THE KSHOBHAKA POSITION

Equality of the sexes is the very essence of Vatsyayan's writing. Not only is this evident in the detailing of the regular penetrative sex positions, the Kamasutra has a plethora of positions exclusively aimed at pleasuring the woman. In the oral sex list, few positions are as explicitly laid out as the Kshobhka (literally meaning stirring) position. And few are written with as much poetic zest as this:

"Stirring the root of her thighs, which her own hands are gripping and holding widely apart, your fluted tongue drinks at her sacred spring: this is "Kshobhaka".

In this position, the man performs oral sex for the woman, using his tongue to stir up sensations and feelings. The fluted tongue is significant: Vatsyayan clearly expects the man to have a feel for the task on hand, exploring various sensitive nooks and cranies of the woman's yoni with his tongue. The woman is, of course, not just a willing participant but a proactive one, parting her thighs for maximum exposure. Notice the complete absence of any squeamishness here: not for the ancient sage the inhibitions of a woman demanding she received the full treatment.

This and similar positions are obviously recommended for women who are not in a position to have penetrative sex. These could be pregnant women, those suffering from some physical ailment or even those who are too obese.