What is Hinduism's stand on bestiality?

Question

Bestiality is possibly the most abnormal and perverted form of sexual intercourse where a human being unites (sexually) with an animal.

Presumably, some Hindu temples in India depict bestiality through sculptures found on their walls.

Now, based on that some people may jump on to conclusion that "Hinduism" supports/promotes it.

What do the Hindu Scriptures say on bestiality. Since it's called the "Sanatana Dharma" we can expect that it will not avoid it by saying too vulgar/taboo/offensive to discus and will have a definite say/stand on the issue.

Answer 1

I'm adding my own answer based on the Parashara Smriti.Looking for more answers from other users with valid Scriptural quotes.

Chapter 10 of Parashara Smriti is titled Agamyaagamanaprayaschittavarnanam or "The description of expiations for prohibited sexual intercourses".

This chapter deals with bestiality too.Slokas 12 &13 are useful here.

12. On carnal intercourse with a beast, or a prostitute and the like, or with a female buffalo, or with a female camel, or with a she monkey, or with a sow, or a female ass, one should perform the Prajapatya penance.

13. On carnal intercourse with a cow, the sin is removed by three nights' fast; a cow should be presented to a Brahman as fee. On carnal connection with a female buffalo, a female camel or an ass, the sin is removed by one night's fast.

Similarly, the Manu Smriti(Chapter 11 verse 173), states:

11.173. A man who has committed a bestial crime, or an unnatural crime with a female, or has had intercourse in water, or with a menstruating woman, shall perform a Samtapana Krikkhra.

So,as per Hindu Shastras, bestiality is a sin and the expiations are also precisely mentioned therein.

Answer 2

The Vishnu Smriti condemns bestial acts:

Causing (bodily) pain to a Brāhmaṇa; smelling at things which ought not to be smelt (such as excrements), or at spirituous liquor; dishonest dealing; sexual connection with cattle, and (sexual connection) with a man (or non-vaginal intercourse with a woman): such are the crimes resulting in loss of caste. He who has knowingly committed one of the acts effecting loss of caste shall perform the Sântapana penance; he who has done so unawares shall perform the Prâgâpatya penance. (Vishnu Smriti, Chapter 38, Verses 1-6)

The Narada Smriti too explicitly forbids bestial acts:

When a man has sexual connection with (small) cattle, he shall pay one hundred (Panas) as a fine; (for sexual connection) with a cow, he shall pay the middling fine; and the same (for sexual connection) with a low-caste woman. (Narada Smriti 12.76)