The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s7.t2.4

v2.c11.s7.t2.4

This state which is “like a man and a woman in close embrace” is a symbol of Mokṣa, final release or re-union of the two Principles, the Essence (Puruṣa) and Nature (Prakṛti). This symbol is carved, on the door jambs of the Garbhagṛha and on the walls of the temple, repeatedly, in the many forms in which limbs are conjoined in close embrace (Pls. XXX-XXXIV).¹⁵² The name of this conjoint symbol of Puruṣa and Prakṛti, as Mokṣa, is Mithuna, ‘the state of being a couple’.¹⁵³