The *Kama Sutra* (also spelled *Kamasutra*) is an ancient Sanskrit text written by Indian philosopher Vātsyāyana that offers advice on obtaining sexual and emotional fulfillment in one’s life. The ancient text covers a wide range of topics relating to eroticism and desire, including courtship, love, and keeping sex exciting after many years of partnership. The *Kama Sutra* is sometimes mistaken for [tantric sex](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-practice-tantric-sex), which is part of neotantra, a spiritual practice that helps create meaningful connections during sexual experiences. 

One of the most well-known sections of the *Kama Sutra* is its detailed list of sex positions aimed at increasing sexual pleasure during foreplay or intercourse for better sex and a better union between body and mind for both partners. Here are 11 sexual positions recommended in the *Kama Sutra*:

1. __Blossoming__: In the blossoming position (*utphallaka*), the receiving partner rests their head on the bed and elevates their hips to be in the lap of the penetrative partner, who thrusts while in a seated kneeling position. By elevating their genitals above their head, the receiving partner may feel more open and ready for penetration. 
2. __Box position__: In the box position (*parshva samputa*), both partners lie side-by-side facing one another, where they can embrace, stimulate each other, and engage in intercourse, while being on the same level, looking into each other’s eyes. 
3. __Bull position__: The bull position (*virsha*) is very similar to [reverse cowgirl](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/reverse-cowgirl-sex-position)—the penetrative partner lies on their back, while the receiving partner straddles them facing their legs. Most depictions of the bull position include the receiving partner leaning down horizontally to grip their partner’s ankles—but this may or may not be pleasurable, depending on the angle of both partners’ genitals.
4. __Closed box__: Closed box position (*uttana samputa*) is a variation of the box position, where both partners face one another to increase intimacy. In the closed box position, the penetrative partner is on top of the receiving partner, while the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs straight and spread. In this position, the penetrative partner can gyrate their hips between the receiving partner’s legs for pleasurable intercourse. 
5. __Full-pressed__: In this position (*piditaka*), the receiving partner lies on their back with their knees against their chest and their feet pressed against their partner’s chest. The penetrative partner then places their knees on either side of their partner’s hips and thrusts from above, for especially deep penetration.
6. __Impalement__: In the impalement position (*shulachitaka*), the penetrative partner kneels in front of the receiving partner, who lies on their back with one foot extended near their partner’s face and the other extended horizontally. With every few thrusts, the receiving partner can alternate the positions of their legs—raising one and extending the other out horizontally—to change the sensation of penetration. 
7. __Lotus__: In the lotus position (*padmasana*), the penetrative partner sits cross-legged while the receptive partner sits in their lap with their legs wrapped around their lower back. Then, either partner can gyrate or thrust their hips for intercourse. 
8. __Queen of heaven__: The queen of heaven pose (*indranika*) involves the receiving partner lying on their back with their legs spread. The penetrative partner spreads their legs around either side of the receiving partner and wraps their thighs around their partner. They then use their hands to spread the receiving partner for easier penetration. Some couples introduce [vibrators](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-a-vibrator) when performing this hands-free position, making it easier to use toys for additional stimulation. 
9. __Suspended__. The suspended union or standing position (*sthitarata*) is a challenging upright position in which the penetrative partner stands upright against a wall and holds the receiving partner in the air by interlocking their fingers under their partner’s buttocks. The receiving partner may wrap their legs around their partner for extra support, then grind their hips against their partner for intercourse.
10. __Tripod__: The *Kama Sutra* lists several standing or upright sex positions for couples—while not recommended for beginners, standing positions can be a fun goal for adventurous couples to work towards. For the three-legged position (*tripadam*), both partners stand facing each other, and the penetrative partner lifts one of the receiving partner’s legs and holds it up around their torso. 
11. __Yawning__: For the yawning position (*jrimbhitaka*), the receiving partner lies on their back with their knees to their chest and legs over their partner’s shoulders, while the penetrative partner lies over the top and thrusts from above. The person on top can also pin down their partner’s hands during this position as a sexy form of restraint. 

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast *Sex With Emily*). 
The *Kama Sutra* is a collection of wisdom for individuals and couples to have fulfilling sex lives and relationships. Learn more about the *Kama Sutra*, the Hindu text that has been around since 200 CE.

The *Kama Sutra* is a collection of wisdom for individuals and couples to have fulfilling sex lives and relationships. Learn more about the *Kama Sutra*, the Hindu text that has been around since 200 CE.


