alone, the most prominent of which is the ability to experience the country at
one’s own pace. As international traveller and writer, Jennifer Boyer, states,
“Going to India solo allows you to control your itinerary, decide how much time
to spend in a particular area and which sites to see”. Solo travel also
provides women the opportunity to explore places that are off the beaten path,
allowing them to learn more about the local culture and customs of India that
cannot be gained through a guided tour.
In addition to the freedom and flexibility that solo travel
provides, women traveling to India alone will also have the opportunity to
develop independence and confidence, both essential skills that can be applied
to other areas of life. As Boyer explains, “Going solo to India can help women
develop a greater sense of self-reliance and a stronger sense of courage to try
new things”. Women travellers will also develop a greater appreciation for
their own personal safety and will become more conscious of their environment
and the people around them.
Furthermore, solo female travellers will find that there are
many resources available to them that can make their journey easier. For
example, female-only travel networks, such as Sheroes Hangout, offer
women-friendly accommodations, meet-ups, and other services to help make their
experience smoother. Additionally, there are online forums and social media
groups that provide helpful advice on navigating India safely and efficiently,
while meeting other solo travellers along the way.
Argument Against Traveling to India Alone
Despite the numerous benefits of traveling to India alone,
there are also several risks that must be considered. Chief among them is the
potential danger of harassment that women travellers may face in India. Despite
some progressive laws to protect women’s safety, such as the Protection of
Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005, women in India still face significant
levels of gender-based violence. This is especially true in rural areas, where
there are fewer resources to protect them. Thus, women traveling alone in India
must be aware of the potential dangers and take measures to ensure their
safety.
In addition to the physical risks, women travellers may also
face mental and emotional stress. As solo travel expert, Melissa Dominguez,
states, “When traveling solo, it’s important to understand the emotional toll
that the journey can take on an individual”. This can be especially true in a
foreign and unfamiliar country, where one can be overwhelmed by the new
language, customs, and culture. Thus, it is important for women to ensure that
they have adequate emotional and mental support throughout their journey to
avoid potential burnout or homesickness.
Finally, another potential risk that women travellers may
face is financial instability. Despite the abundance of affordable and quality
services available, traveling alone can still be expensive. With no one to
share costs, women may find themselves unable to afford the same experiences
they would be able to if they were traveling with a partner. Furthermore, the
potential risks of theft or loss of belongings are more likely when traveling
alone, adding further to the financial burden.
In conclusion, while there are inherent risks associated
with women traveling to India alone, there are numerous measures that can be
taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Women should familiarize
themselves with the local laws and customs, location, language and ensure that
they have adequate financial resources, and take advantage of the various
resources available to them. When done properly, solo travel to India can be a
rewarding and life-changing experience.
Marriage is a sacred bond between two people, and it is an
important decision that has consequences that can last a lifetime. When it
comes to marriage, different cultures have different ideas and traditions when
it comes to celebrating the union of two people. In India, the culture is
heavily influenced by Hinduism and traditional values, while Western marriages
have their own cultural aspects, such as Christianity, secularism, and a
variety of other influences. This essay will compare and contrast the differences
between Indian and Western marriages, and discuss why they are different.
Indian marriages are generally considered to be more
traditional, and most often involve an arranged marriage between two families.
There is a large focus on the families involved in the marriage, as the
families will often be responsible for arranging and celebrating the union of
the two people. Indian marriages also involve a lot of rituals and ceremonies
that are steeped in Hinduism, such as the exchanging of garlands and the seven
vows. Indian marriages are often seen as a sacred union between two families,
and are generally seen as a more serious commitment.
Indian vs Western Marriages
In comparison, Western marriages often involve more
individual choice and freedom. It is more common for two people to choose to
marry each other out of love and commitment, without much interference from the
families involved. Western weddings also usually have a more secular or
Christian focus, and the ceremony is usually much more simplified than Indian
weddings. Western marriages are seen as more of a partnership between two
people, with less emphasis on the importance of the families involved.
