num_pages: 304
description: While a lot is written about the Kamasutra, not much is known about its creator, Mallanag Vatsyayan. D. B. Mokashi, an accomplished Indian author has sketched an endearing portrait of Mallanag Vatsyayan in this novel. He skillfully weaves a bewitching story, along with Vatsyayan, which takes the reader to a journey through the ancient Indian villages, towns and forests. A fascinating narration of people that Vatsyayan met on way, their lives, fantasies, grief and desire are presented in this novel set in the backdrop of 6th and 7th century AD in India. As the story of Vatsyayan's life’s journey unfolds, so does the story of the science, art and philosophy of erotic love. In the process, the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual blur, giving the reader a sublime experience.Excerpts from the book:“Vatsyayan realised that he was getting aroused. That his tone was hoarse, his body was heavy and breath was getting hot. No, No! This is of no use. When you are discussing a science, desire should not come up. If it happens, then it is the mistake of those who are discussing. Science is all encompassing. Varied and arousing aspectsalso enter in it. But science also tells about the right and wrong in it. One must not forget it. That I was aroused means I have abandoned the book. And it also means that even now I am not worthy of writing Kamasutra. What Dharini said was right, 'Wait, write after sometime.”“The next day Dharini made all the preparations for writing. She arranged the seat and the carved table of writing, hung garlands, and the aroma of the incense sticks pervaded the atmosphere. Vatsyayan was sanctified and sat on the seat for writing the book. When his wife came and sat in front of him he said, “Dharini! Let my Guru give me the strength to complete this book. My prayers to him who encouraged me to write this book. Sexual desire is very profound and complex. Sexual practices are even more profound and intricate. I wish I should be successful in explaining the various aspects of sex. A man performs any adventure with uncontrolled sexual desire; he can even die because of it. Let me understand this power of sex. Let me be able to say the right and wrongs in sexual practices. Let there be fearlessness whileexpounding scientific things'.Then Vatsyayan bowed to his Guru and began his 'Kamasutra' -'I pray Dharma, Artha and Kama.''I pray to the ancient Gurus.'
title: Vatsyayan: The Man...who wrote the Kamasutra
publisher: Jyoti Kanitkar