Essay name: Kamashastra and Classical Sanskrit literature (study)
Author:
Vishwanath K. Hampiholi
Affiliation: Karnatak University / Department of Sanskrit
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 pioneering erotic text, addressing sexual pleasure as an art form.
Chapter 2 - Kamasutra part 1 (Sadharana-adhikarana)—Critical study
4 (of 48)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
having praised Siva and Kṛṣṇa shows respect to Kāma. 4 10 35 In the second adhyaya, Vatsyāyana discusses the
acquisition of Dharma, Artha and Kama. He says, a man
whose life period is one hundred years, should practise
three purusārthas at different times in such a manner
that they harmonize each other and do not get clashed
in any way. He should study in his childhood, in his
youth and middle age, he should attend to Artha and Kama
and in his old age he should perform Dharma and gain
11 Moksa.
Here Vätsyāyana gives equal importance to all
the four goals of life. This idea inspires Nārāyaṇa who
says in his Hitopadesa- "His life is useless like the
udders at the goat's throat, who does not practise even
.12
one among Dharma, Artha, Kama and Mokṣa.
expresses the same idea through Vikarālā, an old procuress,
Damodaragupta
•
10. मन्त्री वसन्तसमयो यस्य च राजीवलोचना राज्यम् ।
वाहा मलयसमीराः पञ्चशरोऽसौ नृपो जयति ॥ कंदर्प [mantrī vasantasamayo yasya ca rājīvalocanā rājyam |
vāhā malayasamīrāḥ pañcaśaro'sau nṛpo jayati || kaṃdarpa ] 1.1.3.
Ed. & Pub. Vaidya Jadavaji Trikramaji Acharya, Bombay, 1925.
11. Matyð geat fangu atauzulzangfad gezoceangga (19)
त्रिवर्ग सेवेत । बाल्ये विद्यागृहणादीन् अर्थान् कामं च यौवने ।
स्थविरे धर्म मोक्षं च [trivarga seveta | bālye vidyāgṛhaṇādīn arthān kāmaṃ ca yauvane |
sthavire dharma mokṣaṃ ca ] 1 का. सू. [kā. sū. ] 1.2.1, 2, 3, 4.
12. धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणां यस्यैको [dharmārthakāmamokṣāṇāṃ yasyaiko] sपिन विद्यते ।
अजागलस्तनस्येव तस्य जन्म निरर्थकम् ॥ हितो. [pina vidyate |
ajāgalastanasyeva tasya janma nirarthakam || hito. ] 1.26.
Ed.Krishnavallabharya, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series,
Benaras, 1966.