Overall, Indian and Western marriages are very different in
their approach and focus. Indian marriages tend to be more traditional, with a
heavy emphasis on rituals and the importance of the families involved. In
contrast, Western marriages are usually more individualistic and based more on
the love and commitment between the two people getting married. Each type of
marriage has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is ultimately
up to the two people getting married to decide which type of marriage is best
for them.
The traditions in Indian weddings
Indian weddings are an event of great magnitude, filled with
hundreds of years of culture, tradition, and celebration. In India, weddings
are a very big deal and typically include several days of pre-wedding
ceremonies and rituals, as well as the wedding ceremony itself. These
traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, and each region
has their own unique spin on them.
One of the most important and elaborate ceremonies is the
Sangeet. This is a day of song and dance that celebrates the union of the
couple, and the family and friends of the couple. Typically, family members and
close friends of the couple are invited to this ceremony, and they sing, dance,
and exchange gifts to honor the newlyweds.
The next ceremony is the Mehendi. This is a traditional
practice of henna application, which is believed to bring good luck to the
bride and groom. In this ceremony, the bride’s hands and feet are decorated
with intricate henna designs. Usually, the mother and female relatives of the
bride assist in this ceremony. The Mehendi ceremony is also a chance for the
bride to show off her henna designs, which are meant to be a reflection of her
beauty.
The wedding ceremony itself is a beautiful and elaborate
affair. The bride and groom are both dressed in traditional wedding attire,
typically chosen by their families. After the traditional vows and rituals are
exchanged, the newly married couple is showered with blessings and gifts from
the guests. At the end of the ceremony, the couple takes their first steps
together as a married couple, often in an archway decorated with flowers.
The fire in Hindu weddings
The fire in Hindu weddings is an integral part of the
ceremony and holds immense symbolic value in the Hindu tradition. The ritual of
the sacred fire, or agni, is a representation of divinity and is believed to be
a witness to the marriage. The fire, as a representation of Agni, is viewed as
a purifying and protective agent, providing strength and blessings to the
couple throughout their journey together.
The wedding fire is lit at the start of the ceremony, and
the couple encircles it, taking seven steps around it to signify the seven
steps they will take together during their life together. Each step has a
special meaning associated with it, such as loyalty, commitment, and unity. At
the conclusion of the seven steps, the couple makes a pledge to each other to
remain together through thick and thin.
The fire is then used as a witness for the couple's marriage
vows. The couple places their hands in the fire, and the priest chants mantras.
This part of the ceremony is known as the “Sapthapadi” or seven steps. After
the couple has taken the seven steps, they exchange garlands and declare their
commitment to each other.
The wedding fire is then used to offer prayers to the gods
and goddesses and as a medium to seek their blessings. The couple prays to the
gods and goddesses and ask for their grace, love and blessings to lead a happy
and content life.
Finally, the wedding fire is a symbol of hope and optimism
for the couple. In ancient times, the fire was used to ward off evil and bad
omens. In modern times, it symbolizes the couple's commitment to each other and
the hope for a bright and happy future.
The fire in Hindu weddings is a rich and meaningful ritual
that has been passed down from generation to generation. It has a powerful
symbolic significance and brings joy and blessings to the couple's life.
Finally, the wedding is not complete without the traditional
Reception. This is a time to celebrate the newly married couple and share their
joy with family and friends. At the Reception, there are speeches, a lavish
meal, and plenty of music and dancing.
Indian weddings are steeped in tradition and culture, and
they are a fantastic way to celebrate the joining of two families. The
days-long event is full of ceremony and celebration, which has been passed down
from generation to generation. The next time you attend an Indian wedding, take
a few moments to appreciate the beautiful traditions that make the event so
special.
Bengali (or Bangla) is the second most widely spoken language in India after Hindi. It happens to be the seventh most spoken language in the world. If you are considering visiting the state of West Bengal, then these Bengali numbers 1 to 100 will come in handy. These Bengali numbers will certainly come in handy when in Kolkata or any other place in Bengal. Important point to remember is that Bengali is also spoken in Bangladesh hence these numbers will be useful if you are planning to visit Bangladesh as well.
