The story of Kamadeva and Rati

The story of Kamadeva and Rati: The Eternal Flame of Love

In the celestial realms, Kamadeva, the god of love, and his consort Rati, the goddess of desire, embodied the essence of passion and connection. Often depicted with a bow made of sugar cane and arrows tipped with fragrant flowers, Kamadeva had the power to ignite love in any heart. His arrows could melt the most hardened resolve, while Rati's beauty and charm made her his perfect counterpart.

Their story took a tragic turn when the gods faced a crisis. The demon Taraka, blessed with invincibility except for a son of Shiva, threatened the universe. But Shiva, deep in meditation after the death of his first wife Sati, showed no interest in the world - or in Parvati, his devoted admirer. The gods needed Shiva to marry Parvati and produce a warrior son. But how could they inspire love in a god who had renounced all earthly ties?

The task fell to Kamadeva. One spring evening, while Shiva was meditating in the Himalayas, Kamadeva secretly shot a flower-tipped arrow into his heart. For a moment Shiva's trance broke. He looked at Parvati and a spark of attraction flickered. But when he realised he'd been manipulated, Shiva's third eye blazed open and Kamadeva was instantly reduced to ashes.

Rati, witnessing the destruction of her husband, collapsed in despair. She begged Shiva for mercy, telling him of Kamadeva's role in maintaining love and harmony in the cosmos. Moved by her devotion, Shiva granted a blessing: Kamadeva would be reborn in his next life as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini. Until then he would exist as Ananga ('the bodiless'), an invisible force of love felt but never seen.

Rati vowed to wait through lifetimes for her beloved to return. When Pradyumna was born, Rati guided him and helped him regain memories of his divine past. Eventually they were reunited, their love transcending death and rebirth.

This myth, from the Shiva Purana and the Bhagavata Purana, symbolises:

• The indestructibility of love - Even when reduced to ashes, love continues in new forms.
• Sacrifice for harmony - Kamadeva risked himself to restore cosmic balance.
• The power of devotion - Rati's loyalty turned tragedy into reunion.

Today, Kamadeva and Rati are celebrated during Vasant Panchami and Holi, the festivals of spring and love. Their story reminds us that love - whether romantic, divine or selfless - is the eternal flame of the universe, capable of melting even the coldest heart.