The Death and Rebirth of Kama, The God of Love

Once upon a time, Kama, the god of love, made a grave mistake by interrupting Shiva during his deep meditation. This act of distraction angered Shiva to such an extent that he unleashed the destructive power of his third eye, reducing Kama to ashes. The devastating loss left Kama’s wife, Rati, utterly devastated and filled with grief. Overwhelmed by her anguish, Rati contemplated ending her own life by entering a funeral pyre. However, just as she was about to take that fateful step, a heavenly proclamation resounded, preventing her from her tragic fate.

The divine message revealed that her beloved husband was not truly gone, and assured her that they would be reunited on the day of Shiva’s own marriage. To be reunited with Kama, Rati was instructed to seek employment in the kitchen of the asura named Shambara.

Taking on the guise of a humble maid named Mayavati, Rati ventured into Shambara’s palace and managed to secure a position in the kitchen. The head cook of the palace accepted her as one of their own, and she began her laborious work there.

Meanwhile, in the city of Dwaraka, the birth of Krishna and Rukmini’s son, Pradyumna, was celebrated joyously. Unknown to all, Pradyumna was the reincarnation of Kama.

A week after the child’s birth, Shambara had a prophetic dream that foretold his own demise at the hands of Pradyumna. Unfazed by this revelation, Shambara resolved to eliminate Pradyumna before he could grow up and become a threat. Utilizing his powers of invisibility, Shambara infiltrated Krishna’s palace in Dwaraka. While Krishna’s wife, Rukmini, slept, Shambara stole baby Pradyumna from her side and swiftly flew away with him to the ocean. 

In an attempt to eradicate the perceived threat, Shambara callously tossed Pradyumna into the vast depths of the ocean, assuming that the child’s life had come to a tragic end.

However, fate had other plans. Pradyumna was not consumed by the ocean, but instead swallowed by a colossal fish. By a peculiar twist of destiny, this fish was eventually caught and brought to Shambara’s palace kitchen. As the cooks prepared the fish, they discovered the unharmed infant Pradyumna within. Recognizing the significance of this miraculous event, the cooks entrusted the care of the child to Mayavati, who found herself bewildered by the identity of the child’s parents.

It was at this bewildering moment that the sage Narada appeared before Mayavati, shedding light on the truth. Narada revealed that the baby in her care was none other than her lost husband, Kama. Upon his demise, Kama had pleaded for rebirth as Krishna’s son. Narada further unveiled the prophecy that Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini, was destined to end the wicked Shambara’s life. Narada entrusted Mayavati with the responsibility of raising Pradyumna with utmost care and disclosing his true identity to him when the time was right. With his revelations complete, Narada vanished from sight.

As Pradyumna grew up, he exhibited many of his father Krishna’s characteristics, including a fondness for butter and an innocent charm that surfaced when he was caught mischievously. Over time, Pradyumna blossomed into a handsome young man, adored by the young maidens in the palace kitchen.

Anxious for Pradyumna to learn the truth of his lineage, Mayavati decided the time had come to unveil his identity.She revealed to Pradyumna the story of his birth, his lineage as the son of Krishna and Rukmini, and the extraordinary events that had unfolded since then. Mayavati also shared the heart-wrenching truth that his mother still believed him to be dead and grieved for him every day.

Upon hearing these revelations, Pradyumna’s heart surged with a potent mix of emotions—anger at the injustice done to him, longing for his parents, and a burning desire for vengeance against Shambara. Determined to confront and defeat the wicked asura, he implored Rati, now known as Mayavati, to guide him in acquiring the necessary skills and spells to counter Shambara’s formidable magic.

Moved by her husband’s righteous fury, Rati agreed to teach Pradyumna everything she knew. She patiently instructed him in the mystical arts and imparted the spells required to break Shambara’s invisibility and nullify his enchantments. As Pradyumna diligently honed his newfound abilities, Rati employed her own magical prowess to provide him with the necessary weapons and resources to triumph over the asura.

Finally ready to confront Shambara, Pradyumna arrived at the imposing gates of the palace. A fierce battle erupted between Pradyumna and the asura, each displaying their incredible powers. In a desperate bid to gain the upper hand, Shambara resorted to his invisibility. However, Pradyumna, armed with the knowledge imparted by Rati, swiftly cast the spell, shattering Shambara’s cloak of invisibility.

Undeterred, Pradyumna brandished his sword and, with a swift stroke, severed Shambara’s head, bringing an end to the malevolent asura’s reign of terror. Victorious, Pradyumna returned to Mayavati to share the news of his triumph. Overwhelmed with joy and pride, Mayavati embraced her husband, her heart finally at peace after enduring so much pain and separation.

Together, Mayavati and Pradyumna soared through the skies, making their way back to the city of Dwarka. As they reached their destination, a momentous occasion was unfolding—the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. The gods approached Shiva, beseeching him to restore Kama to Mayavati. Acknowledging the power of love that held him captive, Shiva graciously granted their request.

Meanwhile, within the inner sanctum of Krishna’s palace, Pradyumna and Mayavati made their grand entrance. The ladies of the court marveled at the handsome youth accompanying Mayavati, mistakenly assuming him to be Krishna himself. On the other hand, Rukmini, perceptive as ever, sensed a deeper connection and yearned for this young man to be her long-lost son, Pradyumna.

Before Rukmini could voice her thoughts, Krishna and Narada arrived, casting a radiant aura of divine wisdom and truth. Narada proclaimed the long-awaited reunion, confirming Pradyumna’s true identity and revealing Mayavati’s original form as Rati, the wife of Kama. Overwhelmed by this revelation, Rukmini’s heart overflowed with immense joy as she embraced her beloved son once again.

News of the return of their long-lost prince, accompanied by his devoted wife, spread like wildfire throughout Dwaraka. The entire city erupted in exuberant celebration, their jubilation echoing through the streets. The people of Dwaraka rejoiced, their hearts filled with renewed hope and happiness, as they welcomed Pradyumna and Mayavati back into the embrace of their royal family.

Amidst the jubilant festivities, Krishna, Rukmini, and Narada showered blessings upon Pradyumna and Mayavati, their faces beaming with pride and love. The bond between parents and child, once shattered by cruel fate, was now restored and strengthened, a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering force of familial love.