These Bengali numbers can be used for haggling or simply trying to understand what you are being sold or told in a shop or street seller. It will also be useful when ordering something in a restaurant or eating street food. This will indicate the listener that you have done your homework when comes to Bengali numbers.
Please note that these Bengali numbers are similar to Hindi numbers and if you were to say the Hindi version, it will be well understood but nonetheless, it’s wise to make an effort to speak in Bengali. Also note that Tamil numbers in West Bengal will not work as they are very different.
Bengali numbers 1 to 100 in English:
1 – Ek 2 – Dui 3 – Teen 4 – Cha 5 – Panch 6 – Chhoy 7 – Sat 8 – Aá¹h 9 – Noy 10 – Dosh
Luxury Staycation is the newest trend that
allows you to have a lavish staycation during your next holiday. You get to
experience a luxurious and comfortable life With the luxury hotels in the UAE.
It has a lovely ambiance and is as modern as it can get. The Dubai hotels are one of the most
visited places in the UAE for everyone who wants to take a break from typical
daily life. These hotels are situated at prime locations in Dubai, making
reaching your destination easier. These hotels provide excellent services and
amenities like spas, restaurants, swimming pools and many leisure activities
which make staycations very relaxing and enjoyable for your next holiday. You
will be impressed by the beauty of the city and also experience great
hospitality.
1. Atlantis, The
Palm
Image Resource:
unsplash.com
This hotel and resort provide you with a lot
of luxurious services and amenities. The hotel has a fantastic facade that
resembles the shape of a palm tree. It has a beautiful lobby decorated with
gleaming marble floors and pink columns. It also has restaurants, bars, and
lounges that offer numerous food options, like a great selection of fresh
seafood, steaks, and vegetarian dishes.
2. Le Royal Meridien
Beach Resort & Spa
This hotel also has a natural and comfortable
atmosphere with a fantastic sea view. It has an extensive beachfront view and
offers excellent services in pools, restaurants, bars, lounges, and facilities
for recreation. The hotel also provides an outdoor pool for guests who enjoy
refreshing swimming in the cool water.
3. Lapita, Dubai Parks
& Resorts
This hotel is well known for its traditional
natural atmosphere of the desert. It provides a lot of fun and memorable
experiences that keep you refreshed and satisfied. The hotel is situated in a
tranquil area away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It has a fantastic
sea view and a concierge lounge, so you may have an enjoyable staycation
experience in Dubai.
4. SLS Dubai Hotel
& Residences
This hotel has a lovely tranquil atmosphere,
warm desert ambiance, and comfortable scenery. The hotel overlooks the Burj
Khalifa and provides excellent services. It is one of the best hotels in Dubai,
with services like restaurants and bars, swimming pools, lounges, and spas that
offer numerous spa treatments. The hotel also has a fitness centre to relax
during your staycation.
5. Form Hotel, Al
Jaddaf
This hotel also has a very comfortable
atmosphere with a relaxing desert ambiance. It provides many facilities like
swimming pools and spas that offer relaxing massages. The hotel is well
equipped with reception services and provides several facilities for recreation
like pool tables, tennis courts, and more.
6. Caesars Palace
Dubai
This luxury hotel is well known for its
luxurious and luxurious services. It has a fantastic facade with a large
Egyptian pyramid that leads to a vast garden. It also provides many facilities
such as restaurants, bars, lounges, and swimming pools, providing numerous
activities during the staycation trip. The hotel also offers a great view of
the beautiful desert.
7. Mandarin
Oriental
This hotel is built in the traditional Arab
style with a lot of luxury and elegance. It has a large lobby area decorated with
marble floors and elegant columns embellished with intricate carvings. The
hotel also has facilities for recreation like a gymnasium, tennis courts, and
gyms where you can relax during your staycation with your family or friends.
8. The Palm
This hotel is located in the most modern and
beautiful area of Dubai called the Palm. The hotel provides a large pool for
swimmers to swim and relax in the water. It also has restaurants, lounges,
bars, changing rooms, and a restaurant where you can enjoy your favourite
cuisine. It has stylish rooms with all modern amenities and offers many
services that make you enjoy every single moment of your staycation.
