Kamadeva - The Indian God of Love Who Dared to Awaken Shiva

Introduction:

In the rich tapestry of Indian mythology, Kamadeva, the god of love, stands as a radiant symbol of desire and attraction. With a sugarcane bow and five flower-tipped arrows, he roams the world on a parrot, seeking to awaken love in hearts both divine and mortal. But in his most daring act, disturbing the meditative trance of Lord Shiva, Kamadeva faced a fiery fate that transformed him forever.

Who is Kamadeva?

The god of love is called Kamdeva. He is shown as a handsome youth, carrying a Sugarcane bow and five flower tipped arrows.Kamadev breaking Shiva's meditation Spring helps to select these flowers. His vahana or vehicle is the parrot.

Surrounded by beautiful fairies he searches for young maidens, boys, and sages at whom he can shoot his arrows to arouse feelings of love. Unfortunately once this act greatly angered Shiva.

Kamadeva's Role in Awakening Shiva

Tired of the demon Taraka's attacks the gods went to Shiva, who alone could create a fighter to tackle the demon. However, Shiva was in deep meditation and nobody had the courage to wake him. So the gods decided to approach Kamadeva. Kamadeva used a special shaft and awoke Shiva, but in the process also stirred his anger.

Illustration of Kamadeva aiming his flower-tipped arrows at Shiva during meditation

Shiva's Wrath and Kamadeva's Destruction

Shiva cast his fiery gaze on Kama and burnt him to ashes, Hearing the pleas of Rati, Kama's wife, Shiva restored him, but only as an emotion. This bodiless form of Kama is called Ananga.

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