Maithuna

"Mithuna" redirects here. For the genus of moth, see Mithuna (moth). For the month, see Mithuna (month).
Loving Couple, Maithuna, Eastern Ganga dynasty, 13th century Orissa, India

Maithuna (Devanagari: मैथुन) is a Sanskrit term for sexual intercourse within Tantra (Tantric sex), or alternatively for the sexual fluids generated or the couple participating in the ritual.[1][2] It is the most important of the Panchamakara and constitutes the main part of the grand ritual of Tantra also known as Tattva Chakra.[3] Maithuna means the union of opposing forces, underlining the nonduality between human and divine,[3] as well as worldly enjoyment (kama) and spiritual liberation (moksha).[4] Maithuna is a popular icon in ancient Hindu art, portrayed as a couple engaged in physical loving.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kiss was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Cush was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Eliade, Mircea (1969). Yoga: Immortality and Freedom. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0691017648.[page needed]
  4. ^ Thomas, Paul (1960). Kāma Kalpa, Or, The Hindu Ritual of Love. Bombay [Mumbai]: D.B. Taraporevala. OCLC 762156601.[page needed]
  5. ^ Menzies, Jackie (2006). Goddess: Divine Energy. Art Gallery of New South Wales. ISBN 978-0734763969.