kamsutra-2

THE RATISUNDARA POSITION

Even in the middle of conventional positions, the Kamasutra offers variety both in the form of variants as well as advancements. The objective in all cases is obviously maximizing the pleasure that both the partners derive out of the experience. Literally translated to Aphrodite's Delight, the Ratisundra Position is a step up from the basic missionary stance. The man atop the woman pushes back her legs and enters her fully exposed yoni. In the Kamasutra the position is described thus:
"Catching hold of her two feet, raising them till they press upon her breasts and her legs form a rough circle. Clasp her neck and make love to her: this is "Ratisundara".
Though a variant of the missionary position, this has a lot going for it. The woman can easily vary the rhythm as well as the depth of the man's penetration merely by altering the position of her legs. The position also allows for maximum penetration and also friction. The pelvic bone of the man directly rubs against the vulva, thus supporting stimulation of the clitoris. The only problem with this position could be that it requires a great deal of flexibility on the part of the woman, in particular when the legs approach very close to the bust.
The translation into English is interesting and also reveals something more about the position. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty and sexual rapture whose husband made her a girdle of finely wrought gold and wove magic into the filigree work. That was not very wise of him, for when she wore her magic girdle no one could resist her. Maybe the circle made by the legs in the Ratisunara position is reminiscent of this girdle