"The 5th-8th century Hindu/Buddhist/Jain temples in southwest India were designed to glorify a specific quality of a deity rather than serve the faithful as a place of worship. The stone walls of these temples are inhabited by mixed-faith deities, gods and their shakti, smiling celestial musicians and nymphs. The open erotic representation of the gods and their intimacy with their shakti contrast significantly with the conservative and patriarchal living conditions of women in Indian society today (and elsewhere). This book draws upon erotic text from Song of Songs (King James translation) and titles of Christian hymns to connect illustrations of Hindu art with primarily 19th century photographs. There are two narratives. One presents the similarities of Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian and/or Judaic faiths. The second focuses on the contradictions in the actions of the faithful regarding vows taken, marriage, gender status, procreation, physical/sexual/mental abuse, gender identity." -- 23 Sandy Gallery website
