The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2 Vol Set)

on women, who are seen as having
equal sexual desire and gaining equal
pleasure. The ultimate aim is the sexual
satisfaction of both partners, rather than
one partner simply serving the other.
The Kama Sutra has been translated
many times.

Kamavasayitvam

(“suppression of desire”) One of the
eight superhuman powers (siddhi), tra-
ditionally believed to be conferred by
high spiritual attainment. This power
gives one the ability to control desires. It
also means that any declaration one
makes, such as pronouncing a blessing
(ashirvad) or a curse, will inevitably
come to pass. The basis for this latter
power seems to stem from the absence
of individual desire in such a person,
meaning that person will never be moti-
vated by self-interest. This power
reflects the pan-Indian belief that by
renouncing everything, one can eventu-
ally gain power over everything.

Kamban

(9th c.) Southern Indian poet most
noted as the author of the Tamil-
language version of the Ramayana, the
earlier of the two great Hindu epics.
Kamban’s text is known as the Kamba
Ramayana, and remains popular in
modern times. As with all vernacular
translations of the Ramayana, Kamban
did not simply translate Valmiki’s
Sanskritepic from Sanskrit to a more
common language, but adapted and
even added to it as he saw fit. Of partic-
ular interest is his heroic portrayal of the
demon-king Ravana, who is the villain
in the original story. This shift may
reflect feelings of regional pride, since
Kamban was a southern Indian and
Ravana’s kingdom of Lankais generally
identified as the island of Sri Lankain
the Indian Ocean, southeast of the
Indian mainland.

Kamba Ramayana

Tamil language version of the

Ramayana, the earlier of the two great

Hindu epics. The Kamba Ramayanawas

written in ninth century by the southern

Indian poet Kamban. As with all vernac-

ular renditions of the Ramayana,

Kamban did not simply translate

Valmiki’s Sanskrit epic, but adapted

and added to it as he saw fit. Of particu-

lar interest is his heroic portrayal of

Ravana, the demon-king, who is the vil-

lain in the original story. This shift may

reflect feelings of regional pride, since

Kamban was from southern Indian.

Ravana’s kingdom of Lankais generally

identified as the island of Sri Lankain

the Indian Ocean, southeast of the

Indian mainland.

Kamika Ekadashi

Festival falling on the eleventh day

(ekadashi) of the dark, waxing half of

the lunar month of Shravan

( July–August). As with all eleventh-day

observances, Kamika Ekadashi is

Kamika Ekadashi

A kamandalu is used to hold water

for use in religious rites.