9. Waldorf Astoria
Dubai The Palm
This hotel provides many services, including a
swimming pool, restaurant, and bars. You can relax during your staycation by
spending time at the swimming pool. The hotel also has a spa that offers unique
treatments for relaxation. Your next holiday will be outstanding in Dubai with
these fantastic hotels waiting for you to stay there comfortably.
10. Raffles The
Palm
This hotel is known for its fantastic
architecture with a lot of luxury and elegance. You will be impressed by the
design of the tower that resembles a lotus flower. It provides many facilities
and amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and bars that provide numerous food
options when staying there comfortably. It also has a beautiful view of the
city skyline and a fantastic sea view.
11. Avani Ibn Battuta
Hotel
This hotel will give you a sense of luxurious
pleasure. It provides many facilities like restaurants, bars, and lounges where
you can enjoy your favourite food and beverages. The hotel also has an outdoor
pool surrounded by palm trees and other greenery, giving it a wonderful
ambiance. The hotel is situated in a tranquil area away from the hustle and
bustle of the city.
12. FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Hotel
Image Resource:
unsplash.com
A staycation in Dubai will be perfect with a
cruise around the Palm. This hotel is situated at the top of one of the
islands, and you can enjoy your stay here in luxury and comfort. The hotel has
a very soft and relaxing ambiance, making you want to stay there for a long
time. It provides excellent services like spas and swimming pools. You can also
enjoy delicious food in the numerous dining options available at this beautiful
hotel.
13. The St. Regis
Downtown, Dubai
This hotel provides many recreation
facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. You can enjoy a
lot of conveniences such as shops, bars, and lounges while you are staying here
during your Dubai staycation. The hotel also has a restaurant where you can
have delicious dishes cooked using local ingredients.
14. Crowne Plaza Dubai
Marina
This hotel has a charming atmosphere with a
lot of tranquillity and elegance. It has a vast swimming pool and spa where you
can relax after a tiring day. The hotel is situated in a tranquil area of
Dubai, free from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will be delighted to
find several services and amenities while you are staying here during your
staycation.
15. JA The Resort
This resort provides facilities for recreation
like swimming pools and spas. You can enjoy many food options as the hotel has
several restaurants and bars where you can have delicious cuisine that you may
not find in Dubai. The hotel is situated in a tranquil area away from the rest
of the city so you can enjoy your staycation here peacefully. The hotel is
spacious and comfortable, with all the amenities you need for an enjoyable
staycation in Dubai.
Dubai is a place you can visit for a beautiful
staycation. Numerous hotels provide many facilities and activities to keep you
relaxed and entertained. You can enjoy the city's beautiful scenery by going in
for desert safaris organised during your staycation. Your next holiday will be
full of fun and adventure as Dubai has something to offer you from every corner
of the world.
Do you want
to learn Tagalog numbers? Are you looking to polish up on your basic Tagalog numbers
to use them every now and then? Tagalog or Filipino numbers as they are often
called are easy. Numbers should be the first thing one should learn when trying
to learn a particular language. Numbers are called numbers “mga numero ng” in
Tagalog.
So here are
the Tagalog Numbers 1-10
One1isa
Two2dalawa
Three3tatlo
Four4apat
Five5lima
Six6anim
Seven7pito
Eight8walo
Nine9siyam
Ten10sampu
If you want
to learn rest of the Tagalog numbers from 1 to 100 then you can learn them from
here. If you are interested in buying Tagalog numbers in a book format you can
one here.
Indian food or Indian cuisinecovers a wide diversity of regional cuisines indigenous to India. The cuisines differ extensively from each other because they use locally available ingredients such as herbs, fruits, spices and vegetables. These cuisines are also influence by various factors such as cultural and religious believes. Indian food uses a whole combination of flavors- sour, spicy, sweet and hot making Indian food unique and exciting. The interaction of India with various cultures and groups in the continent has led to the diversification of regional foods and flavors found in India today.
Ingredients that make up Indian food
Indian staple foods include: whole –wheat flour, rice, pearl millet (bajra), lentils such as masoor, urad, moong and toor. Pulses are also common, such as lobiya, rajma and channa.
