The
Kama Sutra (
Sanskrit:
कामसूत्र
pronunciation (help·info),
Kāmasūtra) is an ancient
Indian Hindu[1][2] text widely considered to be the standard work on
human sexual behavior in
Sanskrit literature written by
Vātsyāyana. A portion of the work consists of practical advice on
sexual intercourse.
[3] It is largely in prose, with many inserted
anustubh poetry verses. "
Kāma" which is one of the three
goals of Hindu life, means
sensual or
sexual pleasure, and "
sūtra"
literally means a thread or line that holds things together, and more
metaphorically refers to an aphorism (or line, rule, formula), or a
collection of such aphorisms in the form of a manual. Contrary to
popular perception, especially in the western world, Kama sutra is not
just an exclusive
sex manual;
it presents itself as a guide to a virtuous and gracious living that
discusses the nature of love, family life and other aspects pertaining
to pleasure oriented faculties of human life.
[4][5]
The
Kama Sutra is the oldest and most notable of a group of texts known generically as
Kama Shastra (Sanskrit:
Kāma Śāstra).
[6] Traditionally, the first transmission of
Kama Shastra or "Discipline of Kama" is attributed to
Nandi the sacred bull,
Shiva's doorkeeper, who was moved to sacred utterance by overhearing the lovemaking of the god and his wife
Parvati and later recorded his utterances for the benefit of mankind.
[7]
Historians attribute Kamasutra to be composed between 400 BCE and 200 CE.
[8] John Keay says that the
Kama Sutra is a compendium that was collected into its present form in the 2nd century CE
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