Lajja Gauri

The image on the left is a 7th century sandstone sculpture of the Hindu Goddess Lajja Gauri. This is striking for its depiction of the Goddess as naked, with her legs spread, and with a prominently visible vulva (oryoni in Sanskrit). Lajja Gauri is one of the principle deities of Shaktism (Hindu Goddess Worship), and is also known by the names of Aditi or Devi. She can be compared with the Celtic Goddess Sheela-na-gig, who is also commonly depicted with legs spread and a prominent vulva.

The Mystic Syllable Om

The Sanskrit syllableॐ – transcribed in English as Om – represents a sound that has mystical significance in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It features in numerous Sanskrit mantras, and is the opening word of many sacred texts. Om symbolizes the beginning, duration, and dissolution of the Universe and its associated Gods.

In the Tantric tradition, the syllable Om is chanted rhythmically by both partners during sexual intercourse. In some cases an extended form of mantra such as Om Mani Padme Hum is used instead. The visual depiction of Om – the Sanskrit character ॐ – us also important in Tantric sex. The female sex practitioner or Dakini in the photograph has the symbol tattooed on her shoulder. She is shown performing the devotional Tantric ritual of Auparishtaka, better known in the west as a blowjob.