The most commonly used and important spices include: Black mustard (sarso), cumin (scars), cardamom (elaichi), chili pepper (mirch), turmeric (haldi), garlic (lehsun), coriander (dhania), ginger (adrak), asafetida (hing) and garam masala. Rose petal essences, nutmeg, saffron and cardamon are mostly used to flavor sweet dishes.
The most regularly used leaves for flavoring Indian food include: Mint, fenugreek, coriander and bay leaves. South Indians are well known for using roots and curry leaves to flavor food.
Most Indian foods are cooked in peanut oil (in Western and Northern India), coconut oil (along the Western Coast), mustard oil (eastern India) and vegetable oil which is the most common.
Indian cuisine is divided into different regional cuisines, some of which include:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Mainly consists of sea food and fruits.
Haryana: Dairy products are widespread in this cuisine. Pakora, churma, besan masala, kadhi and badhua are some of the common dishes.
Andhra Pradesh: The staple food is rice which is rich in spices and is eaten with a range of lentil soups and curries. Yogurt is usually taken together with the meals to counter the spiciness of the food.
Assamese: Known for its minimal use of spices but uses herbs for flavors. Fresh or dried vegetables and fruits make a large proportion of the meal.
Arunachal Pradesh: Rice, leafy vegetables, fish and meat are the staple foods. Rice beer is very popular in this cuisine.
Bihari: Common dishes include dalpuri, meat saalan, litti chokha, malpua and balushahi.
Daman and Diu: Mainly consists of sea food. Lapsee, puri, potaya and dhakanu are popular during festivities. Western foods are also available.
Dadraand Nagar Haveli: Roti, rice, fish, crab and vegetables are the most common foods. Buttermilk, herbs and fruits also make up the diet.
Gujurat: It is a vegetarian cuisine. Made up of a variety of vegetables; this can be spicy or sweet depending on the region.
Chhattisgarh: Uses foods that are not available in other parts of India such as bamboo vegetable, bamboo pickle, mushrooms, and squirrels. The staple food is rice
Goa: There are intense flavors in Goa because it has a tropical climate. Staple foods are fish and rice often served with coconut milk. Bread accompanies most of the meals.
Eating habits of India and Indians
A healthy breakfast is regarded as a very important meal in the Indian diet. Preferences vary regionally though most Indians prefer to drink coffee or tea (chai) together with breakfast. South Indians have a preference for dosas and idlis together with various chutneys while North Indians favor parathas, roti and a vegetable dish together with pickles and some curd.
Lunch usually consists of two or more varieties of vegetables and other items such as parathas, naan or kulcha. In East and South India, rice is the main dish while whole wheat rotis is the main dish in North and West India. Desserts are also eaten after meals in some parts of India.
Dinner is deemed as the main meal. Families often come together for ‘evening breakfast’ to drink tea, eat snacks and have family conversations.
Many Indians normally eat desserts after meals to help in digestion which include: jalebi, gulab jamun, rasgulla, Kheer, chikki, barfi, mysore pak, shrikhand, sandesh, kuju katli and rabri. Most of them are made with sugar and condensed milk but the desserts vary depending on the regions. Indians lay great emphasis on eating healthy diets. It is no doubt that the Indian cuisine is intriguing and an amazing experience to those who have not tasted the Indian cuisine before.
Who has not
heard of William Shakespeare. Everyone at school has read his plays as part of their
school curriculum. He was pure literary genius. He was able to use words in a
way in which showed his great talent. He even invented words some of which
include dwindle, monumental, sanctimonious, castigate and frugal. Some of phrases
used in his plays are used a lot in day to day spoken English and many people don’t
even know about it. Some of which include A wild goose chase (Romeo and Juliet),
The be-all and the end-all (Macbeth), All that glisters is not gold (The
Merchant of Venice), In my heart of hearts (Hamlet), It’s Greek to me (Julius
Caesar) and A heart of gold (Henry V).
I have always liked William Shakespeare plays
and some his quotes. Here’s a list of the top 10 William Shakespeare quotes
about life and love.
