Influence of Tantra on ayurveda and Kamasutra.
A close study of ancient works of ayurveda and Kamasutra shows that the knowledge of anatomy and physiology of different parts of reproductive organs particularly of female genitals is lacking. Hymen, defloration and clitoris do not find any mention in earlier works. Works of medieval and late medieval period mention the different parts and their utility and function especially in the sexual enjoyment. Worship of vagina or Yonipuja was a common practice in some sects of Tantrists like Kaulas, Kapalikas and others. This practice resulted in the close observation of different parts and thereby knowing their importance and role in the sexual enjoyment, which was also a part of the practices of Tantrism. This knowledge appears to have been incorporated in works like Bhavaprakasa of ayurveda and Paururavamanasijasutra and others of Kamasutra. They describe three Nadis in the female genitalia and clitoris others.
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Director (Rtd.), Central Research Institute (Ay.), (CCRAS), Cheruturti, Kerala, H.No. 23-49/3, Netajinagar, Hyderabad.
D003075:Coitus / Q000502:physiology*; D004882:Erotica / Q000266:history*; D005260:Female; D018596:Hinduism / Q000266:history*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000266:history*