Shiva Parvati Marriage Story – Chapter 5: Kamadeva's Intervention and End

Kama Deva's Intervention and End

Parvati's rigorous penance and unwavering devotion had stirred up the three worlds. The fire of her devotion had paved the way to entice Shiva, but the gods feared that Shiva might become so engrossed in his penance that he would reject Sati's rebirth. Therefore, Indra requested Kama Deva, the god of love and lust, to intervene.

Arrows of Love

Kama Deva, along with his wife Rati, reached Mount Kailash. Spring had arrived; new leaves were blooming on the trees, the fragrance of flowers was floating in the air, and birds had begun to sing melodious songs. Kama Deva thought that this was the most appropriate time to disrupt Shiva's meditation. Rati also had some fear that Lord Shiva might become angry, but Kama Deva was determined towards his goal. In his quiver were five flower arrows named Mohana, Shoshana, Unmadana, Tapana, and Stambhana, which had the power to distract any heart with love.

Kama Deva said to Rati, "Beloved, do not worry. The welfare of the gods is paramount to me. I know that Shiva's penance is unwavering, but the arrow of love can pierce any heart, no matter how hard it may be." Then he placed the Mohana arrow on his bow, so that affection for Parvati could arise in Shiva's mind. He gently drew the arrow and released it towards Shiva.

Shiva's Wrath

Just as the arrow was about to touch Shiva's heart, his third eye, which was located in the middle of his forehead, opened. A fierce flame of fire emerged from that eye, which instantly incinerated Kama Deva. Rati screamed and began to lament upon seeing her husband's ashes. Peace was disturbed on Mount Kailash. All the gods hid in fear.

Shiva's anger subsided, but he felt deep sorrow upon seeing Kama Deva's death. He looked towards the gods and roared, "Who has committed this act of audacity? Who has tried to disrupt my penance?" Indra was trembling with fear, but he mustered the courage to tell the truth. Shiva then closed his eyes again, as if this incident had no importance. His meditation was refocused, but Kama Deva's sacrifice became immortal.

Rati's Lament and the Role of the Next Chapter

Rati fell at Shiva's feet and begged for her husband's life. Hearing her pitiful cries, Parvati's heart melted, who was still absorbed in penance but was not unaware of the incident. Rati's lament awakened feelings of compassion and love in Parvati's mind. Shiva also felt Rati's pain and assured the rebirth of Kama Deva in the future, but for now, the god of love had ended. Now, the gods had to find a way to send a marriage proposal to Shiva for Parvati directly, as the attempt to disrupt the penance with the help of Kama had failed.