The Konark temple is also known for its erotic sculptures of "maithunas". These show couples in various stages of courtship and intimacy, and in some cases coital themes. Notorious in the colonial era for their uninhibited celebration of sexuality, these images are included with other aspects of human life as well as deities that are typically associated with tantra. This led some to propose that the erotic sculptures are linked to the "vama marga" (left hand tantra) tradition. However, this is not supported by local literary sources, and these images may be the same "kama" and "mithuna" scenes found integrated into the art of many Hindu temples. The erotic sculptures are found on the temple's Shikhara, and these illustrate all the "bandhas" ("mudra" forms) described in the "Kamasutra".