Lovers (Mithuna), c. 973. Along with the adjacent architectural frieze with dancer and musicians, this tender scene was built into the exterior wall of the now ruined Purana Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Erotic imagery depicting couples interacting with each other in various postures were important components on the exterior of Hindu temples. They underscore the infinite beauty and abundance of the created world.

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Size: 5457px × 4717px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 10th, art, century, cleveland, dynasty, harshagiri, heritage, india, museum, northwestern, pratihara, rajasthan, sculpture, sikar, unknown