Kama Sutra Sex: Explore 11 Kama Sutra Positions

The Kama Sutra (also spelled Kamasutra) is an ancient Sanskrit text written by Indian philosopher Vātsyāyana that offers advice on obtaining sexual and emotional fulfillment in one’s life. The ancient text covers a wide range of topics relating to eroticism and desire, including courtship, love, and keeping sex exciting after many years of partnership. The Kama Sutra is sometimes mistaken for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-practice-tantric-sex' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-practice-tantric-sex","linkCopy":"tantric sex","category":null}'>tantric sex</a>, which is part of neotantra, a spiritual practice that helps create meaningful connections during sexual experiences.

What Is the Kama Sutra?

One of the most well-known sections of the Kama Sutra is its detailed list of sex positions aimed at increasing sexual pleasure during foreplay or intercourse for better sex and a better union between body and mind for both partners. Here are 11 sexual positions recommended in the Kama Sutra:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Blossoming: In the blossoming position (utphallaka), the receiving partner rests their head on the bed and elevates their hips to be in the lap of the penetrative partner, who thrusts while in a seated kneeling position. By elevating their genitals above their head, the receiving partner may feel more open and ready for penetration. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Box position: In the box position (parshva samputa), both partners lie side-by-side facing one another, where they can embrace, stimulate each other, and engage in intercourse, while being on the same level, looking into each other’s eyes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Bull position: The bull position (virsha) is very similar to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/reverse-cowgirl-sex-position' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/reverse-cowgirl-sex-position","linkCopy":"reverse cowgirl","category":null}'>reverse cowgirl</a>—the penetrative partner lies on their back, while the receiving partner straddles them facing their legs. Most depictions of the bull position include the receiving partner leaning down horizontally to grip their partner’s ankles—but this may or may not be pleasurable, depending on the angle of both partners’ genitals. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Closed box: Closed box position (uttana samputa) is a variation of the box position, where both partners face one another to increase intimacy. In the closed box position, the penetrative partner is on top of the receiving partner, while the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs straight and spread. In this position, the penetrative partner can gyrate their hips between the receiving partner’s legs for pleasurable intercourse. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Full-pressed: In this position (piditaka), the receiving partner lies on their back with their knees against their chest and their feet pressed against their partner’s chest. The penetrative partner then places their knees on either side of their partner’s hips and thrusts from above, for especially deep penetration. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Impalement: In the impalement position (shulachitaka), the penetrative partner kneels in front of the receiving partner, who lies on their back with one foot extended near their partner’s face and the other extended horizontally. With every few thrusts, the receiving partner can alternate the positions of their legs—raising one and extending the other out horizontally—to change the sensation of penetration. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Lotus: In the lotus position (padmasana), the penetrative partner sits cross-legged while the receptive partner sits in their lap with their legs wrapped around their lower back. Then, either partner can gyrate or thrust their hips for intercourse. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Queen of heaven: The queen of heaven pose (indranika) involves the receiving partner lying on their back with their legs spread. The penetrative partner spreads their legs around either side of the receiving partner and wraps their thighs around their partner. They then use their hands to spread the receiving partner for easier penetration. Some couples introduce <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-a-vibrator' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-a-vibrator","linkCopy":"vibrators","category":null}'>vibrators</a> when performing this hands-free position, making it easier to use toys for additional stimulation. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Suspended. The suspended union or standing position (sthitarata) is a challenging upright position in which the penetrative partner stands upright against a wall and holds the receiving partner in the air by interlocking their fingers under their partner’s buttocks. The receiving partner may wrap their legs around their partner for extra support, then grind their hips against their partner for intercourse. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 10. Tripod: The Kama Sutra lists several standing or upright sex positions for couples—while not recommended for beginners, standing positions can be a fun goal for adventurous couples to work towards. For the three-legged position (tripadam), both partners stand facing each other, and the penetrative partner lifts one of the receiving partner’s legs and holds it up around their torso. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 11. Yawning: For the yawning position (jrimbhitaka), the receiving partner lies on their back with their knees to their chest and legs over their partner’s shoulders, while the penetrative partner lies over the top and thrusts from above. The person on top can also pin down their partner’s hands during this position as a sexy form of restraint. </li></ol>

11 Kama Sutra Sex Positions

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and learn more about open <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).

Let’s Talk About Sex

The Kama Sutra is a collection of wisdom for individuals and couples to have fulfilling sex lives and relationships. Learn more about the Kama Sutra, the Hindu text that has been around since 200 CE.

The Kama Sutra is a collection of wisdom for individuals and couples to have fulfilling sex lives and relationships. Learn more about the Kama Sutra, the Hindu text that has been around since 200 CE.