1. All the
world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: They have their
exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts. (As You
Like It, Act II, Scene VII)
2. Love will
not be spurred to what it loathes (The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 5, Scene 2)
3. My bounty
is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, the more
I have, for both are infinite. (Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, scene 2)
4. To be, or
not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the
slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of
troubles, and by opposing end them. To die: to sleep. (Hamlet, Act III, Scene I)
6. Men at
some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our
stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings. (Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene II)
7. Be not
afraid of greatness: twas well writ. Some are born great, some achieve
greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. (Twelfth Night: Act II,
scene 4)
8. Love
looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted
blind. (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act 1, scene 1)
9. My bounty
is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep. The more I give to thee, the more I
have, for both are infinite. (Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, scene 2).
10. The web
of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together. All's Well That Ends
Well. (Act 4, Scene 3)
What do you
think of these quotes from William Shakespeare? Did you like then? Do you have
a favourite then feel free to post in the comments below?
I want to talk about an Indian term called
Antarvasna. The world Antarvasna relates to the inner desires and feelings
related to sex and sexuality. India is the country that has given birth to the 11th
century Kamasutra, the book of sexuality or sexology. However there has been no
mention of anatomy and physiology of different parts of reproductive organs
specially the female parts in any of these literary works. However texts of the
medieval period do mention the various female parts and the function of these
organs in the enjoyment of sex (Rao 2004). Some of the functions, role has been
mentioned in the Bhavaprakasa of ayurveda and Paururavamanasijasutra parts of
the Kamasutra. The text proves that Indians actually knew about these areas of
female anatomy and sexuality since the text has been shown to be from the third
century A.D. Other Indian texts of sexuality include; Jayamangala, Ratirahasya,
Smaradipika and Anangaranga.
The famous book of Kamasutra was introduced
to teach the readers about the science of sexuality. It was supposed to induce
antarvasna, the inner (antar) desires/sexuality (vasna). The word Vasna in
Hindi/Sanskrit denotes inner desire for sex while antar is the inner feelings.
The Kamasutra is an India book of desires. Hence the Kamasutra is all about
inducing antarvasna, the inner (antar) desires to engage in sex (vasna).
The Kamasutra (Kamasutra, comprising of the
word Kama, "the desire" and Sutra, "the aphorism" or
literally "the aphorisms of desire" is an Indian writing between the
fourth century and seventh century, attributed to Vatsyayana.
The Kamasutra is a standard treatment of
the Hinduism. It has been translated for the first time in English in 1876 by
Richard Francis Burton. But the book did not become legal in the United Kingdom
in 1963.
The central theme of the Kamasutra
The Kamasutra provides information on
privacy in ancient India. It evokes successively "the three goals of
life", "the advice of common sense", "the behavior of the
city", "the choice of a wife", "the duties and privileges
of the wife ", " the courtesans and methods occult " in addition
to all practices more directly related to sexuality. Like all pieces of the
India ancient structure can also be read as an allegory of the union (yoga) to
the Divine.
Often richly illustrated with miniatures,
he provides seduction advice for a harmonious life in the couple, including
through various intimate positions (although 64 positions have been the
popularity of the work they do, however, that a chapter of book itself) to the
origin to the Indian aristocracy.
The Kamasutra is not only devoted to
intimacy, also a lifestyle that a person had grown to know. It covers for
example the use of music, food, perfumes etc. In addition, the book also gives
advice to women and couples and indicates that men were not held in the sexual
relationship only, but should also control the kisses, caresses, bites and
scratches. It describes a number of positions, but also the behavior to be
performed by the partners in place to let their imagination.
Besides the treatise of Vatsyayana there
are other similar works on the same subject are India. These include;
1. The Ratirahasya, or secrets of love.
2. The Panchasakya, or the five arrows.
3. The Smara Pradipa, or the light of love.
4. The Ratimanjari, or the garland of love.
5. The Rasmanjari, or the sprout of love.
6. The Anunga Runga, or the stage of love;
also called Kamaledhiplava, or a boat in the ocean of love.
Rao BR. 2004. Influence of Tantra on
ayurveda and Kamasutra. Bull Indian Inst Hist Med Hyderabad. 34(1):41-9.
