Eroticism in the Mahabharata. The role of sexual attraction in the end of the cosmic cycle.

Authors

Keywords:

Eros, Logos, Dharma, Karma, Rishi, Maharaya, Deva and asura

Abstract

This article reviews and interprets the erotic passages of the work the Mahabharata. As in
any sacred text there is nothing gratuitous in the explanations and events of this long epic
poem also considered as the fifth Veda. Each character and situation has its sacred symbolic
meaning; In this vein, I intend to highlight the cosmological and metaphysical value of sex
that in the narrated story comes to light at conjunctural moments, in which eros, whether
female or male, as is the case, frustrate the correct becoming of the Dharma or the Law
Cosmic. The Mahabharata narrates the events prior to the end of the cosmic cycle; these are
times of darkness and chaos; in which the transgressive action of eros or kama works against
the harmonic influence of the Logos or Buddhi. For humanity to enjoy and have peace and
prosperity it needs a king or maharaya, destined by heaven, to come to rule; an illegitimate
authority that does not have the favor of the gods or that has not been designated by the
Dharma will bring misery and war. Eros, throughout the Mahabharata, acts to thwart the rise
of a rightful king to the throne of Hastinapura. This is the point that I intend to emphasize in
the text; of how eros and with them human passions on a macrocosmic level can lead the
world and humanity to an age of darkness making necessary the redemptive intervention of
an avatar or incarnation of Vishnu.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2025-09-09

How to Cite

Acosta Rico, F. (2025). Eroticism in the Mahabharata. The role of sexual attraction in the end of the cosmic cycle. Sincronía, 26(81), 23–42. Retrieved from https://revistasincronia.cucsh.udg.mx/index.php/sincronia/article/view/394